Q: How are students enrolled at Aseltine School?
A: Both public school and privately-funded students attend Aseltine School
Our school is certified by the California State Department of Education to provide special education services for Grades K - 12, as a non-public school (NPS). The school is certified to provide academic instruction as well as speech & language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral intervention and counseling services. State certification permits public school districts to refer students and contract with Aseltine School as an NPS to provide services for their students with special needs.
--Aseltine School does accept private referrals and privately enrolled students.
--We process referrals and enroll both publicly funded students and private-pay students throughout the school year and extended school year.
--Students now finding success in school while enrolled at Aseltine School may have enrolled with these special educational needs: high functioning Asperser syndrome, academic difficulties in core learning areas e.g. reading & mathematics, behavioral issues e.g. task completion, poor self esteem, conflicts with adults or peers.
Private referral and placement
Parents must submit a completed Aseltine School Application-for-Enrollment with all required documentation. The application and any supporting documents will be reviewed by the school’s admission team. Other documentation or assessment may be needed to consider a student for enrollment. Parents will be notified if other documents/assessment is needed. If the application is accepted then the family and student will be contacted by the family student services coordinator for an interview. Upon completion of the interview process and review by the school’s admission team, the family will be notified regarding acceptance for admission to Aseltine School. Parents will be informed of tuition payment options. All required tuition documents must be completed prior to a private-pay student attending Aseltine School. Tuition assistance may be available. Please check with the school’s financial office.
Public school district referral and placement
When does this referral happen? A student is referred for NPS placement by the student’s public school district when the IEP team for that student determines that enrollment at a NPS will provide more intensive services that will better serve the student’s current educational needs and the school district has no current placement for the student that provides a program appropriate to the student’s needs.
Public school referrals must include current IEPs and related documents
The public school district starts the referral process to Aseltine School by sending the student’s current IEP and other school related documents to the school’s Family/Student Services Coordinator. Documents may include (but are not limited to) triennial reports, transcripts, behavioral plans (if any). The Aseltine coordinator will review documents to determine if the student appears to be a good match for the school’s program. If yes, then the coordinator contacts the student’s family and invites them to an intake interview. If the interview determines that the student is likely to be successful here, and the parent agrees, then a starting enrollment date is determined by the school and public school district. Public school districts doing business with Aseltine School as a NPS must have a Master Contract with the school. Once the contract is in place then students accepted by Aseltine School also have an Individual Service Agreement (ISA) completed by both the school district and the school.
New IEP goals or assessments after enrollment
Aseltine staff working with a student may discover that the student’s current IEP does not appropriately address the student’s needs in an area, e.g. reading, and that further assessment may be necessary to write a new goal into the IEP or change an existing goal. This usually happens within the first 30 days of attendance. A new IEP will be developed in collaboration with the parents, student, Aseltine teacher and public school district staff.
Q: Do you take kids with behavior issues?
A: Yes. Many of our students have had histories of behavior issues at their previous schools. We have found that our emphasis on conflict resolution and problem-solving skills is particularly effective at helping students with behavior issues learn to master the tools they need to begin controlling their emotions so that they can behave in a productive, thoughtful manner.
Q: What are the structure and size of your classes?
A: Aseltine offers specific skills instruction and remediation in small groups or on an individualized basis. Students are assigned to a homeroom, but will generally also attend class in other rooms taught by other teachers based on subject matter. Aseltine groups students in a variety of ways, depending on content area and each student’s need, level of academic skill, commitment to academics, and social skill development. Classes generally have between 5 and 15 students. The average class has about 12 students, and has at least one teacher and one classroom aide. The number of staff per room varies depending on student need.
Q: Do students wear uniforms?
A: No, Aseltine does not require students to wear a uniform; however, Aseltine does enforce a dress code. All students and their parents/guardians are informed of the dress code prior to their enrollment. If a student violates the dress code they have the option to cover up, replace, or remove (if appropriate) the offending article or they will be sent home for the day. For more details on the dress code, please contact the school at (619) 296-2135.
Q: What is a non-public school?
A: Non-public schools serve children who cannot be adequately served in special education settings in public schools. School districts refer students once they have determined that their own in-house programs do not adequately meet the students’ needs. Referring school districts pay tuition and transportation costs for students referred to non-public schools.
Q: How can I help?
A: State funding for special education – which has remained frozen since 2005 – only covers about 73% of Aseltine’s budget. You can help by donating, spreading the word, designating Aseltine as your charity of choice on your rewards and club cards through eScrip or the company’s website, volunteering – in the classroom or in the office, attending the Festival of the Arts, the summer café, or other school events, or stopping by for a tour. Please call or email Development Director Gwen Weil at (619) 296-2135 ext. 120 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule a visit or if you have any other questions on how you can help.