Alternative Schools

Northwest School of Innovative Learning

Program Overview

The Northwest School of Innovative Learning is an alternative school program designed for students from kindergarten through high school who are unable to function safely in their regular school setting. A full academic program is provided, along with therapeutic treatment tailored for the individual student. The school features:

• Full-day programming Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Half-day programming availability
• Year-round scheduling
• Separate programming for primary and secondary school ages
• Education screenings and academic status assessments
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) coordination with each school district
• Physician and nurse access
• School reintegration and training

Additional therapy and services are also available and determined on a case-by-case basis, including:

• Weekly family and individual therapy
• Medication monitoring
• Psychiatrist visits
• Coordination with outpatient treatment providers

New Location in Tacoma

In addition to our main campus on the grounds of Fairfax Hospital in Kirkland, the Northwest School of Innovative Learning has expanded to a second location in Tacoma for the start of the 2002-2003 school year. Our Tacoma satellite school program offers the same schedule, programming and other features of our Kirkland school. We are pleased to build upon the success of our original program and help meet the needs of students with special needs from throughout the greater Seattle/Tacoma area.

Admission Criteria

Medical and school records are reviewed to help determine if a student will benefit from our school program. The criteria and behavior symptoms we look for in these records include:

• Disruptive behavior patterns in the home and school
• Inability to progress academically in a standard school setting
• Inability to succeed in a school-based special education program
• Failure in a variety of school settings due to emotional or behavioral disability
• Cognitive and behavioral disorders
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Learning disabilities
• Anger management and aggressive behavior problems
• Opposition or defiance with authority figures
• Depression and social isolation
• Truancy
• Repeated loss of impulse control
• Poor social skills and peer relations
• Poor problem solving skills and poor insight

Referral Process

To refer a student for possible admission to the Northwest School of Innovative Learning, for either our Kirkland or Tacoma location, please call 425-823-1372 or 800-435-7221 x. 266 Monday through Friday during regular business hours.