Programs

Explore Our Offerings

Avalon provides experiential, individualized, and interactive learning that supports student engagement and concept development. Our multi-sensory curriculum incorporates research-based practices tailored to each student’s strengths, needs, and sensory preferences.

The Avalon Academy implements the Unique Learning System curriculum

Unique Learning System (ULS) uses instructional targets to link curricular materials and activities to academic standards. Lesson content is taught within the context of monthly thematic units and addresses critical skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition to ULS, students at Avalon receive instruction through Project-Based Learning and Community-Based Instruction (CBI).

Outlined below are a few examples of student schedules reflecting thematic unit areas of study. Thematic content rotates monthly and is studied across all curricular areas.

Core Program
The Avalon Academy is a full-time educational option. The school year begins in late August and ends in June. The school day runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Summer Program
Our six-week summer program runs Monday through Friday in July and August. It follows a similar structure to the core program, enhanced with recreational activities such as swimming, dance, and local outings.

Academics
Avalon provides experiential, individualized, and interactive learning that supports student engagement and concept development. Our multi-sensory curriculum incorporates research-based practices tailored to each student’s strengths, needs, and sensory preferences.

Reverse Mainstreaming
For over a decade, Avalon has fostered a vibrant reverse mainstreaming program with local high schools and elementary schools including:

  • Nueva

  • Crystal Springs

  • San Mateo Union

  • St. Ignatius College Prep

  • Hillsdale

  • Mercy

  • Design Tech

  • Roosevelt Elementary

  • Washington Elementary

  • West Portal

  • Martin Elementary

Collective Wellness
Using multisensory tools and mindfulness practices, students are guided through exploration of their environment, emotions, and curriculum. A daily mid-day chair yoga session promotes body awareness and autonomy, allowing students to choose their movements and breathwork practices.

Experiential Learning
We engage students holistically by adapting materials and activities to meet their unique sensory needs, encouraging deeper connection and understanding across learning experiences.

Movement
Movement is seamlessly integrated into all classroom activities. Daily floor-based group movement enhances motor skills. Students are encouraged to move out of their wheelchairs using a variety of mobility tools—walkers, standers, scooters, and adapted tricycles along the Bayshore Trail—with the goal of achieving maximum independence and safe mobility.

Meal-time Support
Meal-times are community-building moments at Avalon. Staff and students eat together, emphasizing social connection and relaxed environments. Staff are highly trained in oral-motor and positioning techniques, ensuring meals are safe, enjoyable, and nutritionally supportive.

Speech-language and AAC
Our Speech-Language and AAC Department supports students with multimodal communication tools to enhance participation and expression.

Services include:

  • Comprehensive AAC assessments and Speech Generating Device (SGD) evaluations

  • Custom-designed AAC systems

  • Collaboration with families and educational teams

  • Support for both unaided (e.g., gestures, vocalizations) and aided communication

Our goal is to support functional, social, and expressive communication across all contexts.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy at Avalon supports musculoskeletal, neuromotor, and somatosensory development through individualized treatment plans. Techniques include:

  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

  • Reflex Integration (MNRI)

  • Myofascial Release

  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

  • Therapeutic Exercise

  • NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)

Therapists collaborate with classroom staff to ensure students are actively participating with minimal restriction, using adapted equipment as needed. Therapy goals evolve across elementary, middle, and high school programs to ensure continued growth and readiness for adulthood.

Vision Services
Recognizing that 70% of learning occurs through vision, our Vision Department helps fill in visual learning gaps through hands-on experiences and direct instruction.

We support students and staff by:

  • Enhancing functional vision through adapted materials

  • Consulting on effective strategies

  • Delivering instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including:

    • Assistive Technology

    • Career Education

    • Compensatory Skills

    • Independent Living Skills

    • Orientation and Mobility

    • Recreation and Leisure

    • Self-Determination

    • Sensory Efficiency

    • Social Interaction Skills

Transition to Adulthood
From the moment a student enters Avalon, we plan for their life beyond graduation. Our transition-age students engage in vocational, academic, recreational, and social activities tailored to their interests. Every routine is designed to build independence, functional skills, and self-determination—helping them thrive in and contribute to their broader community.

Avalon Connect
Avalon Connect offers a full range of on-site therapeutic services, including physical therapy, speech-language and AAC, vision support, and more—integrated throughout the school day to support student development and well-being.

"Avalon isn’t just a school for our daughter. This is her second home where she is understood, seen, and most importantly loved daily. Thank you Avalon for being THAT special place for us!" 

Monica De Los Reyes | Parent