Educational Services of America

Educational Services of America (ESA) is the nation’s leading provider of K-12 alternative and special education schools and programs for students who are at risk of dropping out and for students with special needs. We partner with more than 240 public school districts in approximately 20 states to serve more than 10,000 students each year in more than 140 schools and programs.

Mission

ESA’s mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based educational services for non-traditional learners in collaboration with families and public school districts.

Structure

As a private company, ESA has access to capital and other resources that allow it to focus on educating students in the most effective, efficient way possible without having to divert attention and resources to ongoing fund raising.  It has used its financial strength to grow quality programs through
public school partnerships and expand its platform through strategic acquisitions.

Strategic Service Areas

ESA operates two service divisions—Ombudsman Educational Services and Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.

Many public school districts partner with Ombudsman to provide alternative programs for dropout prevention and credit recovery. Ombudsman students are at risk of not graduating because they may have missed too many school days, lack credits, or have academic challenges or adult responsibilities that keep them from being successful in a traditional school environment. Nationwide, 85 percent of Ombudsman students graduate, earn necessary credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level. This number is significant, as 100 percent of Ombudsman students are considered at risk when entering the program.

ESA also operates Spectrum Center Schools and Programs. This division serves children and young adults aged five to 22 who have autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges or other special needs. Spectrum provides supplemental special education to public schools by operating nonpublic schools for students with special needs, as well as special education classrooms within public school buildings.

The growth in each of these service areas reflects a national increase in the demand for alternative and special needs education programming. With increased awareness of special needs, higher diagnosis rates and the heightened interest among public school systems to provide special programs, demand for ESA’s strategic service areas continues to grow.

Locations

We partner with more than 240 public school districts in approximately 20 states to serve more than 10,000 students each year in more than 135 schools and programs.