Editorial Gold

Monterey Bay Parent

Design Gold
 Read The Current Issue
MenuClose
Monterey Bay Parent » education

Public, Charter, or Private? Choosing a school for your children

By |

Key Takeaways

  • Families on the Monterey Peninsula can choose from public, charter, and private schools, and a pediatric occupational therapist suggests asking which school fits your child and family best, rather than which type of school is “better.”
  • California public schools are tuition-free, provide special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for eligible students, and must offer free breakfast and lunch to any TK–12 student who asks, regardless of family income.
  • Monterey Peninsula families can find their likely assigned public school by entering their home address in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District School Finder at www.mpusd.net/school-finder.
  • Charter schools are tuition-free public schools with a distinctive approach, such as Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove (Waldorf-inspired) and Bay View Academy (TK–8, thematic-based instruction), and they must follow the same special education laws as other public schools.
  • Private schools on the Monterey Peninsula vary widely, including Chartwell School in Seaside for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, All Saints Day School in Carmel Valley (Episcopal), Stevenson School in Carmel and Pebble Beach (Pre-K–12 day and boarding), and Santa Catalina School (coed PreK–8 and a girls’ 9–12 program).

Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. With public, charter, and private schools all offering different educational experiences, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that families on the Monterey Peninsula have a lot of options to consider. Public, charter, and private schools each have their own strengths and offer different approaches to learning. 

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often think about this in terms of fit. Children have different personalities, interests, strengths, learning styles, and support needs. Families also have different priorities, schedules, resources, and values. Rather than thinking about one type of school as being universally “better,” it can be helpful to think about which environment might be the best fit for your child and your family.

So, what are some of the differences between these options, and what might families want to consider when making their decision?

PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND SUPPORT

For many families, the neighborhood public school is a natural place to begin. Public schools are tuition-free and provide access to education within the local community. California public schools also provide a range of supports and services for eligible students, including special education and related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Transportation can also be included as a related service when it is determined to be necessary for a student to benefit from special education.

One meaningful benefit of a neighborhood school can be the sense of community that comes from attending school close to home. Children may see classmates at the park, participate in local activities together, and develop friendships with other families who live nearby.

Public schools also bring together students with a wide variety of backgrounds, abilities, interests, and experiences. For some families, that diversity is an important part of their child’s educational experience.

Public schools can also offer access to resources such as school-based counseling, special education services, meal programs, and accessible extracurricular activities. Many public schools also provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. California requires public school districts and charter schools serving TK–12 students to make both meals available free of charge to any student who requests a meal, regardless of family income.

Of course, every public school and district is different. Families may want to look beyond the label “public school” and learn about the specific school their child would attend: What programs are offered? What support services are available? What does the school community feel like? What opportunities are available for parent involvement?

For families who are unsure which school their child would attend, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has a School Finder (www.mpusd.net/school-finder) where families can enter their home address to see which school they are likely assigned to based on their location.

CHARTER SCHOOLS A PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH

Charter schools can sometimes be confusing because they are public schools, but they operate differently from traditional district schools. Charter schools are publicly funded schools of choice and generally cannot charge tuition. They have greater flexibility in how they organize their programs and are often built around a particular educational mission or approach.

This can be especially appealing to families who are looking for a particular educational philosophy but do not want to pay private-school tuition.

The Monterey Peninsula offers several examples.

Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove is a tuition-free public charter school that uses Waldorf-inspired methods integrated with California state standards. Its approach incorporates artistic expression, social-emotional development, and a relationship with the natural world.

Bay View Academy is another local option. The TK–8 public charter school describes its approach as thematic-based instruction, with multidisciplinary units that connect subjects such as science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and the arts.

For a child who becomes especially engaged when learning is connected across subjects, or for a family who feels strongly about a particular educational philosophy, a charter school can provide an opportunity to pursue that approach within the public-school system.

Like other public schools, charter schools are required to follow federal and state special education laws. This includes developing and implementing IEPs) for eligible students and providing the services and supports outlined in those plans.

As with any school, it is worth looking closely at the individual program rather than assuming that all charter schools are alike. Their educational models, schedules, family involvement, and school cultures can vary significantly.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS, SMALLER COMMUNITIES, AND DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Private schools offer perhaps the widest range of educational models. Some are built around a particular academic approach, some have religious or values-based foundations, some focus on a specific student population, and others offer extensive opportunities in areas such as athletics, arts, outdoor education, or residential life.

For some students, a smaller school environment can be especially appealing.

Chartwell School in Seaside, for example, is an independent private school serving students in grades 1–12 with specific learning differences, including dyslexia. Chartwell reports a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio and classes of 10 students or fewer, creating an environment designed around individualized learning.

Other families may be drawn to a school’s religious identity or core values. All Saints Day School in Carmel Valley is a private Episcopal school that incorporates religious education while emphasizing the inherent worth of each student, academic excellence, family, community, and service.

For families looking for a school experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom, there are also local private schools with extensive arts, athletics, and residential opportunities. Stevenson School, for example, is an independent Pre-K–12 day and boarding school with campuses in Carmel and Pebble Beach and opportunities spanning academics, arts, athletics, leadership, and residential life. Santa Catalina School offers a coeducational PreK–8 program and a girls’ grades 9–12 day and boarding program.

The variety within private education is important to remember. “Private school” does not describe one particular type of educational experience. It describes a broad collection of schools with unique missions and approaches.

SO, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?

With all of these possibilities, it can be tempting to start by asking, Which type of school is best? Instead, try starting with your child.

• How does your child learn best? Does your child thrive with hands-on learning, structure, small groups, outdoor experiences, project-based learning, traditional academics, or a combination?

• What support does your child need? Consider academic, social-emotional, sensory, communication, or learning differences. If your child has an IEP,
504 plan, or other support needs, ask specific questions about how those needs are addressed at each school.

• What environment helps your child feel comfortable and connected? A school visit can tell you things that a website cannot. Pay attention to how adults speak to children, how students interact with one another, what the classrooms feel like, and whether the environment seems like a place where your child could be themselves.

• What matters to your family? Educational philosophy, religious or cultural values, location, transportation, schedule, extracurricular opportunities, class size, cost, and community can all be legitimate factors in the decision.

• What is sustainable for your family? A school can be a wonderful fit for a child but still not be a practical fit for the family. Consider commute time, tuition, after-school care, transportation, parent involvement, and the overall rhythm of your family’s life.

And remember that choosing a school is not necessarily a once-and-done decision. Children grow and change, and sometimes their educational needs change with them. A school that is a wonderful fit in kindergarten may not be the same fit in middle school.

For families on the Monterey Peninsula, the abundance of public, charter, and private options is an opportunity to explore: ask questions, visit schools, and pay attention to your child’s individual needs and personality along the way.

Sometimes the best school choice isn’t about finding the “best” school at all. It’s about finding the right fit for your child and your family, right now.

Chartwell School: Where Different Learners Discover What They Can Do

By |

Key Takeaways

  • Chartwell, a California-certified nonpublic school in Monterey County since 1988, serves 143 students in grades 1 through 12 with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, executive functioning challenges, and processing challenges.
  • More than 60 percent of Chartwell families receive need-based tuition assistance, totaling $1.5 million this year, and some students attend through district placements made by their public school IEP team.
  • Chartwell teaches reading with Orton-Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach for dyslexia, in literacy groups of no more than six students.
  • Chartwell Interim Head of School Jodi Amaditz says dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence, effort, or motivation, and that early intervention matters most but it is never too late.
  • California requires early literacy screening for students in kindergarten through second grade, which gives Monterey County families a chance to spot reading difficulties before children fall behind.

Ask Jodi Amaditz, Chartwell’s Interim Head of School, why so many bright students struggle in school, and she explains: students do not all learn the same way. Students have different learning profiles and benefit when their strengths are leveraged and their challenges are met with targeted instruction.

A student who has difficulty learning to read may need direct, explicit, systematic instruction. A student who has difficulty with writing may need direct instruction in how to plan, organize, and develop their ideas. Identifying a student’s areas of difficulty is an important first step, but what matters most is what happens next: giving them the skills, strategies, tools, and mindset to succeed in school and beyond.

What students learn about themselves along the way matters to that success. “By the time many arrive at Chartwell, they’ve spent years believing that they’re ‘bad at school’— and that belief is often a larger barrier than the learning difference itself,” Amaditz says.

Chartwell exists to change that belief. A California-certified nonpublic school since 1988, it serves 143 students in grades 1 through 12 with dyslexia and related differences such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia, as well as ADHD, autism, executive functioning, and processing challenges.

Some students attend through district placements, when a public school IEP team decides a child needs specialized instruction beyond what local programs offer. More than 60 percent of families receive need-based tuition assistance, with $1.5 million awarded this year. Families commute from as far as San Jose, and some even relocate for the school.

READING, TAUGHT THE WAY THE BRAIN LEARNS

Chartwell was founded on Orton-Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach to teaching students with dyslexia, and Amaditz brings a background in the Science of Reading. In a typical literacy lesson, a group of no more than six students works on reading, spelling, and handwriting at once, using what they see, hear, and do. Teachers set the pace through ongoing diagnostic assessment, so students develop proficiency in  each skill before moving to the next.

If Amaditz could tell every Monterey County parent and teacher one thing, it would be this: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence, effort, or motivation. Many people with dyslexia show real strengths in spatial reasoning, interconnected and dynamic thinking, and narrative reasoning. Research shows that intensive, targeted instruction changes the brain’s reading pathways alongside real gains in reading. Early intervention matters most, she says, but it is never too late.

A student’s social and emotional needs get the same direct support at Chartwell. It’s hard to focus on fractions when something at recess is still weighing on you, so the school’s Social Emotional Academic Development program teaches students to recognize when they’re overwhelmed and what to do about it. When things go sideways, staff help kids reflect, repair relationships, and rebuild trust rather than simply handing out consequences. Chartwell calls it “structured flexibility”: clear expectations, adjusted when needed.

EARLY IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT

Although many students begin at Chartwell after second grade, learning differences can often be identified much earlier and should be addressed as soon as possible. California’s statewide early literacy screening requirements for students in kindergarten through second grade create an important opportunity to identify children at risk for reading difficulties and provide targeted intervention before they fall behind. Early, evidence-based support can strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and improve long-term learning outcomes. “We are beginning to see more families interested in Chartwell at younger ages,” Amaditz says. Many students stay two to three years to build skills before returning to local schools. Students who enroll in middle or high school are more likely to stay on through graduation.

STARTING FROM STRENGTH

Chartwell starts by meeting each student where they are. Teachers learn what a student does well, what sparks their curiosity and how they learn best, then use research-based instruction to build from those strengths into new skills. Students get real choices in how they learn and show what they know, with clear goals to guide them.

The aim is simple: early success builds confidence, and confidence makes it possible to take on challenges, push through difficulty, and stretch beyond what feels comfortable. That approach doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

WHERE LEARNING CLICKS

Many Chartwell students do their best thinking when they’re moving, building or outside, and the campus is designed for that. Trails connect directly to Fort Ord National Monument, and students use them daily for Fitness and Wellness, mountain biking and mindfulness.

The trails double as a science lab. Students monitor cameras on barn owl boxes, check trail cams for deer and turkeys, and read a seismograph built by an alum. A straw bale field station with digital microscopes brings lab work into the woods, and students tend a garden, orchard and chicken coop with volunteers from CSU Monterey Bay. Now in its fifth year as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School, Chartwell teaches students how caring for inland habitat connects to the health of Monterey Bay, visible from their classrooms.

Indoor projects follow the same pattern: a real question, then hands-on work. In the lower school’s Lightbulb Project, students formed companies to answer one: what could they make to help people understand energy? They built solar-powered Bug Bots, rigged a tandem bicycle to run a smoothie blender, and raised $986 for the SPCA.

ROOM TO TRY

At a small school, there are fewer barriers to joining in. No experience is required, and many students discover a strength they didn’t know they had.

Musical theater draws students from every division. Last year’s The Wizard of Oz brought the whole community together, and Peter Pan is next. Some students find they love to sing; others shine building sets, sewing costumes or running lights. The high school athletics program, launched in 2020, now competes in the Santa Lucia Division of CIF-CCS against similarly sized schools, and many players are trying a sport for the first time.

STRETCHING FURTHER

Confidence built in one place shows up in another. The robotics team, BrainShift, now in its third FIRST Robotics season, built a mission along with its robot: championing neurodiversity in STEM. Since 2025, the team has reached event finals, won Spirit and Rookie Inspiration awards, and qualified for district championships.

Seniors finish with a capstone project or internship driven by genuine interest. Recent seniors have interned at a physical therapy office, run campus tech support, restored a 1970s Schwinn and built an electric go-kart, then presented their work to the public at Retrospective, a year-end celebration. Alumni say the experience made college group work and public speaking far less intimidating: the stretch the whole approach is built toward.

WHAT FAMILIES NOTICE FIRST

For parents, the change often shows up at the curb. “For the first time in four years, I feel genuinely relieved when I drop our child off at school,” one current Chartwell parent says. “I know she is somewhere she feels supported, understood, and excited to be.” There have been tears during the transition, the parent adds, “but they have only been happy tears.”

After years of learning what she couldn’t do, this child is finally finding out what she can. That shift is exactly what Chartwell is built for. Whether a student spends a few years here in elementary school or stays through graduation, the aim never changes: Teach each child the way their brain learns, start from what they do well, and never let the hard parts become the whole story.

“Our only regret,” the parent says, “is that we didn’t find Chartwell and get her there sooner.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child attend Chartwell through our public school district in Monterey County?

Yes, some students attend Chartwell through district placements. A placement happens when a public school IEP team decides a child needs specialized instruction beyond what local programs offer. Chartwell is a California-certified nonpublic school, which allows it to accept these placements. Families can raise the question with their child’s IEP team.

Is financial aid available at Chartwell?

Yes, Chartwell offers need-based tuition assistance, and more than 60 percent of families receive it. The school awarded $1.5 million in tuition assistance this year. Families commute from across the region, some from as far as San Jose, and some have relocated to attend.

Does dyslexia mean my child isn’t smart?

No, dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence, effort, or motivation, according to Chartwell Interim Head of School Jodi Amaditz. Many people with dyslexia show strengths in spatial reasoning, interconnected thinking, and narrative reasoning. Research shows intensive, targeted reading instruction changes the brain’s reading pathways and leads to real gains in reading.

When should I have my child checked for reading difficulties in California?

Kindergarten through second grade is a key window, since California requires early literacy screening for students in those grades. The screening helps identify children at risk for reading difficulties so they can get targeted help before falling behind. Early, evidence-based support builds foundational skills and confidence, though Amaditz notes it is never too late to start.

Do students stay at Chartwell until graduation?

It depends on when they enroll. Many younger students stay two to three years to build skills, then return to their local schools. Students who enroll in middle or high school are more likely to stay through graduation, finishing with a senior capstone project or internship presented at Chartwell’s year-end Retrospective celebration.

7th Annual California Seaweed Festival

By |

DIVE IN! to the 7th Annual California Seaweed Festival at the Custom House Plaza! This is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the seaweed diversity of California. Join a community of researchers, innovators, artists, and ocean advocates for an exciting day of talks and panels on art, science and sustainability, hands-on activities, seaweed tastings, and live entertainment!

This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn about seaweed conservation, while celebrating the magnificent biodiversity of the marine ecosystems in Monterey. Also featured are local vendors showcasing their craftsmanship and exhibitors presenting the latest in marine science and technology, as well as photo opportunities with mermaids!

The California Seaweed Festival is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Each year, the festival moves to a different location along the coast in order to craft a unique experience for each community. To learn more about the California Seaweed Festival, please visit our website and follow our social media accounts for the latest updates!

Four Ways Monterey Bay Charter School Stands Out!

By |

At Monterey Bay Charter School, learning is designed to move beyond the classroom. Serving students from TK through eighth grade, the school offers a public charter education grounded in Waldorf principles, blending rigorous academics with creativity, experiential learning, and deep attention to each child’s developmental needs.

1. EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

Monterey Bay Charter School’s curriculum is rooted in a holistic philosophy that recognizes students as intellectual, emotional, and creative beings. Teachers focus on nurturing each child’s gifts while supporting challenges in developmentally appropriate ways.

“This education is based on a really coherent picture of the human being — a holistic picture,” Liz Beaven, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education. “We try to educate the whole child and support capacity building so their gifts can really be available to them.”

That approach allows students to thrive in multiple ways. When academic challenges arise, creativity, movement, and hands-on engagement offer additional paths to understanding. “If a student is challenged in academics, there are other means of engagement in school and students grow exponentially in their confidence and ability to express themselves. As a result, Monterey Bay Charter School is a high performing charter school.” says Jessica Guzzi, Executive Director of Monterey Bay Charter School. 

2. A CLASSROOM WITHOUT WALLS

Experiential learning extends far beyond campus through integrated field trips that bring classroom lessons to life. From farming and geology to astronomy and California history, students deepen their understanding by experiencing subjects firsthand.

“Our field trip philosophy is a classroom without walls,” explains Jessica Guzzi, Executive Director of Monterey Bay Charter School. “Something they’ve learned in the classroom is something they’re going to go and experience in the world.”

As students grow older, these experiences culminate in group challenges designed to build teamwork, resilience, and community. Whether hiking, backpacking, or rafting, eighth-grade students face meaningful challenges together as they prepare for high school and beyond.

3. LEARNING BY DOING

Classrooms at Monterey Bay Charter are designed to invite students into the learning process. Lessons are interactive and student-driven, encouraging curiosity and ownership of knowledge.

“We invite our students into the lesson,” Natalie Croft, MBCS Teacher “If they don’t actually touch it and drive that lesson with me, it doesn’t live in them.”

A key component of this approach is the use of main lesson books, where students synthesize what they’ve learned through writing and illustration. “Those blank pages become a time capsule,” the teacher shares. “They have to illustrate their own page and apply what they’ve learned.”

Over time, this practice strengthens both academic skills and creativity. “My students have become exceptional writers because they write with every lesson,” the teacher adds, “but they also have to remember what they’ve seen or felt in order to illustrate it.”

4. TEACHER DEDICATION AND LASTING IMPACT

Families consistently note the dedication of Monterey Bay Charter School’s teachers and the lasting impact of their guidance. Long time MBCS parent, Stefanie Kortman, “School prepared my older children for high school and college by providing a diverse academic environment that also had a lot of creative expression in it.”

Another parent shared the joy of seeing learning take root at home: “When my child comes home happy and excited to come back to school, that means everything.” Rodrigo Nieto Gómez.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Monterey Bay Charter School works toward unifying its campus for all TK–8 students, its mission remains focused on inspiring joyful learning and courageous living. By centering education on relationships, creativity, and real-world experiences, the school continues to shape confident, capable learners prepared for the challenges ahead.

The lottery application for enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open from November 3, 2025 through February 25, 2026.  School tours are available. Interested families can apply at: www.mbayschool.org

A Few Things To Consider When Choosing A Catholic School Education

By |

Choosing a Catholic school for your children can provide a unique educational experience that goes beyond academics. Here are some aspects to consider:

Religious Education

Catholic schools integrate religious education into the curriculum, and students typically participate in Mass, prayer, and religious activities. If you’re not Catholic, be sure to understand how this aspect aligns with your values and preferences.

At San Carlos School in Monterey, California, children of all faiths are welcome but are required to participate in daily religion classes. According to spokesperson Carolyn Schanzer, Marketing and Development Director: “We teach traditional Catholic beliefs and respond to God’s call by welcoming culturally, economically, and religiously diverse families. We collaborate with parents, the first educators, to foster the holistic development of the learners, create an environment in which diversity flourishes, and help students unveil their full potential. We encourage students to share their faiths with their classes, which enriches the curriculum and reinforces an atmosphere of equity and inclusion.”

At Santa Catalina in Monterey, students of all faiths are welcome and attend a once-monthly Mass.

Values-Based Education

Catholic schools emphasize values such as compassion, community service, and moral development. If you are interested in having these principles reinforced in your child’s education, it can be a positive aspect of the experience.

At Palma School in Salinas, students are challenged to develop spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, and socially—accomplished by offering opportunities focused on each of these disciplines.

Academic Excellence

Catholic schools have an earned reputation for academic excellence. According to Niche.com, the Catholic schools in Monterey County are overwhelmingly rated as “A” schools, with the vast majority of students going on to college after high school graduation.

At Santa Catalina, the emphasis of the Lower School curriculum is educating the whole child. While offering an excellent academic program, the Lower School also emphasizes the arts, music, physical education, technology, and character education.

When researching schools for your child consider the school’s academic programs, resources, and any special offerings. Look at the school’s performance on standardized tests and graduation rates.

Community and Involvement

Catholic schools often foster a strong sense of community among students, parents, and teachers. Look into the level of parental involvement encouraged by the school and how it aligns with your preferences.

Community outreach is another important facet of a Catholic school education. At Palma School, a nationally recognized program offers students the opportunity to provide and experience compassion and fellowship through literature and reflection at Soledad State Prison.

At San Carlos, students have participated in the HUG project, made an angel tree for those needing prayers, routinely made cards for families battling cancer in the community, and hid painted “Love Rocks” to spread love throughout the school and community.

Other projects range from making placemats for Meals on Wheels to contributing to The Crayon Initiative to assisting in the Cleaning the Earth project.

They also commit as a school community to a Thanksgiving Food Drive. The goal is to fill the principal’s office with bags of groceries so that she cannot reach her desk. Collected food is distributed to several food pantries on the Monterey Peninsula.

As early as pre-K, Santa Catalina students learn to lead by example and see themselves as effective change-makers. Through participation in service projects, they strive to make an impact on communities near and far. Throughout the year, students prepare for, implement, and reflect on a variety of service opportunities. These range from school-wide service projects to Projects of Passion adopted by each classroom.

Recent projects include Christmas caroling at local senior living facilities, participation in the JDRF One Walk in support of type 1 diabetes research, food drives for the Food Bank for Monterey County, coat drives for the Salvation Army, and Braxton’s Toy Drive.

Tuition and Fees

In general, Catholic schools are considered private schools and do charge tuition, although they can be less expensive than many typical private schools. They also offer financial aid. At Santa Catalina, for instance, 45 percent of families received financial aid in the 2022–2023 school year. The financial aid comes in the form of grants, not loans, which means a real reduction in the cost of education.

Before making a decision, visit the schools you are considering several times, meet with teachers and administrators, and ask questions to ensure that the school aligns with your values and expectations for your child’s education.

Catholic Schools Week offers a unique opportunity to investigate Catholic education to find out if it is a right fit for your family. Catholic Schools Week begins on the last Sunday in January and runs for an entire week. In 2025, it will be celebrated from January 26 to 1. Many area Catholic schools are offering open houses or other special events. Contact the school you are interested in for additional information.

To read more about our recommended Monterey County Catholic schools.

Monterey County School Boards Association Honors Special Kids Connect with “Excellence in Education” Award

By |

The Monterey County School Boards Association (MCSBA) will honor Special Kids Connect, an organization that serves families with loved ones that have disabilities, with the “Excellence in Education” award at its annual dinner and organizational meeting on Friday, April 12 at Hartnell Community College in Salinas.

Special Kids Connect was selected from a list of 35 nominees, established by Monterey County School Districts, to be honored with the “2024 Excellence in Education” award for having a transformative and significant impact on the lives of children and youth in our community. “The MCSBA was so impressed with the mission of Special Kids Connect, to connect parents who have children with developmental disabilities with community resources and empower them to become effective self-advocates for their children’s needs,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss.  “Our school leaders are very thankful for the wide range of programs and services that Special Kids Connect provides to meet the ever-changing needs of Monterey County’s special needs community,” said Dr. Guss. 

Founded in 2007 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, Special Kids Connect raises awareness and provides support to children and their families by offering parent workshops, resource fairs, educational conferences, recreational programs and a variety of other opportunities to help parents navigate the often complex landscape of services available for children with developmental disabilities. 

School governance team members from throughout Monterey County will attend the dinner event, with Special Kids Connect Executive Director Lori Luzader accepting the award. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the Monterey County School Boards Association. This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, the resilience of the families we serve, and the amazing children we have the privilege of supporting,” said Luzader. “Through this recognition, we hope to shine a light on the importance of full and meaningful inclusion. Our vision is to see that every child, regardless of his or her abilities, is not only fully included but is warmly welcomed into their communities and that they, and their families, are made to feel that they truly belong.”

“We are extremely grateful for the collaborative efforts of Special Kids Connect, helping to ensure that parents with special needs children are well-informed and empowered to effectively access and leverage available resources, and are warmly embraced into our community,” said MCSBA President David Gaboni. “We are proud to recognize them with this year’s Excellence in Education award.”

To learn more about Special Kids Connect

To read our article about Special Kids Connect

Parenting OC