Programs that Empower Students with Learning Differences

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Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs

Many elementary and high school students with high functioning autism as well as students with emotional or behaviorial challenges face an uphill battle to stay in classrooms with their non-special needs peers and sometimes must instead learn in specialized environments. However, many of the students who leave traditional classrooms can return if they receive the right academic and behavioral support.

Second Start has vigorously pursued our mission of empowering students with special needs since our founding in 1974.  In 1976, Second Start opened Pine Hill School in San Jose, CA, which delivers academic, counseling, speech, and occupational therapy services to students with high-functioning autistism, students with emotional challenges, and similar disorders.  Pine Hill School in San Jose has two different programs (Newton Learning Center and the Edison Program).  After significant success at the San Jose Pine Hill School, in 2008 Second Start founded Newton Learning Center in Reno, NV, for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism.

All of our programs share the same goals of returning students to regular classroom settings within two years of entering Second Start and that each student advances 1.5 academic years for each academic year they are at Second Start. We also strive to have more students each year meet the individual education goals defined in their Individual Education Plans (IEP). These goals, along with our emphasis on helping each child thrive through learning better social and emotional skills, keep our focus on the “whole child” and strengthen our determination to help them succeed.

Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations made to the organization may be tax deductible.