Esther B Clark School-childrens Health Council

The Esther B. Clark School is a therapeutic day school serving elementary, middle, and high school students with strong scholastic potential but significant emotional and behavioral challenges. With campuses in Palo Alto and a new location in San Jose, the institution provides a supportive environment for children with primary emotional and behavioral disorders. It is nonsectarian and accepts a diverse student body, with 72% of students being students of color.

Admissions are primarily handled through referrals from local school districts, featuring a rolling deadline and a 75% acceptance rate. The school focuses on instilling improved emotional self-regulation skills and self-managed functional behavior strategies, aiming to help students return to and succeed in their community school settings. Class sizes are intentionally small, with up to 12 students per classroom at the Palo Alto campus and a capacity of 30 at the San Jose campus.

While primarily a non-public school, the Esther B. Clark School offers private pay options for families. Tuition does not cover the cost of support services, therapy, or medication management, which are provided separately. The school maintains a faculty with 40% holding advanced degrees, ensuring specialized expertise in addressing complex emotional and behavioral needs alongside academic growth.