Special Education, Grades 9 - 12

The Options Program provides appropriate instruction for each student’s academic level, as well as opportunities for inclusion in the larger EC community. With this integrated approach, students gain the confidence and skills to succeed in life after high school.

Our curriculum is developed around common themes and structured with regard to each student’s interests and needs. Methods of instruction include, but are not limited to experiential learning, project-based learning, differentiated instruction, peer tutor interactions and hands-on activities.

The Options Program offers courses in the following subjects:

• Language Arts – literature, reading strategies and language arts are offered at an appropriate level to engage and challenge students
• Science – curriculum promotes scientific fundamentals through hands-on and interactive projects and experiments
• Global Issues – foundational knowledge and skills are taught in order for students to understand more fully the world around them to become engaged citizens
• Social Studies – important events in state, national and world history are explored with a connection to current events
• Mathematics – content focuses on basic math concepts, life skills and math, as well as everyday budgeting
• Religious Studies
• Life Skills and Social Skills – a broad range of appropriate skills are discussed and practiced for full participation in everyday life and social skills practice to interact effectively and positively with others
• Careers – career possibilities and opportunities are investigated in preparation for life after high school
• Additional coursework - American Sign Language, health and wellness, computers and technology, study skills and strength and conditioning

Options Program tuition and fees for the 2025-26 school year are:

• Enrollment Fee (new student): $500
• Options Program Student Tuition: $34,300

More information about tuition and fees can be found on our Tuition and Tuition Assistance page.

Students in the Options Program are encouraged to participate in many all-school extracurricular activities, as well as Special Olympics sports offered through the school. A popular club for many students in the high school is the Circle of Friends club which encourages socialization and understanding within the broader school community.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics teams currently offered at EC are basketball, bowling and track and field. Each participating student has the opportunity to challenge their skills in these team sports. Any student-athlete who participates in an event for two years during their four years at Eastside Catholic School will receive a varsity letter for that sport. By participating in these sports, student-athletes increase their self-confidence and social skills while improving their physical and motor skills.

• Diagnosed intellectual and/or developmental disability, or other diagnosis indicating a need for an integrated special education program for students seeking a high school certificate of completion
• Minimum levels of academic achievement indicating past successes in learning environments
• Appropriate behavior patterns for school environment to ensure success
• The skills necessary to initiate simple written and verbal expression
• The ability to interact socially
• Willingness to partake in the spiritual opportunities provided by the school
• Ability to perform all activities of daily living such as toileting, self-feeding, dressing and washing
• Exhibit responsible and socially adaptive behavior without one-on-one support from an adult or aide
• The ability to function independently throughout the school day. This includes navigating passing periods, having the ability to sit through 50-to-70-minute classes, independently logging on to a computer, maintaining personal belongings and attending to individual needs and hygiene.

For additional information about the application process, please contact our Admissions Team via admissions@eastsidecatholic.org or 425-295-3000.

Please visit our How To Apply webpage for details about applying to Eastside Catholic School.

The campus visit will consist of a guided tour by an Admissions Team member and a meeting with the program director. Students have the opportunity to choose one of the following classroom experiences including:

• One-hour classroom experience
• Half-day classroom experience
• Full-day campus experience with lunch provided

Depending on the visit experience your student selects, candidates will leave the EC campus after a parent and guardian meeting, or parents and guardians will return to the EC campus to pick up their student at the end of the school day.

Options Program candidates may schedule a campus visit by contacting our Admissions Team via admissions@eastsidecatholic.orgor 425-295-3000.

Any student interested in the Options Program is welcome to join us for a Crusader for a Day visit where they will be able to sit in on classes, enjoy lunch and connect with peers, staff and faculty.

To register or learn more about our program, please contact Director of Options Program Michele Santucci Barton via mbarton@eastsidecatholic.org or call 425-295-3000.