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Signing a Contract

Referral & Admissions

A Collaborative Pathway to Placement

 

APPLE Academy accepts referrals directly from public school districts for students whose current educational placement no longer meets their individual learning or behavioral needs. As an OSPI-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA) school, APPLE Academy partners closely with districts and families to determine if our program is the right fit and to ensure each student’s transition is thoughtful, compassionate, and seamless.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1

Referral from School District. The process begins when a student’s IEP team identifies that additional, specialized support may be necessary for the student to access their education safely and successfully. The district representative contacts APPLE Academy and submits the student’s referral packet (including IEP, evaluations, progress reports, and any existing Behavior Intervention Plan).

Step 2

APPLE Academy Review Process Begins.  Once the referral is received, our multidisciplinary team begins a thorough review process to fully understand the student’s strengths, needs, and history of supports.

This stage may include:

  • Records Review: Analysis of existing IEPs, assessments, and behavioral data.

  • Observations: Conducted in the student’s current school setting and/or at home when appropriate.

  • Interviews: Conversations with family members, educators, and district specialists to gather insight and context.

  • Student Assessments (as needed): Focused evaluations to inform instructional and behavioral planning.

step 3

APPLE Academy Summary and Decision. Following the review, APPLE Academy produces a comprehensive summary document outlining our findings and recommendations, along with a placement decision.

  • Acceptance: Includes program recommendations, potential IEP or BIP revisions, recommended support level (1:1, 2:1, or 1:5), and a tentative start date.

  • Non-Acceptance: Includes specific recommendations and referrals to alternative programs or supports that may better meet the student’s needs.

Step 4

Placement Preparation.  Once a placement is accepted, APPLE Academy collaborates with the district and family to plan the student’s transition.

Before the first day, each student is:

  • Assigned to a small team of up to five students, led by a Special Education Teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

  • Supported by individualized staffing ratios (1:1 or 2:1) based on student need.

  • Introduced to classroom staff and routines in a gradual, supportive manner.

step 5

First Weeks of School.  The first few weeks focus on relationship-building, predictability, and comfort. Students learn their new schedule, connect with staff, and begin to feel safe and confident in their new environment. Academic instruction and behavior plans are introduced gradually as trust and engagement grow—reflecting our guiding goal of helping each student become Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE).

step 6

Ongoing Partnership and Review. Throughout placement, APPLE Academy maintains regular communication with the public school district, families, and related providers. Progress is shared through IEP meetings, data summaries, and collaborative transition planning—all aimed toward the ultimate goal of helping the student successfully return to their public school setting when ready.

our commit-ment

Every placement at APPLE Academy is built on assent, positivity, partnership, learning, and empowerment—the values that define APPLE Consulting.

Our admissions process is not just about determining placement; it’s about building relationships and aligning supports so that every student has the opportunity to thrive today and transition confidently into tomorrow.

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