Cypress School

Cypress Schools are two non-public schools in Petaluma for students with autism and similar intellectual disabilities and moderate to severe behavior problem.

Cypress primary serves students ages 5-14 years old and Cypress Secondary serves students ages 14-22 years old.

All of the students have functional academic and skill goals focusing on vocational, independent living, social communication and sensory regulation skill development.

Skills include academics, watering, picking and delivering organic vegetables, using our washer and dryer, planning, shopping, preparing, cooking and serving a hot meal, participating in school chores- watering plants, sweeping, wiping tables and chairs and van washing.

Creative Arts include daily music and art activities and weekly Drama Therapy.

Social skills are developed in individual and small group activities including integration opportunities with neighborhood elementary and middle/high school peers.

Sensory Regulation and physical activities average 80 minutes per school day.

Our Multidisciplinary team including the student and family with our Special Education Teacher, Speech, Occupational, Counselor and Behaviorist develops annual individualized goals.

The direct individual and/or group educational and therapeutic services are implemented by the teaching staff in the school classrooms, kitchen, music and art room, Speech, Counseling, and Occupational Therapy rooms, grocery store, park, community organic school farm, dance, gymnastics and horseback riding.

Therapy Consultation can be used to direct the teacher, aide and family as to implementation of the goals, to observe the implementation of the goals, and to modify and develop instruction, curriculum and materials.

The School Director, Teacher, Aides, Behaviorist, Occupational, Counselor and Speech Therapists work together to encourage our students to increase initiation and independence, interact socially, communicate their needs and regulate themselves throughout the day.