The Esther B. Clark School is a therapeutic day school for elementary, middle and high schools students who have strong scholastic potential but are burdened with significant emotional, and behavioral challenges.
We now have 2 campuses, one in Palo Alto and now opening a new campus in the south bay at 2280 Kenwood Ave in San Jose.
The Palo Alto Campus services children grades 2 - 10 with only up to 12 students in each of 7 classroom. The San Jose campus has a capacity to serve up to 30 full-day students grades 5 - 10 .
Candidates for admission are typically referred by local school districts .
Goal is to instill improved emotional self-regulation skills and self-managed functional behavior strategies so children can return and participate successfully in their community school setting.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 2-10
- Enrollment: 78 students
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-10
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
78 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
72%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
11 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Primarily a non-public school accepting referrals from public school districts for children with primary emotional/behavioral disorders. Tuition does not include cost of support services, therapy and medication management services.Private Pay available.
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Associate
Jessica Becker (Palo Alto)
Application URL
Endowment Size
$28 million
School Notes
- The Esther B. Clark School students are typically referred through public school districts. Students accepted are provided with daily grade level core curriculum instruction with embedded accommodations by a credentialed special education teacher, 4 therapies a week delivered by a licensed therapist, anda weekly social thinking skills and executive function management class conducted by the classroom's embedded behaviorist. .The school wide positive behavior teaching and support programoffers students indiviodualizedincentives to promote their engagement. For childrenwho have refused to go to school, EBC can providein-home parent behavior support. Studentscan also supported through IEP supported intensive behavioral and/or academic instructional services, speech and language, and occupational therapy,.The school has a 1:3 inter-disciplinary staff to student ratio to assure. personalized care and support. Students typically attend 2- 3 years before returning to a moreacademically oriented school program.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Esther B Clark School-childrens Health Council?
The acceptance rate of Esther B Clark School-childrens Health Council is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
When is the application deadline for Esther B Clark School-childrens Health Council?
The application deadline for Esther B Clark School-childrens Health Council is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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