How to enroll in Education Alternatives, Ohio

There are two ways to enroll your child at EA: your school district refers them, or you apply directly using a scholarship (the Autism Scholarship or the Jon Peterson Scholarship). We don’t offer the option for parents to pay tuition out of pocket. If your district refers your child, they usually qualify right away. If not, we’ll check whether they qualify for a scholarship, explain everything, and help you apply. (One exception: our ECHO Credit Recovery program is enrolled through district referral only.)

In most cases, no. Depending on the program, costs are usually fully covered by the school district or a scholarship, and families aren’t expected to pay extra. For some services, like therapy or mental health support through REACH, our sister organization, insurance may help cover the cost. Your enrollment advisor will walk you through exactly what applies to your child.

Don’t worry, they may still be eligible for EA’s services through other routes. An IEP often specifically recommends a separate facility like EA, but even if your child doesn’t have one, or doesn’t qualify for one, there may be another way in. If you believe your child is eligible, the first step is to request an official evaluation (known as an ETR) through their current school. If you’re unsure whether they qualify or how best to proceed, we’ll explain everything during your calls and guide you through the process.

Yes, EA follows all state testing and graduation requirements. When your child is placed at EA, they remain enrolled in their placing school district, so when they graduate, they receive a diploma from that district.

Our core school-day programs, Day Treatment and CORAL Autism, are available for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. ECHO Credit Recovery is typically for grades 9 to 12, though we can sometimes accept younger students. Our Vision Quest program supports students with disabilities from high school through age 22, focusing on job- and life-readiness.

In most cases, yes. We’re able to provide door-to-door transportation on our school vans, usually paid for by the school district or the state. It isn’t guaranteed in every situation, though, particularly if you live a long distance from your local EA building. Please note we only provide rides between your home and EA, not to other schools or programs. Your enrollment advisor can confirm what’s available for your family.

Yes. EA partners with REACH Behavioral Health to provide daily group therapy right in the classroom, and students also have individual sessions with licensed mental health counselors each month. Together, EA and REACH provide all the academic, behavioral, and mental health support outlined in your child’s IEP.