Spectrum Program

Spectrum students learn to navigate social contexts and practice effective communication alongside their neurotypical peers to gain meaningful relationships and experiences that prepare them for independent success in college and beyond.
The Spectrum Program exemplifies our commitment to authentic diversity, specifically neurodiversity. Spectrum students are fully integrated with their neurotypical peers in all academic classes as well as campus-wide activities. Our students are supported daily in developing executive functioning skills, social skills, and self advocacy, which translate into students’ everyday lives after graduation.

The Spectrum Program was created for students in grades 6-12 who meet the diagnostic criteria specified in the revised DSM-5 for Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1. However, you do not need a diagnosis to be in the program.

Our deeply personalized admissions process provides applicants the opportunity to get to know our community as well as for us to recognize each applicant as an individual on their own journey towards greater learning and beyond.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, we invite you to attend a Spectrum Program Information Night.

Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM

To RSVP, please fill out our Spectrum Program Inquiry form.

This form will automatically add you to our mailing list and you will receive information about upcoming Spectrum Program Admissions Events.
 
For further information about New Roads School's Spectrum Program and to inquire about admissions, please contact:

Elisa Schultz 
Spectrum Director
 
Skyler Valle 
Spectrum Coordinator
(310) 828-5582 ext. 627 

Who is an ideal candidate for the Spectrum Program?

Students must be able to handle the neurotypical college preparatory academic rigor that New Roads School offers at both the middle and upper levels
Prospective students should be on the high functioning end of the Spectrum
Students do not need to have an IEP or a formal diagnosis to be accepted into the program
Families must be prepared to attend monthly parent meetings in addition to participating in various Spectrum Program events
The Spectrum Program has a specific and detailed application process. The following steps serve as guidelines for those interested in the Spectrum Program.

List of 6 items.

  • Step 1: Fill out the Spectrum Inquiry Form


    Please fill out this form if you are interested in learning more about the Spectrum Program at New Roads School.  This form will automatically add you to our mailing list and you will receive information about upcoming Spectrum Program admissions events for the 2025-2026 school year.  We cannot move forward with the application process unless this form is completed.

  • Step 2: Attend a Spectrum Program Information Night

    Attend a "Spectrum Program Information Nights"
    • Dates TBA

  • Step 3 Complete New Roads Application

    Complete the New Roads School application.

  • Step 4: Setting up a meeting with our spectrum director

    After attending the Spectrum Program Information Night and filling out an application you will receive an email asking you to determine continued interest.
    • If you respond “yes” you will receive an email from Skylar Valle our Spectrum Coordinator to schedule a meeting with Elisa Schultz, Spectrum Program Director.

  • Step 5: Attend a New Roads Open House

    The next set of steps will be outlined during the meeting with Spectrum Director Elisa Schultz.

    We encourage all Spectrum applicants, parents and guardians to attend an Open House event at New Roads School.  Please be advised that specific Spectrum Program information will not be provided at the Open House events.

     

  • Important Dates and Deadlines

    December 11, 2024 - Application deadline
    December 11, 2024 - Elementary School Student Questionnaire and Student Essay / Questionnaire deadline
    January 10, 2025 - Recommendation(s) & Transcript deadline
    January 24, 2025 - Financial Aid Application deadline
    March 14, 2025 - Notification Letters, Grades K-12
    March 21, 2025 - Response Deadline, Grades K-12
     
Thank you for your interest in the Spectrum Program at New Roads School.  We are currently full for the 2024-25 school year. 

SPECTRUM DRAMA PROGRAM

The Spectrum Drama Program is an all-encompassing theatrical experience for middle and upper school students as well as Spectrum alumni. Together with their neurotypical peers, students learn acting, improvisation, voice, speech, movement and dance. This ensemble-based program promotes cooperative and creative collaboration. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, develop their own voices and take artistic risks in a safe and supportive environment. Students do not need to be in the Spectrum Program at New Roads School to participate. All students are required to apply and go through an interview process. Since 2007 the Spectrum Drama Program has produced one show per year with the most recent productions being: The Real Inspector Hound, The Three Musketeers, Treasure Island, Bugsy Malone, and Spamalot.

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  • Colleges & universities accepting Spectrum graduates

    Academy of Art University, San Francisco 
    American University 
    Bard College
    Becker College
    Belmont University 
    Bennington College
    Berklee College of Music 
    Boston University 
    Bradley University 
    Brandeis University
    California Lutheran University 
    California State University, Channel Islands
    California State University, East Bay
    California State University, Fullerton 
    California State University, Monterey Bay
    California State University, Northridge 
    California State University San Bernardino 
    Carleton College
    Chapman University 
    Coe College
    College of Wooster 
    Colorado State University 
    Columbia College 
    Cornell College
    DigiPen Institute of Technology 
    Drew University 
    Drexel University 
    Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts  
    Furman University 
    Hampshire College
    Hendrix College 
    Hofstra University 
    Hope College 
    Humboldt State University
    Ithaca College 
    Kenyon College
    Knox College 
    Lewis and Clark College
    Linfield College 
    Loyola Marymount University 
    Loyola University New Orleans
    Macalester College
    McDaniel College 
    Millsaps College
    Oberlin College
    Occidental College 
    Ohio Wesleyan University 
    Oregon State University 
    Pace University
    Pierce College
    Pitzer College 
    Reed College
    Rochester Institute of Technology 
    St. John’s University 
    San Francisco State University 
    San Jose State University
    Santa Monica College 
    Sonoma State University 
    Spelman College
    State University of New York, Binghamton 
    Suffolk University 
    University of Alabama 
    University of Arizona 
    University of California, Merced
    University of California, San Francisco 
    University of California, Santa Barbara 
    University of California, Santa Cruz 
    University of Colorado, Denver
    University of Connecticut 
    University of Indianapolis 
    University of Oregon 
    University of Pennsylvania 
    University of Puget Sound 
    University of Redlands  
    University of San Francisco
    University of Southern California  
    University of Utah
    Whittier College 
    Willamette University 
    Woodbury University 
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Xavier University

Browse our full curriculum in-depth

New Roads School is a college preparatory K-12 private independent school in Santa Monica, CA, serving over 514 school age children from the greater Los Angeles area. New Roads School provides an inspired educational program from which an authentically diverse student population, mirroring the rich diversity of Los Angeles, develops a personal dedication to learning, a respect for independent thinking, and an expanding curiosity about the world and its people.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS New Roads School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.