A school day that finally works
The Craig School is a nonprofit school in Irvine for grades 3–8 with ADHD, autism, and executive functioning challenges. Real academics, small classes, and support throughout the day help students practice the skills to learn, connect, and grow more independent.
Does this sound like your child?
They understand the lesson but struggle to begin. Assignments disappear between school and home. Friendships take work. By the end of the day, there is little left for anything else.
You may know your child needs something different without knowing what that should look like.
A school built for ADHD
We incorporated over 35 years of ADHD research when we created TCS.
Small group learning
Core classes including math and ELA are taught in small leveled groups.
Support is always near
Classrooms have 3 adults and a maximum of 15 students.
A model of success.
Strong academics, executive functioning, daily Social Skills & Communications, and family partnership work together throughout every school day. Each reinforces the others, creating a consistent, connected approach that helps students build the skills, confidence, and independence to succeed.
Academic Excellence
Strong academics are the foundation of every school day. Our structured, grade-level curriculum in English language arts, math, and science challenges students while providing the instruction and support they need to make meaningful progress.
Executive Functioning
Students learn how to plan, organize, manage time, and complete tasks through direct instruction and daily practice. Teachers model strategies, practice them with students, and gradually build independence. These skills are reinforced across subjects, not confined to a single class.
Social Skills & Communications
Social development receives the same attention as academics. Dedicated daily classes teach students to communicate effectively, understand social situations, navigate relationships, and advocate for themselves. Students practice these skills throughout the school day, where learning becomes real experience.
Family Partnership
Progress continues beyond the classroom. We work closely with families to build a shared understanding of each student's needs, strategies, and goals. Through ongoing communication and parent education, families can reinforce the same skills students practice at school.
Strong academics. Ready when they are.
Students here are capable. The barrier was access to instruction, not the capacity for it. Math and ELA break out into small, leveled groups, so a student who is ahead in one and behind in the other gets both at the right level.
Patty Ramsey, M.A., LMFT, Director of Student Support
Licensed support is in the building.
Counseling, speech therapy, and occupational therapy happen on campus during the school day. When a hard moment comes up, a licensed clinician is already down the hall.
More capable, independent and confident.
We're not just helping students get through the school day. We're helping them develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to take on what comes next.
The practical questions.
Can my child start mid-year?
The Craig School offers rolling enrollment. If we have an opening for your child and we have mutually determined that we are a good fit, we will recommend a start date that is in their best interest. Typically, that start date is as quickly as possible.
Does my child need a diagnosis to enroll?
No. A diagnosis is not required to inquire, to visit, or to enroll. Plenty of families arrive in the middle of an evaluation, or having decided not to pursue one. What matters is whether the way your child learns matches the way this school teaches.
Will my child fall behind?
TCS offers a fully scoped and sequenced state-aligned curriculum. Students benefit from small group leveled content. Reading and math progress is measured on several platforms including Amplify mCLASS Math (grades 3-8), Amplify mCLASS DIBELS (grades 3-5), and aimswebPlus.
What does it cost?
Tuition for 2026-27 is $41,000. The Family Education Program, required of new families in year one, carries a separate fee of $900. On-site clinical services are billed separately.
Each school year, TCS offers needs-based financial aid on a first come, first served basis.
Learn More about Tuition & Financial Aid
Let's talk!
Not an application. A real conversation about your child, what has happened at school so far, and whether this is the right direction.
