Home - The Gifford School

"Gifford will always have a special place in my heart because of the way the school has helped me learn, progress in life, teach me new skills, participate in a community I felt safe in, and develop as a person."

- 2024 Graduate

"Thank you Gifford teachers and staff! Our child being at Gifford has changed everything. He wants to attend school. He is engaged. He talks about friends and teachers in a positive way.

Thanks to the Gifford teachers and staff, our child is talking about their plans for “when they grow up.” They see possibilities for themself. They have hope for their future success - amazing transformation from when they were in the local public system.

Gifford teachers and staff helped our child see themself as a smart, capable, valued student in a community. They recognize that they are just like everyone else, an individual with their own learning needs and preferences and challenges. In their previous academic setting they were labeled as an outlier and defined by their differences."

- Wendy and Jon B., parents of high school student

"I am so grateful for all the Gifford staff. When my daughter arrived in 9th grade, she had been through several years of intense pain, which had decimated her self esteem and ability to learn. With the support and care of Gifford, she was able to get back in touch with her strengths and find a community that allowed her to blossom. From the teachers to the administrators to the clinicians to support staff to those working as helpers or in the front office or kitchen or grounds, there is so much support at Gifford, and it makes the school stand out from all the others."

-Parent of 2023 graduate

As a graduating senior, I was in all three of Gifford's programs. Staff strive to make connections with students which is so helpful as it creates a more comfortable environment for students to learn, grow, and take positive risks. I would like to thank my parents for finding such an accepting school for me. My time at Gifford has allowed me to develop into who I am now and has given me the foundation to continue to grow.

- Gifford Graduate Class of 2022

Thank you for ALL of your hard work! We really do appreciate all of your effort in helping our son be the best version of himself.

- Jen & Chris L., parents of middle school student

There aren't enough ways to express, say, write, or emote our deep and sincere gratitude for the staff at Gifford. The support we feel from the members of the Gifford community has had a life-changing impact on our student, which transcends to our entire family unit. Not just one life is improved, but a whole family has been lifted. Ripples. You all are firmly locked on our Gratitude List.

- Danielle B., parent of lower school student