Private school and speech therapy · Santa Monica
SmartStart
2505 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica
Inclusive preschool and elementary school
A fully inclusive school where children with developmental delays and typically developing peers learn in the same classrooms, ages 16 months to 12 years. Classes: Luminaries (16 months-3 years, lowest student-teacher ratio, led by an Early Intervention Teacher and 2 assistants, 8-11, 12-3 or 8-3, 3 to 5 days a week, naptime, no toilet training required), Gleamers (2-3), Radiators (3-4), Kinder, and grades 1-5. The model is relationship-based and developmental, grounded in literacy, language and sensory-motor development, with DIR/Floortime-trained staff, credentialed special education teachers, and on-site speech and occupational therapy. Regional center funding is available for ages 18-36 months (Regional Center children attend 8-11 or 12-3); nonpublic school funding may come through the child's IEP for ages 3-10. Tours and a free evaluation are offered, followed by a meeting with the Director.
- Private school
- 68 students
- School year; 2026-27 tours open
- Getting in: An application, with interviews or testing
- Activities: Private school and Special education school
Speech, occupational and developmental behavior therapy
Speech-language therapy and occupational therapy delivered at the Santa Monica school, in individual or group settings, in 50-minute sessions. OT is sensory integration based, uses the gym and outdoor play equipment or the classroom, and sends families home with a Sensory Diet. Speech therapy is theme-based and coordinated with teachers and other therapists. Licensed speech pathologists and occupational therapists staff the services. Developmental Behavioral Therapy is a relationship-based model delivered by Developmental Interventionists in the home. Regional center funding is available for ages 18-36 months, and Kaiser insurance is accepted for speech and OT. Families can schedule a free evaluation and tour.
- Speech-language therapy, Sensory integration occupational therapy, Developmental behavior therapy and Early intervention
- Insurance: Regional center funded: vendored with a California regional center; Paid by a school district through an IEP (a nonpublic agency or school); HMO plans
- Where care happens: At the clinic or office; In the family’s home; At the child’s school or daycare
- Activities: Speech therapy, Occupational therapy and Early intervention
About SmartStart
SmartStart is a fully inclusive preschool and elementary school in Santa Monica, founded in 1992 by Sharon Lowery, M.A., who started it in a converted garage in Culver City and still directs it. Children with developmental delays and typically developing children are educated together, ages 16 months to 12 years, using a Developmental Sensory Relationship-based model. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and developmental behavior therapy are offered alongside the school. It is on the California Department of Education certified nonpublic school list for 2026-27 and appears on the Lanterman Regional Center vendor list.
- Since 1992
- CDE-certified nonpublic school (2026-27)
- Vendored with Lanterman Regional Center
- Director trained in ABA under Ivar Lovaas and on Stanley Greenspan's DIR/Floortime faculty
Where and how to reach them
2505 Lincoln BoulevardSanta Monica, CA 90405
Details from smartstartschool.com, checked October 12, 2026. Prices, dates and spaces change: check with SmartStart before you sign up. Something wrong or missing? Write to hello@summerground.com.
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