# SmartStart

> Private school and speech therapy · Santa Monica. Fully inclusive developmental preschool and elementary school in Santa Monica for children with delays and typical peers, with speech and OT on site.
- Ages: 1–12
- Price: ask the provider
- Address: 2505 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Website: https://smartstartschool.com/
- Phone: (310) 452-5437
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/santa-monica/smartstart

## Inclusive preschool and elementary school

Private school · Ages 1–12

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.

## Speech, occupational and developmental behavior therapy

Speech therapy · Ages 1–12

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.

## 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.

Details from https://smartstartschool.com/, checked October 12, 2026. Confirm prices and dates with the provider before signing up.