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About Washington Spectrum Schools

Celebrating Every Learner’s Potential

At Washington Spectrum Schools, we believe that education should be as unique as the students we serve. Our campuses in Maple Valley and Ellensburg, WA, provide a supportive, personalized learning environment designed specifically for diverse learners. We welcome students in grades K–12, creating a space where every child—regardless of their learning style, diagnosis, or background—can thrive.

From autism and ADHD to sensory processing and developmental differences, our programs are built to empower every student with the academic tools, social-emotional support, and confidence they need to succeed.

Our Mission

We are committed to fostering an educational space where students of all abilities in grades K-12 can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By integrating evidence-based teaching strategies, small class sizes, and compassionate support, we empower students to reach for the stars and achieve academic success.

Who We Serve

Washington Spectrum Schools proudly supports students who learn differently, including those with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Executive Functioning Challenges
  • Developmental Delays
  • Anxiety and social-emotional differences

Our classrooms are inclusive and flexible following a data-driven structured classroom model, with strategies that adapt to each learner’s pace and needs.

What Makes Us Different

Individualized Learning Plans

Every student receives a custom education plan that aligns with their strengths, challenges,and goals. Data-driven instruction is tailored daily by teachers and support staff who understand the nuances of specialized education.

Small Class Sizes

We keep our student-to-teacher ratio low—no more than 12 students per class, with a 4:1 student to teacher ratio—so that each learner receives meaningful support and attention.

The ABA Classroom

The principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are seamlessly integrated into everything we do to support acquisition of language, academic concepts, self-regulation strategies, appropriate classroom behavior, social and learning skills.

Experienced, Compassionate Staff

Our educators, support staff, and behavior analysts are highly trained in special education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They bring understanding, patience, and expertise to every classroom interaction.

Inclusive School Culture

We celebrate every learner’s individuality. Our schools are safe spaces where differences are respected, friendships are fostered, and students feel excited to be here.

What Makes Us Different

Individualized Learning Plans

Every student receives a custom education plan that aligns with their strengths, challenges,and goals. Data-driven instruction is tailored daily by teachers and support staff who understand the nuances of specialized education.

Small Class Sizes

We keep our student-to-teacher ratio low—no more than 12 students per class, with a 4:1 student to teacher ratio—so that each learner receives meaningful support and attention.

The ABA Classroom

The principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are seamlessly integrated into everything we do to support acquisition of language, academic concepts, self-regulation strategies, appropriate classroom behavior, social and learning skills.

Experienced, Compassionate Staff

Our educators, support staff, and behavior analysts are highly trained in special education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They bring understanding, patience, and expertise to every classroom interaction.

Inclusive School Culture

We celebrate every learner’s individuality. Our schools are safe spaces where differences are respected, friendships are fostered, and students feel excited to be here.

Peek Inside Our Schools

Our schools are designed to optimize learning. You’ll find routine-oriented classroom schedules implemented school wide to ensure smooth transitions from grade to grade. Teachers set clear and challenging expectations for all students and provide the support to meet them. All instruction is provided in a variety of formats and levels with repeated themes throughout each subject for deepened knowledge and generalization.

Two Campuses, One Vision

Maple Valley Campus

Located in King County, our Maple Valley school serves families from Seattle, Renton, Kent,  Auburn, Black Diamond, Enumclaw, Snoqualmie, Bellevue, Issaquah, Tacoma, Puyallup, North Bend and surrounding areas. The campus features modern learning spaces, sensory supports, and an environment built for growth.

Ellensburg Campus

Our Central Washington campus offers the same comprehensive support and programming to students in Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Thorp, Kittitas, Yakima, and surrounding areas. The campus includes flexible learning spaces, sensory supports, therapeutic tools, and an environment thoughtfully designed to foster growth.

Meet Our Leadership

Lesley Pahl

M.A., BCBA, LBA  →

Kylee Formento

M.A., BCBA, LBA  →

Information About Washington Spectrum Schools

Our school day runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PT blending academics with social-emotional learning, ABA therapy, movement breaks, and joyful moments. Our instruction areas include:

Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Social Emotional Learning
Physical Education
STEAM

Here is our detailed school calendar for each campus with important dates, closures, and events throughout the year.

Our Board of Directors

Our board helps shape the future of Washington Spectrum Schools with leadership rooted in values like equity, inclusion, and academic excellence:

Lesley Pahl

M.A., BCBA, LBA  →

Travis Pahl

Megan Vincent

M.Ed., BCBA  →

Sunny Nunogawa

Charlotte Walker

M.Ed., BCBA →

Contact Us

We’re here to support your family every step of the way.

Maple Valley Campus

22415 SE 231st St, Suite B
Maple Valley, WA 98038

Ellensburg Campus

900 Ruby St,
Ellensburg, WA 98926