Special Education

The Developmental Preschool and Peer Partner Program provides special education services for eligible preschoolers at Poulsbo, Suquamish, and Wolfle elementary schools. Students may also receive support services at community preschool programs such as ECEAP and Head Start.

Our multidisciplinary team includes teachers, school nurses, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists who work closely with families to support each child's development.

For enrollment information, visit the Online Enrollment page. For assistance in other languages, contact the Special Education Department at 360-396-3023.

Resource rooms are available in every NKSD elementary, middle, and high school. These spaces provide individualized and small group instruction for students with unique learning needs, giving them access to a range of educational materials and technology in a supportive environment.

Intensive Support Programs are available at NKSD elementary schools for students with more complex academic, behavioral, and social needs. Qualified staff work with students to develop individualized plans using evidence-based strategies that build academic skills, self-regulation, and positive social interaction.

Life Skills program, available at Poulsbo Middle School, Kingston Middle School, Kingston High School, and North Kitsap High School, help students develop essential life and vocational skills. By providing practical learning experiences and real-world applications, these classes empower students to become self-sufficient and confident individuals.

The Summit Behavior Program is a specialized placement for students with significant behavior disabilities when traditional intervention strategies have not been effective in their regular school setting. The program provides an alternative learning environment, supports adjustment of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), and works toward gradual reintegration into a general education setting. Admission requires an IEP with behavior goals, a current behavior intervention plan based on a functional behavior assessment, and a change of placement process.

The Step-Up Transition Program serves students ages 18 to 21 who have met graduation requirements but have not formally graduated. Participation is determined by the student's IEP team. The program focuses on safety and social communication, daily living skills, work training and experience, and recreational activities, with opportunities to explore community job sites and West Sound Tech coursework.

Admission requires IEP team discussion, connections with community agencies, and completion of graduation requirements. Program intensity, part-time or full-time, is based on the IEP team's decision.