Northwest Children’s Home (NCH) operates two private, non-profit K-12 Education Centers. Both schools are accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and officially recognized by the Idaho State Department of Education and the Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Our largest school, in Lewiston, serves between 100-115 special needs students. About half these children are Children’s Home residents, and come from all over Idaho and Washington. The others are from the Lewis-Clark Valley and surrounding communities. The Payette center serves 15-25 community students from five southwestern Idaho school districts.
Approximately 80% of our students have disabilities that qualify them for special education services. Most are classified as emotionally disturbed. The school’s program is founded on the Principles of Re-ED (Re-education of Emotionally Disturbed Children) and stresses, among other things: building relationships, positive reinforcement, routine and structure, self-control, competence, academic success, public school reintegration, employment and independent living.
Education staff at the centers consists of administrators, school counselors, teachers (approximately half special education and half regular education), paraprofessionals and support staff. Typical classrooms have 10-15 students, two paraprofessionals and a teacher. Many community students have community-based counselors, who work with them in and/or outside school. NCH therapists and staff also assist residential students to improve behaviors and increase school achievement.
Lewiston Education Center