I'm an advocate and have an ASD kiddo in Pleasanton. It has been fantastic for her and our family. My kiddo started in Pleasanton's SDC preschool at 3 and is now mainstreamed 97% of every day and only uses her special ed classroom as a "safe place" when she is overwhelmed. The district staff is amazing and really does have the children's best interest first and foremost. Parents can get involved in the classroom and/or with the special needs committee that works cooperatively with the district. There is also a separate (non-district affiliated) support group that meets monthly for coffee, advice, and laughter.

Pleasanton is not south bay, though. And it is pretty expensive. Be sure to double check commute times and housing prices!

Thank you! This is so helpful!

There is an alternative high school in town. For Middle School, if your child is classified as m/s, there is a specific program the district will have your child participate in at Harvest Park Middle School (which would be my first pick for Middle Schools anyway as it is the smaller one out of the three in town). All three Middle Schools have mild/moderate special day classes, too. If that is your child's classification, then any school should be able to support their needs. But I'd say Vintage Hills would be my first pick - then either PMS (unfortunate name, I know!) or Hart.

If you are wanting to look into Non Public Schools, that is a whole different conversation, as most of the ones for non college bound kiddos are about 45 min away.

Thx ThackAdvocacy! Which middle and high schools would you recommend in Pleasanton? We used an advocate in Maryland, but haven't needed one in Kansas. Are there technical schools for kids, who might not be college-bound?

No, not really. I had read that Pleasanton is good place. Someone also told us Campbell is good. Surprisingly, we have not heard good things about Palo Alto and they spend the most per student.