Education

Action Based Enterprises School and Hillside Alternative Program are RIDE-accredited schools serving students ages 6–21 who learn and engage with the world differently.

Inside our classrooms, students aren't defined by their challenges — they're supported through them.

Every student who walks through our doors deserves a real shot at success, and we've spent over two decades making sure they get one.

  • 01 — Referral
    Your local school department identifies ABE or Hillside as a potential placement and initiates the referral.

    02 — IEP Review
    ABE staff, the student's family, and representatives from the referring district come together to review the student's IEP and discuss goals.

    03 — Placement Decision
    If the placement is a mutual fit, goals are reviewed, updated as needed, and enrollment moves forward.

  • A Program Built Around Every Student
    Our curriculum integrates IEP goals, state standards, and core academic subjects within a structured, supportive learning environment. Every student benefits from:

    • Individualized instruction aligned to their IEP goals and Rhode Island state standards

    • Core academics across traditional educational subjects

    • Comprehensive behavioral support woven into every part of the school day

    • Research-driven teaching practices including demonstration learning — hands-on, real-world, and built to stick

  • Every student who exits ABE or Hillside leaves better prepared for what comes next. Our program is designed to build lasting skills across four key areas:

    • Academic Growth — Measurable progress in core subjects tied to individual IEP goals and state standards

    • Social & Behavioral Skills — Practical tools for self-regulation, communication, and positive interaction

    • Technology Readiness — Confidence and competency with the tools today's world requires

    • Career & Vocational Foundation — Early exposure to occupational pathways and the decision-making skills to explore them