More than 32 years of special education advocacy experience, right here for Santa Monica families working with SMMUSD.
Ballou Education is a special education advocate Santa Monica families trust to navigate the IEP and 504 plan process with confidence. Santa Monica is a coastal city west of Los Angeles spanning zip codes 90401 through 90405, known for its beaches, schools, and walkable neighborhoods. We bring more than 32 years of hands-on advocacy experience to every family we support here.
Santa Monica students attend Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), which operates Santa Monica High School, Lincoln Middle School, John Adams Middle School, and elementary schools including Roosevelt, Franklin, Edison, McKinley, Will Rogers, and Grant. The district’s coastal, high-achieving culture means many families come to us wanting strong, individualized plans rather than one-size-fits-all supports.
SMMUSD’s district office is located at 1651 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 and can be reached at 310-450-8338 for special education and 504 inquiries. As a special education advocate Santa Monica families rely on, we help you understand your rights, prepare for meetings, and make sure your child’s plan is actually followed once it’s written.
Every family’s situation looks different, whether it’s a first-time evaluation request, a 504 plan that isn’t being implemented consistently in the classroom, or an IEP that needs updated goals as your child grows. We meet Santa Monica families where they are and build a plan around what your child specifically needs — not a generic template.
Confirming whether your address falls within SMMUSD before requesting an evaluation
Preparing for and attending IEP or 504 meetings with SMMUSD schools
Reviewing evaluation results and explaining what they mean in plain language
Drafting written requests for evaluations, services, or plan changes
Identifying gaps between what an IEP requires and what’s actually happening in the classroom
Guiding families through disagreements with the school team, informally and formally
In addition to Santa Monica, we regularly support families in nearby Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Venice
Schedule a free consultation to talk through your child’s IEP or 504 plan and find out how we can help.
