Programs For Kids With ADHD In The Bay Area
According to the CDC, about 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children between 3 and 17 years old have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022.
If your child has ADHD, you’ve probably faced moments of frustration, confusion, and concern. You watched them struggle to focus on homework, lose track of assignments, or get frustrated under immense academic pressure. You’ve heard advice like “they just need to try harder.” But as a parent, you know it’s not that simple.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex neurological condition, and it impacts every child differently. What works for one student might not work for another. But the good news? You’re not alone, and there are programs for kids with ADHD in the Bay Area designed to support your child’s unique learning needs.
Why the Right Program Matters
Children with ADHD experience challenges with executive functions—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and prioritize multiple tasks. For students in middle and high school, this can show up as:
Forgetting homework
Difficulty managing time
Having trouble staying organized
Struggling to sit through long lectures or tests
Low confidence from years of underperformance
Emotional outbursts or anxiety related to school
Traditional school environments don’t always offer the flexibility or support that kids with ADHD need to succeed. That’s where specialized programs come in.
The Bay Area has plenty of top programs that provide structure, individualized attention, and strategies tailored to how ADHD brains learn best.
Types of Programs for Kids with ADHD in the Bay Area
Whether you're looking for academic support, therapeutic interventions, or social skills development, there are many options to choose from in the Bay Area.
Academic Coaching Programs
Swoon Learning
At Swoon Learning, we specialize in personalized academic coaching that builds skills, not just grades. Our coaches work one-on-one with students to improve time management, focus, and study habits, all while boosting confidence and motivation. Many of our students have ADHD or other learning differences, and we understand how to adapt to their unique needs.
Our coaching sessions are practical and empowering. We help students:
Break large tasks into manageable steps
Use planners and checklists effectively
Apply technical tools to improve ways of learning
Prepare for tests without the last-minute panic
Advocate for themselves in class
Feel in control of their academic life
Therapeutic and Holistic Programs
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – Bay Area Chapter
CHADD provides education, advocacy, and support groups for families navigating ADHD. While it’s not a formal academic program, CHADD connects parents with local resources, therapists, and school accommodation guidance.
Summit Center (Walnut Creek, Burlingame, San Francisco)
The Summit Center offers evaluations, therapy, and parent coaching. They specialize in twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are gifted and have learning differences like ADHD. They have a team of psychologists, educational therapists, and coaches who work hand-in-hand with families.
Collaborative Life Skills Program (CLS) San Francisco)
CLS was created in collaboration with the San Francisco Unified School District to fill a critical gap in evidence-based school support for students with attention and behavior challenges. Based on a proven clinical intervention for ADHD (see CLAS), CLS integrates three key approaches: behavioral parent training, teacher consultation using a daily report card, and social-emotional skills training for students.
School-Based and Enrichment Programs
Stanbridge Academy (San Mateo)
A K–12 school specifically designed for students with mild-to-moderate learning differences, including ADHD. Stanbridge offers small class sizes, structured routines, and a supportive environment that fosters independence and self-advocacy.
Winston Transitions (San Francisco)
Winston Transitions SF is an individualized academic gap year day program in San Francisco for students ages 17 to 21+ with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and NVLD. Designed to build real-world skills for college and career readiness, the program empowers students to lead more independent lives through self-advocacy, confidence, and practical experience.
Sand Hill School at CHC (Palo Alto)
Sand Hill School provides a joyful, personalized learning environment for students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia, and those with ADHD or school-related anxiety. The school helps students rebuild confidence and develop the academic and social-emotional skills needed to thrive in school, but at home and throughout life, too.
Bayhill High School (Berkeley)
Bayhill High School, located in Berkeley, California, serves students in grades 7–12 with diagnosed learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. With a mission to maximize each student’s potential through personalized instruction, Bayhill offers a supportive environment where students with average to above-average intelligence can thrive. The school also nurtures students’ strengths through robust visual and performing arts programs, creative writing, and a variety of enrichment clubs, helping them grow academically, socially, and creatively.
Camp Kodiak (Summer Program with Bay Area connections)
Though based in Canada, Camp Kodiak is a beloved option among Bay Area families. It offers a summer program for kids with ADHD, social anxiety, and learning differences. Campers build friendships, confidence, and academic skills in a low-pressure environment.
What to Look for in a Program for Kids with ADHD
Choosing the right program for your child can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help guide your decision:
Understand your child’s needs
Is your child struggling most with academics, emotional regulation, or social relationships? Do they need more structure or more flexibility? Knowing where they need the most help will enable you to match them with the right program.Ask about experience with ADHD
Not every tutor, school, or therapist is trained to work with ADHD. Look for programs that mention ADHD specifically, and ask how they adapt their approach. Look for staff with backgrounds in executive function coaching, special education, or psychology.Prioritize connection
Your child’s relationship with their mentor, coach, teacher, or therapist is everything. When kids feel seen, respected, and understood, they’re more likely to engage and stick with the program.Check for customization
No two students with ADHD are the same. The best programs for kids with ADHD will tailor their methods to fit your child’s learning style, personality, and goals.
How Swoon Learning Supports Students with ADHD
At Swoon Learning, we see your child for who they are, not just their report card, test scores, or the sports they play. We know how hard they’re trying, even when it doesn’t show. Our academic coaching programs are built on academic excellence and holistic growth.
We’ve helped students in middle and high school:
Improve their GPA without burnout
Develop consistent study routines
Get assignments in on time
Use technology to help them learn more efficiently
Feel less anxious and more motivated
Just as importantly, we support parents too. We know you’re doing your best to help your child, and we’re here to be your sidekick.
You're Not Alone. Help Is Here!
Parenting a child with ADHD takes patience, creativity, and a whole lot of love. With the right program and the right mentors, your child can access the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Whether you choose a specialized school, therapeutic program, or academic coaching, there are effective programs for kids with ADHD in the Bay Area—and a brighter path ahead.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a free session with one of Swoon Learning’s Academic Coaches today. Let’s talk about how we can support your child.
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