School of Academic and Behavioral Learning Excellence (SABLE)

The School of Academic and Behavioral Learning Excellence (SABLE) is a short-term alternative education school in the School District of Manatee County offering one middle school classroom and two elementary school classrooms. Enrollment is based on a referral process for students grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade that have been identified with significant challenging behaviors that have shown little or no response to the intensive and targeted interventions of a multi-tiered system of support

SABLE maintains rigorous academic expectations in a highly structured positive behavior support setting. Counselors are available to provide individual, small group and family counseling. A contracted child psychiatrist is available to provide on-site mental health evaluations as well as medication evaluations and medication regulation.

SABLE is not meant to be a long-term placement. Students generally attend one to two quarters and then return to their referring school, but each student case is reviewed on an individual basis. Dismissal from SABLE will be based on individual student data.

SABLE Mission

The mission of the school is to inspire and empower students to be academically and behaviorally successful.

School of Therapeutic and Academic Resources (STAR) PROGRAM 

The School of Therapeutic and Academic Resources (STAR) is a short-term alternative education program within the School of Academic and Behavioral Learning Excellence (SABLE) located at the Harllee Center. There is currently one classroom with a teacher, two aides and up to six students. Generally, the length of stay for a student will be one to two quarters. All cases, however, will be considered on an individual basis.

The STAR Program will maintain rigorous academic expectations in a highly structured positive behavior support setting. Students appropriate for referral to the STAR Program are in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and are attending a Manatee County Public School.  These students have been identified as engaging in significantly challenging behaviors that have shown little or no response to the intensive and targeted interventions of a multi-tiered system of support. 

Dismissal from the STAR Program will be based on individual student data. Typically, students will return to the sending school in one or two quarters. A student length of stay beyond two quarters will be considered on an individual case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is SABLE?
SABLE is an acronym for School of Academic and Behavioral Learning Excellence. SABLE is an alternative education school in the School District of Manatee County.

What school grades can be referred to SABLE?
SABLE students are in grades pre-kindergarten up through 8th grade.

Where is SABLE?
SABLE is located inside the Sara Scott Harllee Center at 6423 9th Street East in Bradenton.

How long do students attend SABLE?
SABLE in not a long term placement. Students typically attend a quarter to a semester with the exception of some of the students in the smaller elementary program that may stay a complete school year.

How does SABLE compare academically?
SABLE teachers/students follow the same academic road maps and use the same books as they would at the student's referring school.

What is the staffing at SABLE?
The SABLE staff includes Administrator Karen Mills, Mr. Sinibaldi and Ms. Williams (Middle School Teachers), Ms. Van Collie and Mr. Whitaker (Elementary School Teachers), and seven paraprofessionals.

Do the students where a uniform at SABLE?
SABLE has no uniforms, we follow the school district dress code policy.

Does the student need any supplies to attend SABLE?
SABLE supplies all items the student might need and students should not bring a backpack, lunch or anything else to SABLE.

Is transportation provided to and from SABLE?
Students are provided transportation by the district however a student's route can take up to 10 days to be created.

Will the student receive counseling while attending SABLE?
SABLE offers counseling on a weekly basis.  However, if the student is already being seen by a therapist the parent may choose to have their child continue with that therapist and not have their child be seen by a therapist at SABLE.

What other services does SABLE provide to students?
SABLE's Child Psychiatrist Dr. Negron is on campus every two weeks and typically sees each student every 4 - 8 weeks. If the student is already established with a psychiatrist in the community the parent can choose to have their child seen by Dr. Negron who will review evaluations, medications and mental health diagnoses. Any recommendations will be made to the parent who can choose to share with the child psychiatrist who routinely sees their child.

Does SABLE administer medications?
SABLE prefers that medications be given at school so the doctor and staff can monitor the medication effects. Parents/ Guardians will need to supply SABLE with a school bottle of prescriptions or transport medication bottles from the sending school. Authorization to Administer Medications Form will need to be completed and can be faxed from the sending school to SABLE if applicable. Fax number for SABLE is 941-751-7030.

Who should I contact if I have more questions about SABLE?
SABLE's Administrator Karen Mills will provide additional information or answer any questions by calling 941-751-7027 x38091.