Program Focus: Independence and Real Life Skills

One of the biggest things to understand is that CLE is really about learning how to live independently, not just going to school.

Students receive coaching in:

• Time management and executive functioning

• Study skills and college support

• Cooking, cleaning, and daily living skills

• Budgeting and money management

• Social skills and relationships

• Job search, resumes, and career skills

• Transportation and navigating the community

Students work with a full support team that may include academic coaches, independent living instructors, social coaches, and advisors who track progress and help guide the transition into adulthood.

This is really about helping students become independent, confident adults, not just helping them pass classes.

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Tuition and Program Cost

CLE is a year-round program with coaching and support throughout the year.

Approximate tuition:

• Year 1 residential program: about $63,300 per year

• Day program option: about $48,500 per year

• Housing, college tuition, and personal expenses are separate from CLE tuition

Tuition includes orientation and 12 months of programming in academic coaching, career development, independent living skills, and social coaching.

Admissions and Who the Program Is For

CLE is typically for young adults ages 18–26 who:

• Have autism, ADHD, NVLD, dyslexia, or other learning differences

• Want to attend college or work

• Want to live more independently

• Need support with executive functioning, social skills, or daily living

• Are motivated to work toward independence

Students go through an admissions and intake process to determine if the program is a good fit.

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Why Programs Like CLE Matter

One thing we are learning as we look at life after high school is that there is not just one path. College right away is not the right fit for everyone, and many neurodivergent young adults need support learning how to live independently before or while attending college.

Programs like CLE help bridge that gap between:
High school → college → independent adult life

For many families, the biggest concerns are:

• Will my child be able to live on their own?

• Can they manage money?

• Will they make friends?

• Can they hold a job?

• Will they be safe?

• Will they be happy and confident?

Programs like CLE are designed to help answer those questions by teaching independence step by step in a supported environment.

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Final Thoughts From Our Visit

We really liked that CLE Monterey focuses on:

• Independence

• Real life skills

• Community integration

• College and career support

• Social growth

• Living in apartments, not dorms

• Coaching instead of classroom only learning

It is not the right program for everyone, but it is definitely something families should know about when planning for life after high school for neurodivergent teens and young adults.

There are more options out there than most families realize, and we are trying to share what we learn along the way in case it helps another family.