SAN DIEGO—Black Mountain Middle School unveiled its new classroom space on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, providing students with specialized instruction on living skills, vocational training, and social development.
The space provides access to essential equipment for the school’s Extensive Supports Special Day Class, which provides students with accessible and supportive space to learn and thrive.
“What makes this space especially special is that it’s designed around what students need to learn, grow, and become more independent. It gives students opportunities to build real-world skills, while also providing a welcome place for instruction, small group learning, and moments when students simply need a space to rest,” says Poway Unified Superintendent Dr. Ben Churchill. “This is more than a remodeled classroom. It’s an investment in our students, and in creating the conditions for every student to thrive.”
Poway Unified School District provides extensive support instruction through its Special Day Class (SDC) program. This program supports students who require additional learning support in the areas of functional academics, daily living, vocation, and social skills.
Steven Okleshen, Education Specialist at Black Mountain Middle School, says the renovated classroom is critical to helping students build the necessary life and academic skills to be successful.
“We really try to push independence with the end goal of, whether they’re living independently with a caregiver or living completely independently, they can handle that. They’re ready for that,” says Okleshen. “And if they are still living at home, that’s fine, but they can help their parents out in any way.”
The ribbon cutting event provided attendees with a tour of the school’s new classroom setting, including instructional space with a fully functioning kitchen and laundry area, and a shared sensory center and occupational therapy space.
The sensory center, specifically, is something that Okleshen is excited to have built into the classroom.
“It’s just like, ‘head to the sensory room, it’s right there,’” Okleshen says. “Right now, I have to send a staff member with them. That takes away that staff member from instruction with my other students. When you’re taking that [Instructional Assistant] or staff away from other students, you’re really putting yourself at a negative.
“Now, they can just head there independently.”
The renovation of the 2,069-square-foot learning space cost about $810,000.