A different approach
Every student deserves an educational environment where they are understood before they are expected to perform.
Our history
Too often, neurodiverse students find that traditional education overlooks their strengths or misunderstands their needs. LINKS was created to offer a different experience: individualized instruction, therapeutic collaboration, meaningful social opportunities, and a deep understanding of neurodiverse learning profiles.
LINKS began as an educational therapy practice in 2016. After years of hearing the same request from families, we opened our doors on September 6, 2023 with three founding families and a simple idea: our community needed a school built for neurodiverse learners.
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2016
An educational therapy practice
LINKS starts out supporting learners as an educational therapy practice, and keeps hearing one request from its families.
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2023
Doors open on September 6
The school opens with three founding families.
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2027
A move to the Friendship Campus
In January 2027, LINKS moves to the new Friendship Campus in Redondo Beach. Read about the new campus.
Our mission
To empower neurodiverse learners through individualized, strengths-based education that fosters academic growth, emotional well-being, meaningful connections, and lifelong independence.
Our vision
To redefine educational success by creating a community where neurological differences are understood, individual strengths are cultivated, and every student has the opportunity to build a fulfilling, connected, and purposeful future.
Our educational philosophy
We believe in meeting students where they are without limiting where they can go.
Individuality
Instruction reflects each student’s strengths, needs, interests, and goals.
Connection
Relationships create the foundation for trust, learning, and growth.
Competence
Every student deserves appropriately challenging instruction.
Regulation
Emotional safety and self-regulation support learning.
Independence
Education prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
Neurodiversity is our foundation
At LINKS, belonging is not something students have to earn.
We recognize that neurodivergent individuals experience, process, and interact with the world in different ways. Rather than expecting students to conform to a single definition of success, we use flexible instruction, supportive environments, and individualized expectations.
Our approach →Weekly schedule
Our Torrance campus is open Monday through Friday during school hours.
Monday to Thursday
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Teachers and staff
A close partnership between educators, therapists and families is how we work. Each class has its own teacher, supported by classroom aides as needed.
Meet the team →- Natalia ZuppardiCEO and Head of School
- Ciro FidaleoMiddle School Teacher
- Meg MurrayConnection Class Teacher
- Grace HernandezElementary Teacher
- Natalia MorenoMS Instructional Aide
- Vanessa SpychajConnection Class Instructional Aide
- Azzy BaltazarES Instructional Aide