About 131 students with disabilities walked into two brand-new schools Wednesday, Aug. 19, as Silver Peak School and the Timpanogos Transition and Education Center opened for the first time on the former Sharon Elementary campus at 525 N. 400 E. in Orem.

Silver Peak, a K-12 special education school led by principal Dan Heaps, welcomed about 41 students into four classrooms, with space for a fifth as enrollment grows. TTEC, an adult transition program for students ages 18-22 led by principal Melanie Adams, opened with about 90 students and five classroom teachers.

"Every decision we're making, from the classroom setups and sensory spaces to the staff we're hiring, is centered around creating a safe, supportive, and high-quality environment for our students," Heaps said, according to an Alpine School District announcement.

Both schools exist because Alpine School District is splitting into three smaller districts following voters' passage of Proposition 11 in 2024. As we reported Tuesday, the schools were planned to bring specialized services closer to families in the future Timpanogos School District area. Most Silver Peak students previously attended Dan Peterson School and live within those boundaries. TTEC replaces the Alpine Transition and Education Center, drawing staff from both Dan Peterson and ATEC so returning students see familiar faces.

The campus underwent a condensed renovation over the summer. Crews built separate offices for each school, added accessible bathrooms and changing areas, refreshed classrooms and constructed an apartment-style space where TTEC students practice independent living skills like cooking and budgeting.

Silver Peak features a sensory room, a full-size gym with stage and a new adaptive playground built to support students' motor, sensory and social needs. Students will continue receiving the same IEP services they had before, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, vision and hearing services.

TTEC students will work toward independence through programs focused on public transportation, community job sites, employment and connecting with local opportunities. Adams said she is excited to start new traditions, including a "founding fox wall," while carrying forward what made ATEC successful.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Aug. 17, gave families a chance to tour the building and meet staff before the first bell.

Alpine School District retains responsibility for both schools until the official transition to three new districts on July 1, 2027. Silver Peak's preschool program begins Tuesday, Aug. 25, with K-12 school hours running 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.