Santa Monica High School

Santa Monica High School was the first chapter of Circle of Friends. It began in 1999 with only 12 students and has grown to over 400 participants. The original focus was inclusion at lunch on campus for students with special needs and the improvement of social/language skills. The chapter's positive influence has been expanded throughout the school by giving Disability Awareness presentations to all 9th grade Freshman Seminar classes, thereby bringing the understanding and acceptance of differences to students not actively participating in the program. Overall campus sensitivity improved! Due to its great success, monthly activities were established within the community of Santa Monica, thus expanding inclusion beyond the school site.

In October 2006, Circle of Friends was honored with an award by the Santa Monica City Disability Commission as the "group that best includes people with disabilities into their community." In June of 2007, it received an Honorary Service Award by the Santa Monica PTSA organization for the important role it plays on campus and the impact it has on students both with and without special needs. The Santa Monica High School chapter continues to serve as a model to new chapters.