Educational Services of America Ranks No. 3,897 on 2010 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies with Three-Year Sales Growth of 36%

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ --Inc. magazine ranked Educational Services of America (ESA) No. 3,897 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. With three-year sales growth of 36 percent, it is ESA's fourth year on the list, which represents the most comprehensive look at America's independent-minded entrepreneurs.

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ESA is the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education schools and programs for students who are at risk of dropping out and for students with special needs. ESA operates more than 135 schools and programs serving more than 10,000 students a year in more than 240 school districts in nearly 20 states.

FY 2009 revenue was $89.2 million.

ESA's Spectrum Center Schools and Programs division partners with public school districts to serve children ages five to 22 who have autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges or other special needs. Its Ombudsman Educational Services division provides its school district partners with alternative education programs to help reduce dropouts and increase graduation rates.

"My favorite quote is by psychologist Abraham Maslow, who said, 'If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail,'" Mark Claypool, ESA president and CEO, said. "When people don't have the tools they need, they use the ones they have, whether they're the right tools or not. Educational Services of America was established to give students who have learning disabilities or are at risk of dropping out of school the educational and behavioral tools they need to learn, graduate and create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities."

"The leaders of the companies on this year's Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression," said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. "The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs."

The 2010 Inc. 5000 was unveiled on Inc.com. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database, can be found on www.inc.com/5000.

SOURCE Educational Services of America