Is a special education school right for your child? These schools can be public, nonpublic or private and often utilize different teaching methods than traditional public schools, as well as professional training programs, that are specially designed for students with disabilities.
Though the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act guarantees that all students with disabilities have access to public school education at no cost, some families choose private and nonpublic schools that charge tuition in favor of their specialized programming. Many states offer financial assistance programs to help shoulder the cost.
To apply to these schools, students typically receive an evaluation to determine their disability and educational needs. But it can be difficult to determine which school is right for you. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you explore schools in the DMV.
Demographics
While some special education schools cover a wide range of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, developmental and learning disabilities, others are more specific — and may be a better option for children with that disability.
Like its name suggests, Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington D.C. serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Because of its singular focus, classes are taught using American Sign Language, something that would be more difficult to do at a more generalized special education school. This way, classes are more accessible and students develop ASL skills at school. Students have access to more resources and to peer bonding with those who have similar experiences. Of course, schools catering to a wide range of needs can give your child the opportunity to meet and befriend students with other disabilities and learn more about them.
Curriculum
The way subjects are taught can vary greatly between special education schools. It can depend on the age of students taught or the kinds of disabilities they have. Some special education schools will take their students through the standard public school curriculum used for their district, but with the use of adaptive tools and additional resources. Others use completely different approaches to teaching, such as The Lab School of Washington, which specializes in teaching students with learning differences using a more hands-on approach, with STEM and arts-based curriculum that has students making crafts, doing interactive science activities and acting out roles. This more immersive teaching style can be beneficial for students who may not thrive in a school environment that relies more on visual and auditory learning. Art can also help students with communication difficulties to better express themselves.
Individualized education is common at special needs schools, as they take students’ specific needs into account and help to tailor the curriculum to their learning style. In both public and nonpublic special education programs, it is common for parents to fill out an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan for their child, outlining their specific needs and learning style.
Other common approaches to learning at special education schools include multisensory learning, which engages the five senses and allows students to get hands-on experiences with the subjects they are learning about.
Therapy
In addition to a regular school curriculum, many special education schools such as Ivymount School in Rockville, Maryland, offer therapy programs for students. These usually include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and in-school counseling.
While many public schools also offer therapy services, students often have to miss classes to take therapy, as the regular curriculum is not made with extra time for therapy in mind.
According to the National Institutes of Health study “Therapy use for U.S. school-aged children with developmental disabilities: State variation and determinants,” in-school therapy can be especially helpful for developing children’s physical, language, emotional and social skills, as developmental disabilities affect children early in life. Administering therapy at an early age can help children with disabilities develop important life skills.
Post-School Programming
Graduating high school at age 18 and heading off to college may not be an option for all students with disabilities or neurodivergence, but special education schools offer tools to help students enter the workforce, go to college or receive continuing care.
PHILLIPS School in Annandale, Virginia, is one of many schools offering programs that help prepare students for prospective jobs by teaching them technical skills. Through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway Program, students with behavioral issues and developmental disabilities can learn skills used in the culinary arts, agriculture and construction trades like plumbing and carpentry.
