6 things to know about Private Schools and Special Education

Choosing the right school for your child, especially one with special education needs, can be a daunting task. Private schools offer a unique set of opportunities for children with learning differences, but there are some important things to understand before making that choice. Here’s a deeper dive into what parents should know about private schools and special education.

Table of Contents

1. Private Schools Have More Flexibility in Their Approach
2. Scholarship Funding for Private School Special Education Services
3. Individualized Accommodation & Learning Plans Help Students Thrive
4. Special Education Teachers Bring Expertise
5. Smaller School Settings & Class Sizes Promote Personalized Attention
6. Collaboration Between Families and Schools is Essential
7. Key Takeaways
8. FAQs

1. Private Schools Have More Flexibility in Their Approach

Private schools have a unique advantage when it comes to flexibility. Unlike public schools, which must follow bureaucratic rules and standardized assessments, e.g. Statewide Assessments Home Page (FSA), private schools often have the autonomy to craft learning environments that cater specifically to the needs of their students. This flexibility is crucial for students with learning differences, as it allows schools to provide a more personalized and supportive learning experience.  High-stakes state assessments are not required for graduation or receipt of credits.  Private schools may still be fully accredited by state and regional accreditation associations, such as Cognia.

2. Scholarship Funding for Special Education Services in Private Schools

Private schools can provide special education services, and parents can receive state scholarship funding to help cover the cost of tuition, e.g. Unique Abilities Scholarship – Step Up For Students.  These scholarships can cover a wide range of services and enable students to attend private schools that can meet their needs.  Private schools can provide services in a flexible manner and can support students with special education needs in a variety of ways, including maintaining a disciplined classroom where bullying and disruptive behaviors are not tolerated.  A quieter classroom setting with limited distractions allows students with unique abilities to thrive.

3. Individualized Accommodations and Learning Plans Help Students Thrive

One of the most significant benefits of private schools is their ability to create individualized accommodation plans for students with special education needs. These plans are tailored to the specific needs of each student and are designed to help them succeed academically. Private schools that specialize in working with students with learning differences can also provide “universal accommodations” by setting up the classroom in a way that supports learning for all students.  Whether it’s offering additional time for tests, limiting homework, minimizing changing of classes, focusing on classwork over exam scores, allowing corrections to improve grades or providing alternative methods of instruction, these plans make a big difference.

4. Special Education Teachers Bring Expertise

Teachers in private schools, especially those with a focus on special education, often have specialized training and experience. They are equipped with the skills to support students who may be struggling with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety. Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes, which allows teachers to focus more on individual students and provide tailored instructional strategies that work best for their needs.

5. Smaller School Settings & Class Sizes Promote Personalized Attention

Among the most significant advantages of private schools are their smaller class sizes and smaller settings with fewer overall students. This setting allows the principal to know every family in the school and allows for more one-on-one interaction between teachers and students.  Small group instruction is especially helpful for children with learning differences. Smaller classes mean that teachers can give each student the attention they need to succeed, whether it’s offering more time on assignments or adjusting the teaching style to better suit the child’s learning preferences.  A small setting also allows for real-world socialization and social skills development.

6. Collaboration Between Families and Schools is Essential

The relationship between private schools and families is often closer than in public schools. Private schools place a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration between teachers and parents, which is critical for children with special education needs. Because of the smaller setting, private schools can include the principal in parent-teacher conferences, and the principal is more available to each student and family.  Families and teachers can work together to address the child’s learning needs, share progress reports, and ensure that strategies being used at school are reinforced at home. This partnership helps to ensure that the child is supported in every aspect of their education.

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility for Personalized Learning: Private schools can offer a more flexible learning environment that caters to students with special education needs.
• Scholarship Funding: Though not required, private schools can provide scholarship funding in addition to state scholarship funding to support special education services.
• Customized Accommodations: Accommodations and learning plans are tailored to the child’s specific needs and can be adjusted to help them succeed.
• Expert Special Education Teachers: Teachers in private schools often have specialized skills, training and experience to support students with learning differences.
• Smaller Schools and Classes for More Focused Attention: Smaller schools and class sizes allow for personalized instruction and more individualized support.
• Strong School-Family Collaboration: Open communication between the school and home helps ensure that the child receives consistent support in their learning journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my child with special needs attend a private school? Yes, many private schools welcome children with special education needs, providing them with the resources and individualized support they need.

2. How do I pay for tuition at a special education private school? Parents can receive state scholarship funding to help cover the cost of tuition. Private schools also can provide scholarship funding in addition to state scholarships to support special education services.

3. What is an individualized accommodation or learning plan? Individualized plans are designed to meet a student’s specific educational needs, particularly those with learning differences. These plans ensure the student receives the necessary support to succeed.

3. Why are small class sizes beneficial for children with special needs? Smaller class sizes allow teachers to give more personalized attention, adjust their teaching methods, and provide the necessary support for students to thrive.

4. Why are small schools beneficial for children with special needs? Smaller settings with fewer overall students allow the principal to know every family in the school and allow for more one-on-one interaction between teachers and students. A small setting also allows for real-world socialization and social skills development.

6. Are private school teachers trained in special education? Yes, many private schools hire teachers who have specialized training to work with students who have learning differences, ensuring that the teaching methods and support offered are best suited to each child’s needs.