Special Needs Schools

As alternative education, Special Needs schools cater to those students who have been diagnosed with any degree of physical disability, mental disability, communicative disorder, behavioural disorder, or who are gifted. Placement is by choice, determined by a school's policy or by those with the best interests of the student. There is an official process for placement, outlined by the educational authority governing the location of the Special Needs school.

By law, all public schools are required to have special education programs. However, not all schools are always able to meet the specific special needs of your child. For this reason, parents can choose from a variety of schools that provide a suitable learning environment structured for the child with high needs.

Some parents may find it difficult to enroll their child in Special Needs schools due to financial barriers. Fortunately, in many provinces and states throughout North America, funding is available through public and private organizations.

Special education utilizes a curriculum specifically devised by a team to address the needs of each student in order to promote their learning process, and will change according to the advancement made by the student. Therefore, in Special Needs schools the curriculum is unique for each individual. The course of study normally includes non-academic topics. The goal for these topics is for pupils to form a foundation which will prepare them for life after school, in the workplace or in a post secondary institution, and as a participant within their community.

Dedicated schools for special needs offer their best to students with special learning difficulties:

• Special needs schools emphasize social development
• Schools for special needs commit to each students learning style
• Special needs schools offer individualized instruction
• Special needs schools see the child's potential, not deficiencies
• Students at special needs schools are encouraged to stand on their own

You can find out more from each of the schools linked to below, to learn what it means to be a 'special needs school.'