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Step 1
It is understandable why parents/guardians worry about making the decision of whether to send their child with special needs to a public school or private school. Each have their advantages, but many private schools are incredible at offering simple accommodations to students with special needs. The downside to a private school, is that they can usually only offer simple accommodations.
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Step 2
A private school is usually much smaller, and much more conducive for learning in smaller classrooms. Children with mild Asperger’s Syndrome, AD/HD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder), NLD (Non-Verbal Learning Disorder) can all benefit from a small private school setting with staff that are willing to accommodate the students according to their needs. When searching for a private school in your area, search in Google and type in “Private School Maryland” (or the state that you live in.)
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Step 3
Go onto Google and type in “Boarding Schools Maryland” (or the state that you live in). When looking into boarding schools, make sure they can accommodate mild to moderate disabilities and disorders and have a nurse or physician on call to attend to the student if something arises. Boarding schools offer a unique experience of bonding with classmates, trusting relationships, and an enormous amount of teamwork. Classes are small and do offer more in the way of personalized educational attention. Also, boarding schools, like many private schools, offer a tremendous amount of structure and discipline. The structure helps students with disabilities and disorders organize their days and thoughts much more clearly when certain aspects of their days stay the same.
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Step 4
Parents need to interview the Principal of the school that they are attending. Just as Principals ask to interview students and parents when entering into a private school, parents should have a list of questions for the Principal of the private or boarding school.
Ask the Principal questions like: 1). What type of supportive services do you have at the school? 2). Will teachers work one on one if my child needs extra help? 3). Is there a resource center or support teacher that my child will be able to access if he is struggling? 4). Is there a punishment system, like a demerit system in place at the school? 5). Is the school willing to work with us if my child needs minimal accommodations? (like sitting in front of the classroom)? -
Step 5
For more moderate to severe disabilities, many private and boarding schools are unable to accommodate most needs. They are just simply not staffed to do so, and some moderate to severe disabilities and disorders may need special types of personnel.
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Step 6
Parents need to be very forthcoming about a students disorder and/or disability. If the school can accommodate a student, they will. If the school feels that they cannot accommodate a student’s special needs, they will tell you up front. Never hide a child’s disability from a private school. In many cases, it is grounds for expulsion on the basis of not disclosing all of the child’s pertinent education information. This is especially true if the child has been evaluated through the LEA (Local Education Agency).
