SPECIAL EDUCATION:
Are Private Schools the Answer?
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? THERE IS NO
ONE CORRECT ANSWER WHEN IT
COMES TO WHICH EDUCATION
SETTING IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD.

WHEN PARENTS HAVE TO CONSIDER
OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH
UNIQUE SUPPORT NEEDS, THE WATER
ONLY GETS MUDDIER.

Public schools have definite benefits
for children seeking special education, as
do private schools, but the answer often
depends on what’s best for your individual
child—and it’s up to you to make the
final decision.

Here we take a look at public and
private education models, using private
special education programs or schools in
Baltimore, the DMV, Frederick County and
the Delaware Valley to illustrate key factors
you should evaluate when choosing a
private special education option for
your child.

But first, we need to clarify what we
mean by private education.

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WHAT DEFINES A PRIVATE SCHOOL?
When talking about private schools—
especially within the context of
special education—it’s important to
note the distinction between private and
nonpublic schools.

Nonpublic schools are not part of the
public school system but can provide stu-
dent services through state and federal
programs in the public school district
where the school is located, according to
the New Jersey Department of Education,
serving parts of the Delaware Valley region.

So special education students in these
schools would go through the same pro-
cess as public school students to receive
an individualized education program (IEP)
plan or 504 plan.

Private schools, however, are privately
funded and charge tuition. They provide
their own services and are not required to
accept all students.

Nonpublic schools can be indepen-
dent or private, but independent schools
have their own board of trustees oversee-
ing operations, while private schools can
be part of another entity, such as a church,
synagogue or corporation.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
CLASS SIZE
Private schools can be a worthwhile option
for students with disabilities because of
their flexibility to support smaller class
sizes. Specialized instruction can be
administered as directly as 1:1 or programs
can be tailored to your child’s unique
learning experience.

According to a study on class size reduc-
tion published in the International Journal
of Special Education, however, class size is
not the most important factor. Students
with disabilities benefit most when teach-
ers have specific inclusion training for
children with additional needs.

The Auburn School, serving Fairfax,
Va., Silver Spring, Md. And Washington
D.C., has a special focus on challenges
with communication and language, and
operates in a “highly personalized learn-
ing environment for children through
small class sizes, individualized learning
plans and a supportive school setting,”
according to the school.

This allows teachers to devote more
attention to each student, and for students
with disabilities, that interaction can make
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a world of difference in how much they get
from their time in the classroom.

However, the biggest indicator of suc-
cess in the classroom when it comes to
students with disabilities is the training
given to teachers, the International Journal
of Special Education reiterates.

There are benefits to larger class sizes,
too. While public school classes can be
larger than private school classes, they
are also made up of a more diverse pool
of students whom each bring their own
experiences, cultures and personalities to
the classroom.

So, your child might thrive with a more
well-rounded and diverse peer group.

COST AND FUNDING
One of the biggest concerns parents have
when choosing a private school over a
public school is cost of tuition. However,
private schools geared toward support-
ing students with disabilities often have
financial aid programs or scholarships,
and in some situations costs are covered
by insurance.

Some religious schools, such as
Chapelgate Christian
Academy in
Marriottsville, offer discounts to fami-
lies who are members of their associated
church. Chapelgate also offers tuition
payment plans that can be spread out
over 10 months.

Public schools do not charge tuition, but
resources available for students with dis-
abilities and the quality of education can
vary widely between school districts. Call
your local public school and ask about
what support services they can provide
and compare with the private schools
you’re considering.

Schools with high academic achieve-
ment thresholds may have more flexibility
for students applying specifically to their
disability support programs.

TEACHER TRAINING
Teacher training is one area where pri-
vate schools geared toward students with
disabilities have an advantage over pub-
lic schools. With teachers who are familiar
with how to interact with students who
have unique learning styles, students who
might otherwise fall through the cracks
can get the support they need to learn and
grow in their own way.

The Odyssey School, in Lutherville,
serving students with dyslexia and other
learning disabilities that affect study habits
and language comprehension, for example,
notes how it’s helpful for students to be
in an environment in which their learning
style is not only accommodated but is part
of the teaching style.

“Mainstream schools expect students to
be increasingly independent in study hab-
its, organization, and time management
skills. Without explicit instruction and
support in these skills, students who are
in other schools may experience frustra-
tion and apathy,” reads a statement on the
school’s website.

To find out what needs-specific
resources private schools have, first check
their websites and then call the school with
a clear explanation of your child’s needs
and any past deficiencies in their previous
educational environment.

Private schools that are focused on one
type of support provide teachers with
extensive training and resources designed
with your child in mind. If your child isn’t
thriving in either setting—whether it be
general education or special education—it
might be time for a change.

RESOURCES The right school for your child won’t be
the right school for everyone’s child. That’s
why when you are selecting a school, com-
munication about your needs with school
administration is vital.

Before beginning your search, talk with
any physical therapists, occupational ther-
apists, speech therapists or other medical
professionals who know your child and
their needs well. They will likely also
be familiar with schools that may offer
additional support.

Some of these schools may have new
THE RIGHT SCHOOL
for your child won’t
be the right school
for everyone’s child.

That’s why when you
are selecting a school,
communication about
your needs with school
administration is vital.

approaches or uniquely helpful methods.

In addition to its academic pro-
grams, the Delaware Valley School for
Exceptional Children also offers social
emotional programming that works
with students on self-esteem enhance-
ment, social skills, anger management,
coping skills, healthy relationships and
lifestyle behaviors.

To find out more about what services
your local public school can provide,
you can contact your school district and
request copies of their Section 504 plan.

A 504 plan provides the accommodations
some students need to thrive in a general
education setting.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
When considering a private school, there is
no one-size-fits-all model. Here are some
additional questions to consider.

DOES MY SCHOOL HAVE A
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM?
Auburn’s education model has a social
element, so to provide comprehensive
social emotional learning, each student
works with a social learning specialist,
a behavior support specialist, a curricu-
lum and instructional specialist and an
occupational therapist as needed.

If your child needs specific coaching, or
thrives with attention to multiple areas,
it’s important to make sure these services
will be available at your school.

DOES MY SCHOOL HAVE
A BEHAVIOR MODEL?
Some students thrive on positive rein-
forcement, a key focus at the Delaware
Valley School for Exceptional Children,
which has a behavior modification program
with a built-in reward system.

So if you feel this method is right for
your child, you might want to look for
other schools that incorporate it into
their teaching. Other students might also
benefit from working with a counselor.

The Delaware Valley school’s counselors
are trained to address topics such as behav-
ioral responsibility, responsible decision
making and character education (respect,
responsibility, trustworthiness, caring,
fairness and citizenship).

Above all, don’t forgot to loop your child
into these decisions—they will know their
needs best. P
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