Special Needs Schools

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Special needs schools are specialised for students with any type of physical, communicative, mental or social difficulties, including Asperger's syndrome, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Private schools offering small and individualized classes may often be the best option for your son or daughter.

Choosing a Special Needs Private School

The enrolment process is not based on any official laws governing educational authorities. Rather, a school's policies and a parent's choice are the sole decision-makers in the enrolment process.

The best way to identify whether a private school is a fit for your child is to ask a lot of questions; speak with students, parents, administrators and teachers. Try to envision whether your child will thrive in that school. Moreover, make sure that you are honest during in-person interviews and written applications. For example, parents may coach their child too much in what to say or how to succeed in the application and interview process. The problem with this strategy is it may not let the school's administrators identify whether their school could help your child flourish.

Paying for Private School

Paying for private school tuition may seem difficult, but in fact, more schools are offering financial aid and scholarship programs. Here are three great options to help you with private school costs:

• Community support-Some small communities will assist you in funding your child's education if the local public schools cannot adapt to his or her specific learning needs.
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Tax breaks-In many Canadian provinces, you may qualify for a medical tax break if you enroll your child in a special needs private school.

The Benefits of Special Needs Private Schools

• As private school education has become more accessible to families of diverse backgrounds, many students are taking advantage of the benefits of attending private or independent schools. Special education's alternative curriculum is carefully crafted to meet the needs of each unique student and his or her learning disability. These individualized programs change based on the progress of each student. While not all schools only focus on special needs, many private schools offer support for special needs students.
• Small class sizes allow instructors to recognize and then adapt to students' strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, they make the classroom more of a supportive learning group than a formal, stifling and perhaps intimidating environment.
• Private schools often provide all students with extra help before and/or after school.
• The best private special needs schools in Canada, the U.S. and abroad have the capacity and resources to offer more extracurricular activities than other types of schools. As such, students could explore and develop their interests, gifts and potential through a wide variety of out-of-the-class activities like sports or arts.