Private ADHD schools

Private schools for kids with ADHD or ADD

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Many private schools provide support for children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Private ADHD schools provide these kids the opportunity to excel academically and reach their full potential.

Many of these private schools specialize in ADHD (and/or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)). They provide teachers, support systems, and learning aids which tailor education to children with ADHD. Others offer support for other types of special needs as well, including learning, developmental, physical, and behavioural or emotional disorders.

ADHD and special education

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life.

According to Web MD, ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. It’s usually discovered during the early school years, when a child starts to have problems paying attention.

ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder found in young children. According to the Centre for ADHD/ADD Advocacy Canada (CADDAC), about 5% to 12% of children are diagnosed with it, or 1 to 3 children in every classroom.

Even though it’s been studied for centuries, with its increasing prevalence, ADHD awareness is rising and the stigma surrounding it is disappearing. But there’s still a lot of confusion over what ADHD is.

ADHD and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) were considered two parts of the same disorder in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), released in 2000. Yet even though ADD is no longer considered a disorder, and it isn’t included in the fifth edition of the DSM, it’s still sometimes confused with ADHD.

How do I know if my child has ADHD?

According to the DSM-5, there are three main symptoms of ADHD: inattention (or problems with regulating attention), hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If this sounds like your child, don’t start panicking.

Many kids seem to have endless supplies of energy. So it’s important you don’t jump to conclusions, and assume your child has ADHD.

For the symptom of inattention, there are nine associated behaviours:

• Failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork, other work, or other activities
• Problems paying attention in tasks or play activities
• Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly
• Not following through on instructions and failing to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
• Problems organizing tasks and activities
• Avoiding, disliking, or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
• Losing things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
• Being easily distracted
• Being forgetful in daily activities

For the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, there are also nine associated behaviours:

• Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat
• Leaving one’s seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
• Running or climbing excessively in situations in which it’s inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
• Problems playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• “On the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
• Talking excessively
• Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
• Difficulty waiting turns
• Interrupting or intruding on others (e.g., butting into conversations or games)

Judging from the last six months of behaviour, if your child meets six out of the nine criteria for the symptom of inattention, they could have primarily inattentive ADHD. If they meet six out of the nine criteria for hyperactivity and impulsivity, they could have primarily hyperactive ADHD. If they meet both sets of criteria, they could have combined ADHD.

Schools for kids with ADHD

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you’ll need to find a school that provides strong support.

Many schools offer special programs for kids with ADHD and other related disorders. There are six main types of programs offered:

• Dedicated schools
• Dedicated classes
• Integrated classes
• Withdrawal classes
• Regular classes with resource support
• Regular classes with indirect support

Both private and public schools provide specialized ADHD programs. You should look for an ADHD school that’s the right fit for your child. Keep in mind, there are also ADHD boarding schools.

Private ADHD schools do have certain advantages, though:

• Private and independent schools and preschools often have small class sizes. This can allow for an individualized approach to supporting ADHD, or or another special need, such as giftedness. Keep in mind, ADHD doesn’t have the same symptoms in everyone. So schools that tailor their approach to each student’s needs and learning strengths and weaknesses can be very effective.
• The majority of private schools provide extra help outside of class. The special attention and support provided by private special needs schools is really important for children with ADHD, as they can fall behind academically.
• Private schools sometimes offer tutoring and counselling programs. This can be beneficial to your ADHD child.

Paying for an ADHD school

Private school tuition fees may seem overwhelming. But there are many ways to help you pay for a private school for a child with ADHD or another special need, such as dyslexia, autism, or Down syndrome (see 18 tips for paying for private school).

In fact, many provinces or states offer you medical tax breaks if you send your child to a special needs school, such as an ADHD support school. You may also find scholarships or bursaries to help pay for tuition. On OurKids.net, we list scholarships and financial aid offered by private schools across Canada. We also discuss tuition, funding, and financial aid for special needs schools.

Choosing an ADHD school

Choosing an ADHD school is not an easy task. You’ll want to find a school that provides the right support and education for child.

We suggest you don’t focus on the perceived reputation of a school, or on how prestigious it is. Instead, look at whether the school is the right fit for your child—whether it provides the right learning environment and support for your child.

• Does the school provide specialized support for ADHD?
• Does it provide support for my child’s form of ADHD?
• Does it provide support for my child’s unique learning and social needs?
• How exactly does the school support kids with ADHD?

Below, we list private ADHD schools in Canada. This includes schools in the cities of Toronto and Calgary, and the provinces of Ontario, BC, Quebec, and Alberta.

All of these schools offer some kind of programming or specialized support for children with ADHD. Find an ADHD school near you.