What makes for the best special needs school?
Choosing the right special needs school or program for your child
Quick summary
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Students with special needs require a special education. No matter their challenge, whether it’s learning, developmental, physical, or behavioural/emotional, they’ll need some kind of educational support.
But what’s the right program for your child? And what’s the best way to find it?
It’s important to find the right school for your child. If your child has special needs, this can be quite challenging. You should look at several schools and programs and choose one that’s the right fit.
What’s most important is whether the school is a good fit for your child. You’ll need to consider some crucial questions.
Often, kids who need lots of support for their special needs are better off in a full-time program. For instance, a child with severe autism may be best off in a dedicated special needs school or class. This may be an autism-only program, or one supporting kids with other special needs as well.
Kids who need less support for their special needs, meanwhile, may not need a full-time program. For instance, a child with mild dyslexia may be best off in a school with part-time special needs support. They may do well in a school with a withdrawal special education class or in a regular class with breakout groups.
Special needs questions (read our in-depth answers) |
Besides factors related to your child, you should consider factors related to you and your family.
Finally, you should also consider general factors. These relate to a school or program’s overall suitability. These are the kinds of factors you should consider when choosing any private school.
You need to decide what kind of special needs school or program is best for child. This is a big decision which shouldn’t be taken lightly.
We suggest breaking this decision down into three steps. Do basic research, narrow your choices down, and make the final decision. You should go through these steps in order. Don’t move to the next one until you’ve completed the preceding one.
There are many great resources to help you in your search for the right special needs school or program. Below, we discuss some of the main ones.
Learning environment
Joanne Foster, educational specialist, and co-author (with Dona Matthews) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“An ideal learning environment is one where there’s an emphasis on the well-being and specific educational requirements of the individual. Programming matches vary across domains, and change over time. There is choice—because children’s interests, aspirations, and learning preferences matter. Children are treated with respect and understanding. They’re encouraged to take pleasure in striving to do their best, and to recognize value from encountering and overcoming obstacles. There are opportunities for self-discovery and creative expression. And, there is ample support and guidance when children require direction or assistance.”
Una Malcolm, director of Bright Light Learners, a personalized educational support program in Toronto, Ontario
“A great special needs school needs to excel in both programming as well as environment. In order for a school to best support the needs of exceptional learners, the school needs to be aligned with current empirical research. The school must be using research-validated programming and pedagogy to best support these students. Strong instruction, however, is not the only aspect of a successful special education school. The overall learning environment must also be considered. Is it supportive? Is the school geared towards highlighting student strengths and progress? Are teachers warm, nurturing, and supportive?”
Ann Wolff, educational consultant at Wolff Education Services, in Toronto, Ontario
“The most important thing to know is that there is not one ‘ideal learning environment’ for special needs students. The best learning environment is one that meets the specific needs of each student. It is a place that takes the times to review all assessments and is willing to work collaboratively with the family to ensure the staff know where the student is (academically as well as socially and emotionally) and what are realistic goals and expectations. When possible, students should also be consulted and part of the ‘team.’”
Elaine Danson, educational consultant at Elaine Danson and Associates Educational Consultants, in Toronto, Ontario
“There is no specific learning environment that is ideal for all special needs students. The ‘ideal environment’ is the one that fits the child's needs, not only academically but socially and emotionally.”
Simon Williams, co-executive director of Foothills Academy, a learning disabilities school in Calgary, Alberta
“The ideal learning environment for students with learning disabilities is one where students feel safe and supported. Many students have struggled in school, and their sense of self-efficacy may be low; in essence, they may have given up trying because they have seen no success, despite their efforts. Their frustrations may have grown too, as these students know they are capable, but their learning disability is simply not being served in the public system or at a regular private school, and therefore they are failing despite their best efforts. It is the job of the specialized school to provide the supports, academically, socially, and emotionally, which will allow students to feel like they can try again without fear of failure, and with the realization of success.
Much of this is created by having a teacher who understands each student’s emotional and academic needs, and can develop a strong relationship with each child. Teachers should build relationships to develop students’ autonomy and competence, which enhances students’ self-determination and ability to be successful in the immediate and long-term future.”
Kelley Caston, principal of Wildwood Academy, a special needs school in Oakville, Ontario
“Students with special needs benefit from small class sizes, where their individual strengths, needs, and interests are incorporated because this allows them to be successful. If students are in an environment where they are successful, their self-esteem and motivation to learn will increase. Positive reinforcement and attention to good behaviour create an environment that promotes learning and positive student-teacher relationships.”
Jeff Clayton, communications director at WillowWood School, a school with strong special needs support, in Toronto, Ontario
“The ideal learning environment for special education is probably the same as any ideal learning environment: positive, kind, patient, encouraging, challenging; with the fluidity and flexibility to allow for many kinds of learners. It is a place which students enjoy coming to in the morning and which they leave feeling good.”
Teachers
Dona Matthews, educational specialist, and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“The best special needs programs and schools have teachers and assessment specialists who are trained to see each child’s learning needs as unique, complex, and ever-changing. The teachers are given the training, resources, and support they need to meet those learning needs. The teachers and administrators realize that children’s abilities are in the process of developing. They therefore stay away from labels as much as possible. Where labels (e.g., attention deficit disordered, learning disabled, gifted, etc.) might be useful, they are used provisionally, to describe the kind of educational programming the child needs at a given point in time (e.g., “This child requires gifted-level mathematical challenges, at about the sixth grade level, along with support for focus, planning, and attention.”) Teachers, other support staff, and parents are encouraged to see the children’s special learning needs changing over time, with the right kind of support, challenges, and opportunities to learn.”
Ruth Rumack, director of Ruth Rumack’s Learning Space, a personalized educational support program, in Toronto, Ontario
“Teachers play a crucial role in special needs schools and programs. A great special needs school and program should generally have a low teacher-to-student ratio, with experienced teachers who are open to working as part of a team. Qualified teachers should be knowledgeable of most recent research-based programs and best practices for each learning style, able to personalize lessons to match the needs and interests of each student, and experienced advocating for the student. Additionally, teachers should possess personality traits such as patience, kindness, compassion, flexibility, and insightfulness to provide appropriate emotional and academic support while working with students.”
Joanne Foster, educational specialist, and co-author (with Dona Matthews) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“Great (special needs) teachers help each student set and aspire toward realistic goals. They help children learn to recognize their limitations, capabilities, and emotions, and monitor their feelings, knowledge, and progress. Effective teachers help kids develop important skills, such as learning how to prioritize, plan, organize, and self-motivate. The best teachers are calm, and model resilience, mindfulness, and rest and renewal. They’re engaged in their own personal growth, solicit outside help when needed, and work collaboratively with parents, students, professionals, and others.”
Elaine Danson, educational consultant at Elaine Danson and Associates Educational Consultants, in Toronto, Ontario
“The teacher working with special needs students firstly requires the specific educational courses (as outlined by the Ministry of Education) to address the issues and be able to apply strategies. Professional development is key for all teachers, but keeping on top of issues and discussing strategies with peers is very important for a special needs teacher as well. The teacher typically will have a ‘toolbox’ of ideas and strategies, so that every child gets what they need. The same qualities that are important for all teachers, empathy, patience, and a sense of humour also, of course, are necessary for the special needs teacher.”
Ann Wolff, educational consultant at Wolff Education Services, in Toronto, Ontario
“What makes a great special needs/special education teacher is the same as any other teacher…they must know their students and deliver the curriculum accordingly. A great teacher is one who is prepared to work with the student and their family to ensure the program is meeting the needs of the student. A great teacher teaches the ‘whole child,’ academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Kelley Caston, principal of Wildwood Academy, a special needs school in Oakville, Ontario
“A great special education teacher is a teacher who believes that every student can learn. As a result, they are motivated to discover what educational strategies work best for their students and know that their strategies may change day to day, even class to class or moment to moment. A great special education teacher does not think of themselves in isolation, but as part of a team. Teachers, school administration, parents, guardians, therapists, and many more, all should work in the best interests of the student.”
What to look for in a school
Joanne Foster, educational specialist, and co-author (with Dona Matthews) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“Here is a YES/NO checklist of critical questions to consider when looking at a special needs school. If the answer to a question is YES, go back and find out how. If the answer is NO, consider finding out why. And, if it is being addressed by the school, how.
Ruth Rumack, director of Ruth Rumack’s Learning Space, a personalized educational support program, in Toronto, Ontario
“When visiting a special needs school or deciding on a particular program, parents should look at the school’s environment, approach to teaching, learning and classroom structure, and opportunities for extracurricular activities. A good starting point for a parent may be to ask themselves whether they would enjoy spending time in that environment.
Questions parents might consider include:
A school’s learning approach is also an important factor for parents to consider. Parents may ask questions such as:
Finally, consideration of social aspects should not be overlooked, because it is vital in determining whether a school is a good fit for your child. Questions parents might ask include:
Ian Peterson, business development director of Heritage School, a special needs school in Provo, Utah
“When visiting a special needs school parents should see that the classrooms are dynamic, well-paced, and student-centered. The following are questions they should consider:
Kelley Caston, principal of Wildwood Academy, a special needs school in Oakville, Ontario
“What parents should look for in a school:
One of the largest indicators of a school’s quality is the attitude of the students. If the students you see at the school are happy, then they are in a place that is helping facilitate their success.
Parents should ask about class sizes and how students are grouped and assessed.
Students should visit a school for at least one full day before enrollment to ensure that they are a good fit for it. Parents should ask if their child can participate in a trial day at the school to get a sense of whether or not their needs will be met.”
Simon Williams, co-executive director of Foothills Academy, a learning disabilities school in Calgary, Alberta
“When visiting a special educational needs school, parents need to ask specific questions relating to their child’s needs and how exactly the school will plan and program for their child. They should find out what additional supports their child will have access to. It is important for the child to see the school and understand the benefits of the school, so that they are more likely to engage when attending the school. Parents should also inquire about the specialized skills, knowledge, and training which the staff have or receive. It’s important for parents to know that their children are in the very best, most capable hands, to allow them to be successful and reach their true potential.”
Terry Stevenson, director of Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning, a special needs school in Belleville, Ontario
“Here are some questions that parents should ask schools:
Extracurricular activities
Joanne Foster, educational specialist, and co-author (with Dona Matthews) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“Extracurricular activities enable children to enhance their personal growth, and follow their dreams. This is true for all students. Provided that there is not overwhelming pressure, and that children do not experience excessive demands, there is much to be gained from relevant, suitable, and pleasurable activities. The following who, what, and why points about the benefits of extracurricular activities are published in the creativity post.
Who and what: Extracurricular activities provide opportunities for children and teens to engage in the arts, recreation, athletics, scholarly pursuits, and more, based on their interests and preferences. These activities can supplement the learning experiences typically incorporated within a school curriculum, from preschool through college.
Why: Sometimes a school program does not have the capacity to meet a child’s particular needs or exceptionalities, and so that individual may want additional challenges or opportunities. Other times, kids may seek outlets that will give them a chance to extend their creativity, or to find social or emotional connections and support through meaningful interaction with others who have similar interests. Extracurricular activities can provide enjoyable, relevant, and mind-stretching ways to forge relationships, and broaden conventional educational offerings.
Here are four more factors that speak to the value of extracurricular activities:
Una Malcolm, director of Bright Light Learners, a personalized educational support program in Toronto, Ontario
“Extracurricular activities and sports are essential. Many students with learning disabilities will have clear strengths. A child may excel in sports, or he or she may be an extremely talented debater, or perhaps a gifted artist. Schools will ideally have plenty of opportunities for students to participate in the activities in which they excel; this helps to preserve a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Jenna Rowney-Giroux, vice principal of Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence, a special needs school in Ottawa, Ontario
“Hosting a variety of extracurriculars and varying forms of support venues outside of the classroom is vital. Students need an outlet for their energy and a dedicated time to explore their interests. A multitude of options should be offered, such as STEAM club, music programs, resource support, study halls, tutoring support, jiu jitsu, magic club, and Dungeons and Dragons.”
What should parents be looking for in educators? We asked one of the best. [Read more]
The Capstone Years program at Pickering College is reimagining what a school project can be. [Read more]
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RJC is a grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering rigorous academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs.
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North Star Academy Laval is the only private English high school in Laval. We offer small classroom sizes for individualized attention. We teach not only for school but for life! Certificate of eligibility not required.
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An Ontario ministry inspected private secondary school in Woodbridge, Vaughan. We accept International Students, have small class sizes, low tuition, high university acceptance rate. AP Courses also available!
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King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture.
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Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love.
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King's-Edgehill School offers programs for grades six to 12 in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Lower Canada College is a coed, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only English school in Quebec offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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St. Clement's Early Learning School 70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2 St. Clement’s Early Learning School provides a child with an opportunity for growth in all areas of his or her development.
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Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society.
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École secondaire francophone privée pour jeunes filles située à Outremont, Qc. Les frais de scolarité sont de 4 500 $ par année. Elle offre les profils Éducation internationale, Danse-études et Musique-études.
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Waldorf Academy offers programs from childcare to grade eight in downtown Toronto. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Our schools offer a maximum class size of 16 students for ages 4 & up. Tours are offered daily and new students are welcome to visit for a day.
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The London School offers grades 7-12 personalized education in London in an academic program specializing in classes for anxious, stressed students experiencing school refusal.
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Aurora Preparatory Academy is small by design, a supportive JK-8 community in which students thrive. Affordable tuition and an advanced programme, including all-grade French, music and art, and inclusive sports teams.
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River Valley is an inclusive independent school in the heart of NW Calgary that provides exceptional education for 3-year-olds to grade 6 students.
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St. Peter's ACHS College School in Amherstburg, Ont. is a day/residency school for boys grades 1-8 who love Sports and the Outdoors. Tuition starts at $8,900. and is a member of OFIS. We put "FUN" back into learning.
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Incorporating academic excellence, service and peacemaking, Rockway is a diverse learning community of 265 students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program.
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Brampton Christian School in Caledon, Ontario, offers JK to Grade 12, with average class sizes from 17 to 19 students and a one-student tuition cost of $10,290.
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Don Valley Academy is a private high school whose primary aim is to prepare our students for post-secondary studies. We are dedicated to providing educational programs that meet the needs of each student.
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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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Since 1979, Banbury's student-paced approach with tutorial instruction is in small, multi-aged groups of 10:1. Meainingful relationships enhance learning. Member of Canadian Coalition of Self Directed Learning--CCSDL.
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Robbins Hebrew Academy (RHA) teaches students to think critically and globally, in a community that builds self-esteem and life-long character. RHA is Toronto’s first Jewish school to be CAIS accredited.
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Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school that stands ready to meet and expand the minds and passions of some of the brightest students in Calgary, and exchange students from around the world.
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An inspected and accredited private secondary school offering high school credit courses in small classes or online, leading to high school diploma
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Summit Micro School offers an alternative program from JK to Grade 8. Reggio Emilia inspired Kindergarten and Project Based Learning programs inspire and engage while developing essential 21st Century skills.
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MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education.
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Neuchâtel Junior College, in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, offers Canadian Grade 12 curriculum and AP to students from across Canada and beyond.
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Calgary French & International School graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for life-long success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education.
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Fulford Academy is a day/boarding school in Brockville, Ontario, offering programs for grade 6-12. The average student/teacher ratio is 7:1, and STEM + Arts is the core of our Academic Programming.
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Lycée Français de Toronto is a French school that offers programs from nursery to grade 12. Its average class size is 17 students.
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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood.
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At Hamilton District Christian High we believe exceptional learning is for every student. Our aim is to differentiate learning so that each student can reach their full potential through Project-Based learning.
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Ottawa Christian School is an independent Christian day school, educating children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 for a life of faithful Christian discipleship and service.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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