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 Appletree Learning, 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 Appletree Learning, 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, specializing in dyslexia and ADHD
“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.”
Cutting edge academic programs, such as Focus Learning, suggest that, yes, they do. [Read more]
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
 | Shoore Academics (est. 1975)
Shoore Centre for Learning is a special-needs private school that offers programs from grades seven to 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is six students. [View profile] | $27,500 to $32,000 |
| Oakwood Academy (est. 2007)
Oakwood Academy is a special education private school in Mississauga. It offers programs from pre-school to grade 12. Oakwood also offers a unique 6 week summer camp focusing on social skills and emotional development. [View profile] | $14,500 to $50,000 |
| Chamberlain International School (est. 1976)
Co-ed therapeutic boarding school in Massachusetts for students 11-22 years. Student support is offered for learning disabilities, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, NLD, ASD, attachment disorder, bipolar disorder and depression. [View profile] | US $58,227 to US $146,000 |
| Robert Land Academy (est. 1978)
Robert Land Academy is a private military-themed boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to achieve their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs. [View profile] | $52,650 to $55,000 |
|
Chisholm Academy, a school in Oakville for students with learning difficulties, offers an average class size of 10 students with a starting tuition cost of $17,750. [View profile] | $20,936 to $21,996 |
| WillowWood School (est. 1980)
We are a new style of independent school for diverse learners where all students learn with dignity; where a warm and nurturing school serves as a foundation for remarkable lives; and where the whole person who matters. [View profile] | $18,100 to $23,500 |
| TEAM School (est. 1981)
Team School offers programs from grades 1 to 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 8 to 12 students. [View profile] | $19,055 to $22,000 |
| Wildwood Academy (est. 2002)
Wildwood Academy is a special needs private school in Oakville. It offers programs from grades 2 to 8, with an average class size of four to ten students. [View profile] | $25,200 |
| Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning (est. 2001)
We are a licensed therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 1-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home environments. [View profile] | $23,600 to $71,000 | |
| Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence (est. 1989)
Heritage Academy is an Ottawa private school that is designed for students with DYSLEXIA, ADD/ADHD and similar learning exceptionalities. [View profile] | $14,600 to $16,000 | |
| Magnificent Minds (est. 2011)
Magnificent Minds caters to learners whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing academic excellence, and individual greatness. [View profile] | $8,400 to $25,000 | |
| Philopateer Christian College (est. 1999)
Philopateer Christian College offers programs from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 to 18 students. [View profile] | $7,000 to $10,000 | |
| Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres (est. 1993)
Focus Foundation is a world-class educational and therapeutic learning institution, described by Dr. Charles Huffine, former President of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. [View profile] | $2,700 to $4,500 | |
| Arrowsmith School (est. 1980)
Founded on the science of neuroplasticity, Arrowsmith Program provides students with the skills necessary to overcome their learning disabilities and transform their academic, cognitive, emotional and social lives. [View profile] | $2,200 to $24,500 | |
Brighton Launch is program for young adults 18+ with challenges, who are preparing to, or have moved from school to post-school activities. [View profile] | $18,500 to $27,500 | |
| The YMCA Academy (est. 2003)
The YMCA Academy is an alternative high school serving youth with learning disabilities and learning style differences. [View profile] | $24,500 | |
| Academie Providence (est. 2002)
Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650. [View profile] | $9,000 to $10,500 | |
| Third Academy (est. 1997)
Third Academy is Calgary's school for special needs and gifted education. The school teaches what students need, the way they need it and never loses sight of well-rounded learning. Click to learn more. [View profile] | $10,000 to $15,000 | |
| AVRO Academy (est. 2010)
AVRO Academy is an alternative high school in Toronto for grades 9 to 12. Students earn credits while developing skills that best prepares them for post secondary education. We focus on student strength! [View profile] | $15,175 | |
| Oak Learners (est. 2016)
Oak Learners offers a creative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. [View profile] | $3,485 to $17,100 | |
| Landmark East School (est. 1979)
Landmark East School offers exceptional programming for LD students from grade 3 to 12. The average class size is 5 students. [View profile] | $27,900 to $64,900 | |
Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa, that exceeds Quebec curriculum guidelines & ensures our students grow through different spheres: arts, sports, community service & science. [View profile] | $4,700 to $35,000 | |
| Hampshire Country School (est. 1948)
A friendly, active boarding school for bright boys who have good intentions but who may be too impulsive, intense, or bothersome for other schools and whose intellectual interests may separate them from their peers. [View profile] | US $60,000 | |
King's View Academy offers students the opportunity to study grades 7 through 12, including Advanced Placement courses, in a self-directed, self-paced, flexibly-scheduled and well-supported academic environment. [View profile] | $10,500 to $19,125 | |
| Alpine Academy (est. 2001)
Alpine Academy isn't just a school, it is an experience that prepares young women for life beyond our campus. Students learn to engage in not only academics, but also family, community, and interpersonal relationships. [View profile] | US $120,000 | |
| Kohai Educational Centre (est. 1976)
Kohai LIFE offers programmes for those aged 18 years+ with special needs or learning challenges. Our participants develop life skills, gain work experience, continue learning and stay active, all while having fun! [View profile] | $20,000 to $33,000 | |
| The Gow School (est. 1926)
The Gow School is a special needs private school that offers programs for grades seven through 12 in South Wales, New York. [View profile] | US $46,000 to US $64,000 | |
| North Broward Preparatory School (est. 1957)
North Broward Preparatory School is a K-12 co-educational day and boarding school located in S. Florida located minutes from the beach with IB, AP, and LD classes set on 80 acres with year round hockey. [View profile] | US $24,200 to US $59,950 | |
| The Dunblaine School (est. 1969)
The Dunblaine School empowers students with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. It offers programs for students from grade one to eight, with an average class size of 5-7 students. [View profile] | $21,800 | |
| Brighton School (est. 2003)
Brighton School is a special needs private school in Toronto, Ontario for students (grade 1 to 12) with learning challenges. [View profile] | $24,225 | |
| Astolot Educational Centre (est. 1997)
Astolot Educational Centre is a day school with grades 1 to 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. Classroom teacher-student ratios are 1 to 10. Students have the ability to reach their full potential with Astolot programming. [View profile] | $13,800 to $15,800 | |
| Centennial Academy (est. 1998)
Centennial is the only high school in Quebec that helps students master their challenges of learning and graduate on time. Over 90% of our students graduate in five years and go on to college and university. [View profile] | $18,950 | |
| Séminaire Marie-Reine-du-Clergé (est. 1956)
SMRC is a coed day and boarding high school in French Canada with a warm & relaxed natural campus, modern rooms, enrichment & support, technology enhanced classrooms & labs, 8 cultural & sports programs, 20+ activities [View profile] | $3,580 to $28,480 | |
| Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate (est. 1981)
Our school has two programs: Academy, for students with learning difficulties who have yet to consistently perform at grade level, and Collegiate, for students at or above grade level and looking for new challenges. [View profile] | $12,610 to $18,885 | |
| Ontario Virtual School (est. 2010)
Ontario Virtual School an Ontario Government approved credit granting institution offers high school level courses for Grades 9-12 in an e-learning, interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access. [View profile] | $399 to $499 /course | |
| Foothills Academy (est. 1979)
Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment. [View profile] | $15,300 | |
| Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (AB) (est. 2000)
Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses. [View profile] | not provided | |
| Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (ON)
Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses. [View profile] | not provided | |
| Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School (est. 1973)
KGMS/Maplewood provides supportive individual and small group instruction for students with learning differences. [View profile] | $23,950 to $24,950 | |
| Mediated Learning Academy (est. 2013)
The Mediated Learning Academy is a special need school for students K-12 with certified teachers, supported by Speech-Language Pathologists; Occupational and Physiotherapists, and Counsellors [View profile] | $11,000 to $13,000 |
