Spina bifida is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
According to the Mayo Clinic, spina bifida “... falls under the broader category of neural tube defects. Normally, the neural tube forms early in pregnancy, and it closes by the 28th day after conception. In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube fails to develop or close properly, causing defects in the spinal cord and in the bones of the spine.”
Below, we list private schools for kids with spina bifida. Some of these schools also provide support for other special needs, including physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy (CP), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and muscular dystrophy. Find a school for spina bifida near you.
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Special needs schools
These are dedicated special needs schools which support spina bifida. They provide full-time support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
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 | |
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 |
These are regular schools offering some support for spina bifida. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rosthern Junior College (est. 1905)
RJC is a grades 10-12 private, boarding school accredited by the SK Ministry of Education. RJC’s International Student Program focuses on English language immersion, educational excellence, and cultural experience. [View profile] | $7,435 to $25,350 | |
| Blooming Lives Montessori (est. 2017)
Blooming Lives Montessori celebrates and nurtures the sense of curiosity of each child, supports them in exploring their expanding capabilities and guides them into their thriving potentials. [View profile] | $5,300 to $16,200 |
