Special Needs Schools
Independent schools for students with special needs offer specialized programs for learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, and physical or emotional disorders, vision and hearing impairments among other needs. These schools provide intensive support with highly trained teachers and a variety of approaches including multisensory education, individual attention, and inclusive learning environments. These schools specialize in children who learn differently, and assume no student's learning style defines the child's intellectual prowess/ability. Many of these schools prepare their students for post-secondary education. A special needs student is a child with a physical, intellectual, emotional, or developmental condition that makes it more difficult for them to learn than their peers, requiring specialized educational support, services, and accommodations to help them succeed. No two independent schools serving special needs students are alike. Thus, it is no surprise that these schools often focus on serving particular learning needs and are not equipped for all special needs students. Notably, an Independent School is not legally required to provide a student with an IEP or 504 plan unless it receives federal funding.
Lab School of Washington, www.labschool.org.
The Lab School offers ungraded elementary and 7th–12th grade programs for ages 5–18 with learning disabilities. Diagnostic services, psychological services, speech/language/occupational therapy, tutoring, career and college counseling. The school recently added an assistive technology program for high school students with dyslexia.
Commonwealth Academy, www.commonwealthacademy.org
Commonwealth Academy serves 6th–12th grade students who benefit from classes of ten or fewer students and/or those with learning disabilities or ADHD.
The NORA School https://noraschool.org/
The NORA School is a progressive, socially conscious, college preparatory 9th -12th grade school that is small by design, academically and emotionally supportive, and community oriented. Students develop individual curriculum crafted to their needs and interests.
The Siena School www.thesienaschool.org
The Siena School prepares bright 9th -12th grade college-bound students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, to become confident, curious learners who understand their personal strengths and gain the tools and strategies to excel.