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How to Select a School
Selecting an appropriate, out-of-district school placement for your child can be a very complicated process.
This directory currently includes a list of state approved schools in Connecticut and New York. Not every state has the same state approval process for schools and special education programs.There are also private schools across the country.
Whether you are trying to explore or select an appropriate state approved school or a private school, we can help you understand and navigate the process under special education law. Also, if your child is already in a private school placement, we can help you find out if you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement from your public school district under special education law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Schools
What types of private schools and programs are there?
- Therapeutic Day Schools
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- Therapeutic day schools typically service students with emotional and behavioral issues who require a small and structured educational environment to meet their unique mental health and educational needs. Therapeutic day schools have small classrooms with low teacher to student ratios, provide counseling throughout the day, and provide a safe and supportive educational environment for students to grow academically, socially and emotionally. Students attend classes in school during the day and return to their home afterwards.
- Therapeutic Residential Schools, also referred to as Therapeutic Boarding Schools or Residential Treatment Centers
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- Residential schools typically service students with emotional and behavioral issues that require 24-7 structure and support to meet their unique mental health and educational needs. These programs have counseling and therapeutic support embedded throughout the day and evening. Students live on campus in dormitories or resident houses. Some residential schools have more comprehensive educational components than others.
- Wilderness Programs
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- Wilderness programs are designed to treat adolescents with behavioral and mental health difficulties. These programs are residential, tend to last one to three months, and integrate an outdoor environment into the treatment process. Though programs differ, they often include physical activities, such as hiking, therapy sessions both one-on-one and in group settings, academic lessons, individual and team responsibilities, and personal time to bond with other participants. Some wilderness programs have an educational component and some do not.
- Special Education Day Schools
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- Special education day schools are designed to teach students with particular learning challenges. They may focus on a specific learning issue or type of learner. For example, some special education day schools focus on students with language-based learning differences or ADHD/ADD, while other schools focus on teaching students with autism. These schools typically offer specialized instruction, therapies and related services, and specific types of support designed for a certain type of learner. Students at these schools often require personal one-on-one attention and small class sizes.
Differences Between
What is the Difference between a State Approved Special Education School and a Non-Approved School?
- State approval to operate as an approved special education school means that the institution has satisfied certain minimum requirements established by a state. This differs from mere accreditation which means that an institution has attained a threshold level of academic quality.
- Some states have a state approval process for private special education programs, and some states do not. For example, CT has a list of Approved Private Special Education Programs.
How do I select an appropriate private school?
- Selecting an appropriate private school can be a confusing and difficult task.
- There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” school.
- If you are looking for an appropriate private school for your child, contact us today for information and resources.
- Searching for an appropriate private school that will fit your child’s unique educational needs can be a daunting challenge. There are many options to choose from and many factors to consider. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A school that may be an appropriate fit for one student could be a poor fit for another, even if they have similar educational needs. Since every student and every school is unique, it is important to tailor the choice to each individual child. This, of course, is easier said than done.
- Finding an appropriate school for your child is especially critical if you are considering bringing a tuition reimbursement case against your public school district. How likely are you to win a tuition reimbursement case if you choose a particular school? It is vital to find the right answers to these questions before selecting a school. Choosing the wrong school could adversely affect your child, and it could potentially cost you your case.
- Fortunately, we can provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to navigate this complicated process. We know what it takes to win a reimbursement case, and we are experienced in the types of schools and programs available in CT, NY and across the country. Contact us today for help.
How do I pay for a private school?
- Private special education schools tend to be very expensive. For example, some day schools can charge between $30,000 and $80,000 in tuition. Some residential schools charge over $100,000.
- Under certain circumstances, parents may be entitled to tuition reimbursement if they place their child in a private school (often referred to as unilateral placement) and bring a case against their public school district under special education law. Because there is no guarantee of success when bringing a tuition reimbursement case, parents assume the risk when they make such private placements. Also, the rules regarding tuition reimbursement are extremely complicated and difficult to navigate. Parents should always seek the advice and counsel of an experienced special education attorney when making unilateral placements and pursuing tuition reimbursement cases. Call us today to see if you have a case.
- If you think your child needs a private special education school and have questions about the cost or whether a school is appropriate, for your child, under special education law, we would be happy to provide further information and guidance. Call us today for help with this process.
Selection
How do I select an appropriate private school?
- Selecting an appropriate private school can be a confusing and difficult task.
- There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” school.
- If you are looking for an appropriate private school for your child, contact us today for information and resources.
Searching for an appropriate private school that will fit your child’s unique educational needs can be a daunting challenge. There are many options to choose from and many factors to consider. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A school that may be an appropriate fit for one student could be a poor fit for another, even if they have similar educational needs. Since every student and every school is unique, it is important to tailor the choice to each individual child. This, of course, is easier said than done.
Finding an appropriate school for your child is especially critical if you are considering bringing a tuition reimbursement case against your public school district. How likely are you to win a tuition reimbursement case if you choose a particular school? It is vital to find the right answers to these questions before selecting a school. Choosing the wrong school could adversely affect your child, and it could potentially cost you your case.
Fortunately, we can provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to navigate this complicated process. We know what it takes to win a reimbursement case, and we are experienced in the types of schools and programs available in CT, NY and across the country. Contact us today for help.
Payment
How do I pay for a private school?
- Private special education schools tend to be very expensive. For example, some day schools can charge between $30,000 and $80,000 in tuition. Some residential schools charge over $100,000.
- Under certain circumstances, parents may be entitled to tuition reimbursement if they place their child in a private school (often referred to as unilateral placement) and bring a case against their public school district under special education law. Because there is no guarantee of success when bringing a tuition reimbursement case, parents assume the risk when they make such private placements. Also, the rules regarding tuition reimbursement are extremely complicated and difficult to navigate. Parents should always seek the advice and counsel of an experienced special education attorney when making unilateral placements and pursuing tuition reimbursement cases. Call us today to see if you have a case.
- If you think your child needs a private special education school and have questions about the cost or whether a school is appropriate, for your child, under special education law, we would be happy to provide further information and guidance. Call us today for help with this process.