Selecting an appropriate residential school program, for your child, can be a daunting process.  This task can be even more complicated if you are considering making a private placement (also referred to as a unilateral placement) and thinking about pursuing a tuition reimbursement case against your public school district under special education law. 

 

The following questions should be asked when exploring and visiting residential schools. This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other important questions to ask depending on your child’s unique needs and circumstances.  Call us today, to learn more about this process and get help.

 

State Approval

 

1. Is the school state approved as a private special education program?

 

2. Is the school accredited and licensed?

 

3. Does the school have certified teachers?

 

4. Does the school have certified special education teachers?

 

Academics

 

5. What is the profile of the students and what ages does the school service?

 

6. How many students attend the school?

 

7. Is the school coed?

 

1. If so, what is the male/female student ratio?

 

8. What is the student/teacher ratio and the average class size?

 

9. Are students grouped by skill or instructional levels in their classes?

 

10. How does the school provide individualized attention and instruction?

 

11. Does the school offer advanced classes and what percentage of students go on to college?

 

12. What related services can the school provide to students? e. speech therapy, occupational therapy, other specialized services, etc.