Public schools have limitations.
They are legally obligated to provide an inclusive education for children with special needs, but the system is not designed to support neurodiverse learners.
In Florida in particular, student success is defined by a mastery of benchmark standards as demonstrated through multiple progress monitoring tests. The FAST Assessment is a combination of reading, writing, and mathematics assessments modeled after the Florida BEST Standards, and these rigorous tests begin as early as VPK!
The expectations and stress are intense for all students, and special needs children are the most negatively affected.
What are the challenges faced by children with special needs in public school?
Children with special needs may face several challenges in public schools, including:
Limited Resources: Public schools may have limited resources to accommodate the needs of children with special needs, such as access to specialized equipment, trained professionals, and additional support services.
Inadequate Training: Teachers and staff in public schools may not always have the necessary training and experience to work with children with special needs, which can result in inadequate support and services for these students.
Stigma and Bullying: Children with special needs may be stigmatized or bullied by their peers, which can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
Lack of Individualized Attention: Public schools may have larger class sizes and a higher teacher-to-student ratio, which can make it difficult to provide individualized attention and support to each student.
Inflexible Curriculum: Public schools may have a standardized curriculum that is not flexible enough to meet the individual needs of children with special needs, which can lead to frustration and a lack of progress in their academic and social development.
Limited Accessibility: Public schools may not always be physically accessible for children with mobility impairments, hearing or visual impairments, or other disabilities, which can create additional barriers to their education and participation in school activities.
What are the potential benefits of private schools for children with special needs?
There are so many. A unique student deserves a unique education.
A capable child must be an able child, and a private institution like the Broach School offers ample opportunities for success, including:
Individualized Attention: Private schools for children with special needs often have smaller class sizes and a higher teacher-to-student ratio, which can provide more individualized attention and support for each child’s unique learning needs.
The Broach School’s maximum class size includes 15 students, but classes are generally even smaller. One-on-one and small group assistance is provided for every child.
Specialized Programs: Private schools for children with special needs may offer specialized programs and services that are tailored to the specific needs of each student. For example, they may have speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or other professionals on staff to provide additional support and services.
The Broach School offers 6 specialized learning programs, including traditional, rigorous, and foundational paths.
More Flexibility: Private schools may have more flexibility to accommodate the needs of individual students, such as providing additional time for tests or adjusting the curriculum to meet the student’s needs.
Strong Community: Private schools for children with special needs often foster a strong sense of community among parents, teachers, and students, which can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging for students who may feel isolated or misunderstood in other settings.
Higher Academic Standards: Private schools may have higher academic standards and expectations for their students, which can help children with special needs achieve their full potential and prepare them for future success.
Through its college preparatory program, The Broach School offers an education emphasizing the skills and courses needed for the college setting. These students take Dual Enrollment courses in their high school years.
The socio-emotional impact of the school setting.
A special needs private school also provides the socio-emotional security a struggling student needs. While working with like-minded peers, bullying, harassment, and othering of special needs children are not part of the equation. Instead, the child is in an environment where his uniqueness is the norm.
In conclusion, the education system for special needs students in public schools has many limitations and challenges, making it difficult for these students to receive the individualized attention, specialized programs, and emotional support they need to thrive academically and socially.
Private schools, like the Broach School, offer several potential benefits for children with special needs, such as smaller class sizes, specialized programs, more flexibility, a strong sense of community, and higher academic standards.
Attending a special needs private school can also provide the socio-emotional security that struggling students need to feel accepted and valued.
Ultimately, providing a unique education that caters to the individual needs of special needs students is essential for their success, and private schools can offer the necessary resources and support to achieve that goal.
If your child faces challenges in the traditional public school setting, it’s time to consider a specialized private education. At The Broach School, we understand the unique needs of students with special abilities and ensure they receive the attention, programs, and emotional support necessary for them to flourish. Discover the difference a specialized school like The Broach School can make. Visit our enrollment page to start the process.
