These "special needs" schools can address a wide variety of disorders from Aspergers Syndrome
to Dyslexia to emotional problems to drug/alcohol addiction. Some of these programs are college
preparatory; others have a more transitional mission and are preparing their students for a return to
the mainstream. Most special needs schools fall into two broad categories: Learning Disabilities
and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. On occasion, there is a crossover and children struggle with
problems in both categories.
Learning Disabilities
Close to 20% of the school age population are diagnosed with a learning difference. Some LD
students just need small classes, academic support and minor classroom accommodations. These
students usually do fine in a small, structured boarding school which has tutorial support available.
This type of school is not appropriate if the LD issues are more severe and the student is in need
of direct and intensive language remediation. There are only a few boarding schools in the country
that provide this service. Curriculums at these schools use multi-sensory approaches and
experimental teaching strategies. Each teacher is trained in the use of language remediation
techniques.
Some LD students struggle with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and have what is known as executive functioning issues. These
students are oftentimes bright, but disorganized and unfocused. Despite their high level of
intelligence, they haven't achieved in the traditional classroom. These types of LD issues can best
be met in schools which have tutorial centers where faculty teach organizational and time
management skills. A few boarding schools work exclusively with LD students with low IQs
where the primary goal is to prepare the student for the workplace or perhaps a community
college.
Emotional/Behavioral Programs
Families need to know there is hope if their adolescent exhibits behavioral or emotional problems.
There are a number of therapeutic boarding schools which can address these types of problems
and provide the necessary treatment. Therapeutic programs are highly structured, and adult
controlled and are for at-risk adolescents. Most provide clinical services such as individual and/or
group therapy, cognitive behavior modification, social skills training, and drug/alcohol education
programs. Criteria for placement in therapeutic schools varies from program to program.
Extensive psychological and academic testing is required. Length of stay is typically 18 months to
2 years. As your Educational Consultant, I will help guide you through the evaluation and
placement process and identify which schools/programs can best meet the needs of your
son/daughter.
