Every child has the right to free, appropriate public education.
Some children are exceptional and have handicaps, which make it difficult for them to learn in the regular public school program without special education services. Since Groton's philosophy of education is to provide quality education programming for all children, the Groton Public School System, through the Department of Pupil Personnel and Special Education, assures that all handicapped children, between the ages of 3 and 21, will have available appropriate programs of instruction and related services designed to meet each child's individual needs. Groton strives to educate each child in the least restrictive environment. Programs for special-need students are, therefore, designed to encourage participation in the regular school program whenever possible. The Department services some 800 special needs students.