For the purpose of this guide and the related blogs, a specialized school caters to students who may require more individualized attention, more comprehensive services, and a more structured environment. Some specialized schools serve a particular population, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or dyslexia, while others may have students with a range of learning differences or behavioral challenges. The range is broad, from the Bilgrav School in West Palm Beach, Fla., which provides a curriculum tailored to students with dyslexia, to schools like Atlantis Academy in Coral Springs, Fla., whose students have a wide range of learning differences and/ or emotional/behavioral disabilities, to high-end facilities like Shrub Oak International in New York, a 127-acre boarding school offering state-of-the-art academic and support services for students on the autism spectrum. Keep in mind that children who have been evaluated as gifted and talented also come under the “special education” umbrella; there are specialized schools such as The Greene School in West Palm Beach, Fla., which cater to this population.
Generally, specialized schools are smaller than public schools, have a lower teacher-to-student ratio, and comprise faculty and staff who are trained and certified to work in the special education field. The schools may be physically designed with classroom spaces and décor that take into account their students’ unique aversions, interests, or abilities. Because the student populations are usually smaller, specialized schools may work closely with families and offer coordinated, integrated plans for the child’s academic, behavioral, and social goals.