How To Choose The Right Special Education School For Your Teen

Maybe your child has been in general education, and you feel it might not be right for them. Or maybe your teen is graduating from a special education middle school, and it’s time to find a high school. Whatever the situation, you’re curious about what’s out there and ready to do some research. You type in special education schools near me, and wow – there’s a lot of options out there! How do you begin to pick? 

While it’s amazing that opportunities for special education continue to grow and our youth have more choice than ever before, it can be daunting when it comes time to make the decision. What are the benefits of the special education system over the public stream? What kind of services should the school offer? Who should I speak to for more information?  

Whether you’re looking for special education schools in Calgary, or advice on what to look for in your own locale, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide to finding the right school for you and your child.  

Understand Your Teenager’s Needs 

The first thing to consider is the type and level of support your child will benefit the most from. Some schools cater solely to specific diagnoses, such as autism schools. In Calgary, there are specialized and pan-disability options available. All schools for learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, or any other condition will have their own criteria for the support needs they are able to accommodate.  

At Calgary Quest Schools, we serve students with moderate-to-severe developmental disabilities of all kinds, which means we are equipped to deal with a range of abilities and complex needs.  

In terms of specific needs for your child, there are a few different things to consider: 

Location and Transportation – Does your child require accessible transportation?  

If your child needs accessible transportation, you can check out options in the area for service. Many of our students utilize Calgary Transit Access or are driven and picked up by their parents. We understand the school day does not always align with parent schedules, so we also offer a Before & After Care program where students can socialize, read, play games and more in a safe environment outside of regular school hours. 

Technology Aids – What sort of speech support aids does the school offer?  

It can be difficult for families to access augmentative and alternative forms of communication – especially pricey high-tech options. The classroom can be a great option for accessing them. At Quest, we offer a range of low-to-high tech communication aids which are accessible to our students during their daily classroom activities. This gives them the opportunity to practice and select the aid they prefer to use. 

Staff-to-Student Ratio – What kind of support will each student receive? 

A benefit of the special education system is that classroom sizes will be small, and each student receives more personalized instruction and support as a result. Look for a school that offers a low staff-to-student ratio, ensuring your child receives the care and attention they deserve.  

And of course, a good support system has many different elements to it beyond the teacher in the classroom. For instance, here at Quest we employ a full team that includes teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and support aides. Each staff member is fully trained and works closely with students. 

And FYI, we maintain a 1:3 ratio for our classrooms, which we feel is pretty good! 

Check Out the Curriculum 

Special education schools have their own curriculums formulated to teach students the same subjects as in general education, utilizing modifications and aids to instruct students in methods that work for them. Typically, there will be additional content focusing on priorities such as communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and life skills, among other things.   

At Quest, we work with a modified Alberta curriculum supported by therapeutic assistance. Our belief is in holistic learning that prepares students academically and personally for their futures.  

Speak to your Doctor, Therapists, & Other Parents 

You may already have a support team of clinical professionals you trust who work with and understand your child’s development, such as a family doctor, an occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist. They can be a great resource to discuss options with, as they will be familiar with your child’s needs.  

Contact The School 

Another option is to reach out to the school directly for more information, especially if you’re still feeling uncertain. At Calgary Quest, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have and share more about our philosophy, programs, and student life so that you feel confident in your choice.  We also offer tours throughout the year for parents to see our school and meet our staff to ensure you are making a decision that works for your family. 

The process of choosing a school for your child can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will help you research special education schools in your area and see what these awesome schools have to offer you and your child.  

Interested in Calgary Quest for your child’s education? Click here to learn more about the admissions process.