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 are a lot of options out there! How do you begin to choose?

While it's amazing that opportunities for special education continue to grow and our youth have more choices than ever before, it can be daunting when it comes time to make a decision. What are the benefits of the special education system compared to the public education system? 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 community, 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 that would benefit your child most. Some schools cater solely to specific diagnoses, such as autism. In Calgary, there are specialized and pan-disability options available. Schools supporting students with learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, or other conditions will have their own criteria for the support needs they are able to accommodate.

At Calgary Quest School, we serve students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities, which means we are equipped to support a range of abilities and complex needs.

In terms of your child's specific needs, 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 explore available transportation services in your area. Many of our students utilize Calgary Transit Access or are driven to and picked up from school by their parents. We understand that the school day does not always align with parents' schedules, so we also offer a Before and 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 Communication Supports Does the School Offer?

It can be difficult for families to access augmentative and alternative forms of communication, especially expensive high-tech options. The classroom can be a great place for students to access these supports. At Quest, we offer a range of low-tech and high-tech communication aids that are accessible to our students during their daily classroom activities. This gives them the opportunity to practise using different aids and identify which ones work best for them.

Staff-to-Student Ratio – What Kind of Support Will Each Student Receive?

One benefit of many special education schools is their smaller class sizes, which allow students to receive more personalized instruction and support. Look for a school that offers a low staff-to-student ratio, ensuring your child receives the care and attention they deserve.

Of course, a good support system includes many different elements 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.

At Calgary Quest School, we maintain a 1:3 staff-to-student ratio, allowing us to provide individualized attention and support.

Check Out the Curriculum

Special education schools may adapt the general education curriculum to meet students' individual learning needs, using modifications, accommodations, and specialized teaching methods. 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. We believe in holistic learning that prepares students academically and personally for their futures.

Speak to Your Doctor, Therapists, and 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 a speech-language pathologist. These professionals can be valuable resources when exploring educational options, as they are familiar with your child's individual 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, giving parents the opportunity to explore our school, meet our staff, and make an informed decision about their child's education.

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 discover what these schools have to offer you and your child.

Interested in Calgary Quest for your child's education? Visit our admissions page to learn more about the admissions process.