Raising a child with special needs means making a ton of tough decisions. You want to find the best possible education for your child. You also want to ensure they are in a safe and supportive environment. If you’re looking for special needs schools in Houston, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of special needs schools in Houston and the factors you should consider when choosing a school for your child.
Top 5 Special Needs Schools in Houston
If you are ready to start your search for the best special needs schools in Houston, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated options in the area. These schools have proven exceptional in their commitment to providing quality education and support for neurodivergent kids. Here are the top 5 special needs schools in Houston:
| School | Address | City, State | Phone | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Briarwood School | 12207 Whittington Dr | Houston, TX 77007 | (281) 493-1070 | The Briarwood School is a private school that provides a carefully planned curriculum to help students with various learning differences, including dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. |
| Bendwood Elementary | 12750 Kimberley Ln | Houston, TX 77024 | (713) 251-5200 | Bendwood Elementary is a public school that offers special education services like Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and the SPIRAL Program for the Gifted and Talented. |
| The Arbor School | 1919 Knoll St | Houston, TX 77080 | (713) 827-8830 | The Arbor School is a private special needs school for children with a wide range of developmental delays, from 6 weeks old to 18. |
| The Westview School | 1900 Kersten Dr | Houston, TX 77043 | (713) 973-1900 | The Westview School is a private, non-profit school for children with autism spectrum disorder, ranging in ages from 2 to 15 years. |
| The Joy School | One Chelsea Blvd | Houston, TX 77006 | (713) 523-0660 | The Joy School preps kids with learning differences (Grades K-8) to return to traditional classroom settings. They enable them to reach their academic and social potential in a safe and supportive environment. |
What is a School for Learning Disabilities in Houston?
When it comes to finding the right special needs school in Houston, it’s essential to understand there are different options available. A school for learning disabilities provides specialized support and instruction to meet the needs of students with learning differences. These schools address specific challenges, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other language-based learning disabilities.
Goally | The Tablet for Neurodiverse Kids
In Houston, you can find several schools that specialize in supporting students with learning disabilities. These schools employ highly trained educators experienced in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions. They create individualized education plans (IEPs) that target each kid’s specific needs, helping them overcome challenges and achieve academic success. Whether your child needs extra support in reading, writing, math, or other areas, a school for learning disabilities can provide the necessary interventions and accommodations. These schools often offer small class sizes, multisensory teaching methods, and assistive technologies to enhance learning experiences.
When considering a special needs school in Houston, use the following criteria:
- Individualized Instruction: Does the school offer individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each student? Schools that provide one-on-one or small-group instruction can benefit students with learning disabilities.
- Specialized Curriculum: Does the school offer a specialized curriculum designed to address the specific challenges faced by students with learning disabilities? This could include multisensory teaching methods, specialized reading programs, and math interventions.
- Supportive Environment: Does the school provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment? It’s crucial for students with learning disabilities to feel accepted and understood.
- Experienced Staff: Does the school have highly trained and experienced teachers who understand how to teach students with learning disabilities effectively?
- Parental Involvement: Does the school encourage parental involvement and provide regular updates on your child’s progress? Remember, finding the right school for your child with learning disabilities can significantly impact their academic success and self-esteem.
Read more: How to Manage Back to School Anxiety
How Long Can a Special Needs Child Stay in School in Texas?
Navigating the educational landscape for neurodivergent kids in Texas can be a challenge! One question that arises is, “How long can a special needs child stay in school in Texas?” Special education services are available in Texas for eligible students from ages 3 to 21. However, a student who turns 22 during the school year can remain enrolled until the end of that academic year. This provision allows students to receive additional support and instruction to meet their individualized education program (IEP) goals. Furthermore, in some cases, a student’s IEP team may determine that the student requires extended school year (ESY) services. These services are available during the summer or other school breaks to help students maintain academic progress. In short, a special needs child can stay in school in Texas until they graduate with a regular diploma or age out of the system at 22.
What is the Best School for ADHD in Houston?
Special needs schools in Houston aren’t limited to autism. If you search for the best school for a child with ADHD in Houston, you’ll find several fantastic options. Schools specializing in ADHD support understand the unique challenges and strengths of students with ADHD. They implement strategies that help these students stay focused, organized, and engaged in learning. When selecting a school for a child with ADHD, look for an institution that provides the following:
- Individualized Education Plans: These tailored plans outline specific goals, accommodations, and services for the student. They address the student’s unique learning needs and challenges related to ADHD.
- Behavioral Interventions: Schools should offer support to help students manage impulsive behaviors, stay organized, and improve social skills.
- Small Class Sizes: Smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized attention and reduce potential distractions.
- Experienced Staff: The school staff should be knowledgeable about ADHD and equipped with the skills and strategies to support these students.
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Regular communication between parents and teachers is crucial to monitor the student’s progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Read more: After School Routine
What are the Best Texas Public Schools for Special Education?
There are options aside from a specific special needs school in Houston. Many public schools in Texas offer exceptional special education programs. These schools provide various services to support students with diverse learning needs, including speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy. Some of the best Texas public schools for special education include:
- Harmony Science Academy: This school offers a robust special education program with individualized instruction, small class sizes, and highly trained staff.
- Bendwood Elementary: As mentioned earlier, Bendwood Elementary offers special education services and the SPIRAL Program for the Gifted and Talented.
- Katy Independent School District: This school district has strong special education programs, with a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of students. When choosing a public school for your child with special needs, it’s essential to visit the school, meet with the special education team, and learn about their specific services and supports.
Goally in the Classroom
Goally is a great tool for kids with ASD who are looking to improve their life and language skills. It can be used in the home or clinic, and it is tailored to the individual needs of each child. Goally is a digital therapy and teaching assistant that can help kiddos with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Goally can help children with a variety of tasks, including:
- Learning New Skills: Goally’s video classes helps children learn new skills, such as: how to follow directions, how to interact with peers, and how to make a sandwich.
- Increased Communication: Goally helps children effectively communicate wants and needs while also teaching them their first 50 words, allowing children to participate in the world around them.
- Behavior Management: Goally helps children manage their behavior, both in the classroom and at home by rewarding positive behaviors created by parents and teachers.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone! Tools like Goally can help you manage your child’s routines and tasks, providing additional support as you navigate the educational journey together.
This post was originally published on 07/27/2023. It was updated on 12/28/2023.
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