Private School

Just because your child is diagnosed with a disability does not mean that he/she cannot attend private school. Public school districts are required to spend a proportionate share of their federal special education funds for students with disabilities parentally placed in private schools, to fund service plans.  Public school districts are required to meet with the administrators of private institutions in their area at least annually to discuss what services they will provide.

Home School

Parents may decide to enroll their children in home school programs for a variety of reasons. Some feel their child needs the small structured environment of home. Some do not want their child exposed to the standardized requirements of a public school. Some need to avoid social situations. It could be that the child is involved in an activity that requires them to have an extremely flexible schedule.

If you believe your home-schooled child has a learning difficulty, you have the right to an evaluation and to seek services from your local public school district. However, the school district is not required to provide services to home-schooled children.

Local Resources

David Posnack Jewish Day School’s Kulam Program
Offers personalized, differentiated instruction based on readiness, rate of learning and methodology. Kulam fosters academic, social and emotional competence, developing a sense of self-worth and self-confidence that will lead to future success. Kulam’s support services include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, social skills/pragmatics and guidance in collaboration with teachers.

South Florida Jewish Academy
A unique, nonprofit private school for children in grades K – 12 with disabilities and learning differences. They work closely with parents to address their children’s different abilities and specific way of learning in a positive and nurturing environment. Children are taught to be creative, imaginative thinkers, leaders, actively involved in academic and social activities that build self- confidence, self-esteem, and self-motivation.

Kesher LD
A Jewish day school (grades K – 12) that provides Judaic and secular studies for students with learning challenges and developmental delays, such as dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and autism.

Quick Links

Jewish Day School Finder
A searchable directory of North American Jewish Day Schools

Understanding the Home School Option
If you believe your home-schooled child has a learning disorder, you have the right to seek an evaluation and services from your local public-school district. The level of responsibility that the school district has for providing special education services to eligible home-schooled students depends on whether the IEP team determines that the services should be provided.

Understanding the Private School Option
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) specifically states that a private institution student DOES NOT have the same legal rights to special education services as special education student in public school. Private schools ARE NOT mandated by law to provide special education services or programs.

NONETHELESS… Public school districts receive a small amount of funding each year from the federal government to pay for Instructional Education Plans (IEP) for special education students who attend private settings.