Children requiring specialized academic, behavioral and/or developmental support need to find the correct educational setting. There is no better way for parents to identify the Best Special Education Schools located in Virginia Beach, VA than by seeking out programs that provide individualized instruction, compassionate staff, and structured assistance to help them to become successful.
Virginia Beach and the surrounding area of Hampton Roads have many highly regarded educational facilities that are committed to providing services to children with learning disabilities or difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, emotional or behavioral difficulties. The purpose of this guide is to highlight schools known for their special education programs, excellent curriculum and commitment to student success.
What Is Special Education?
Special education serves the unique learning needs of students that have other types of supports needed to be successful in school (academic, behavioral or developmental); and typically provides:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- Small class sizes
- Speech, occupational and/or behavioral therapy
- Social skills development
- Adapted curriculum and instructional strategies
The focus is to develop students to become more independent, build self-esteem and increase their academic growth through an organized and supportive environment created for learning.
Here’s how we selected the best special education schools using criteria that help us meet our goals of providing high-quality services:
- Quality and specialty expertise of specialized personnel for teachers and aides
- Amount of time spent training and working with staff
- Local community reliability and credibility
- Number of, and types of available support services
- Programs designed specifically for people with different learning disabilities.
Top Special Education Schools in Virginia Beach, VA
1. Chesapeake Bay Academy
Chesapeake Bay Academy has been honored for using an individualistic method of education for individuals (children) with differences in learning. The Academy provides small group instruction, multisensory instruction, and a personal academic plan for each student.
Specialty:
- Differences in learning – such as dyslexia, language-based problems
- Quality special education
- Structured literacy instruction
A distinguishing feature of the Academy is their commitment to building students’ confidence and mastering the skills necessary to support the success of students, providing targeted support to meet each family’s needs.
Why parents like it:
- Balanced academics and sports
- Large campus with strong community support
- College-focused environment
2. Peninsula School at The Faison Centre
Peninsula School at The Faison Centre is uniquely devoted to providing care and education specifically for children with autism. The School is recognized for creating and developing complete, individualized educational programs to provide each child with support at the level needed based upon the individual child’s developmental/educational needs.
Specialty:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Integration of behavioral therapy
- Individualized comprehensive support plans
Focuses heavily on teamwork between the therapist, educator and the family to create consistency of progress made by the child across all environments.
3. Rivermont Tidewater
The Rivermont Tidewater program is designed to support children from kindergarten through twelfth grade who have Emotional Disturbances and/or are on the Autism Spectrum by providing them with individualized instruction in a structured setting based on a specific behavioral approach to their needs.
Format of Services Provided to Students:
- Individualized Treatment Plans and Therapeutic Assistance
- Structured Environment
- Individualized Goals Developed with Student and Parents
4. East End Academy
East End Academy is an alternative educational institution focused on providing a supportive environment for students with behavioral/social/emotional issues and/or LDs. Students are provided with a consistent routine and structure to support their academic progress and promote their social emotional well being.
Format of Services Provided to Students:
- Support for Students with Behavioral Difficulties and Learning Disabilities
- Small Class Sizes
- Individualized Learning Plans Developed with Student and Parents
5. Community High School of Arts & Academics
The Community High School of Arts & Academics is an innovative public school that integrates arts into the educational process while providing individual education programs to all students. The school provides a supportive environment where students can develop their creativity and academic skills.
Format of Services Provided to Students:
- Integrated Art Program and Individualized Learning Plans Developed with Student and Parents
- Supportive Environment
- Artistic Expression and Creativity Supported While Learning.
Options for Special Education: Public vs. Private
When looking for special education options, if you live in Virginia Beach you will have many public and private programs to choose from.
Public Schools offer:
- Services that are provided based on each child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Inclusive classroom options
- Access to district specialists such as speech or occupational therapists
Private Schools offer:
- Smaller class sizes
- Specialized programs that meet specific needs
- Therapeutic support
Deciding between public or private programs depends on the type of support your child needs, how much funding is available to you, and your child’s learning needs.
Advice about Selecting a Suitable Special Education School
Parents should consider the following when assessing special education schools:
- Visit classes and watch how teachers instruct their pupils.
- Find out what credentials and experience the teacher(s) have.
- Research the number of children per teacher.
- Learn about therapies that can be integrated into the learning process.
- Talk about how communication will occur between home and school.
- Investigate how progress will be monitored and measured.
The right school for your child is one where the curriculum matches your child’s individual needs as a learner, their behavioural characteristics and emotional stability.
Enrollment and Assessment Criteria
Usually before enrolment families will be required to:
- Request an educational assessment.
- Participate in I.E.P. or eligibility meetings.
- Submit any required academic and/or medical documentation.
- Attend interviews and/or school tours.
There is an advantage to planning ahead as some specialized programs may not have openings available at certain times throughout the year.
Recommended Reading: Things to do in Virginia Beach, VA
Conclusion
Families that have children who require specialized education programs, such as those with autism or other behavioural issues or those who are learning disabled, will find a wealth of options available in Virginia Beach. With many schools that are dedicated to the academic and personal growth of their students, families can choose schools that provide a structure for students to succeed in an academic environment.
It is critical to find the right special education school for your child’s needs. This requires careful research, visiting schools, and discussing possible options with educators in order to determine what is best for your child. Finding the right school and providing children with the support they need, will allow them to develop confidence and independence that will lead to success throughout their lives.
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