Microschools, Another Option for Students With Special Needs

BY ANNE MARIE PALAZZOLO

Anne Marie is a special education teacher, parent, and founder of AMPed Education, AMPed Learning Centers, and most recently, the AMPed Hybrid Academy. AHA is a microschool in Oakland County Michigan serving students of all abilities. One of the only of its kind to have multiple special educators on staff.

Students with special needs are often limited in their options for schools that can support them outside of the public school system. Public schools are eligible to receive funding and other resources under federal IDEA legislation as well as Section 504 of the ADA, and are required to do so, but most private schools are not able to participate. While virtual schools can be a good choice for some, other students thrive with the in-person support they receive at a physical school. Homeschooling is another option, but not every parent is able to take that task on.

Fortunately, there has been an increase in “non-traditional” schools opening. One such format is the microschool. While they can vary widely, microschools are, by definition, very small, allowing teachers to provide the custom support each student needs. With an emphasis on project based learning, small mixed age classes, and personalized instruction, the right microschool can help a student truly meet their potential. “Neurodiverse children, and others whose learning is impacted by diverse levels of ability, are thriving in microschools in ways many never did in their traditional or even public charter schools.” says Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center

Questions to ask when considering whether a microschool is right for your student. What am I looking for in a school for my child? Make a list of what your “ideal” school would include. What’s on it? Why did you choose those things? Which things are the most important to you? Does the staff have training and experience supporting the special needs of my child?

In the state of Michigan, teachers at private schools are NOT required to hold teaching degrees. Check with any schools you are considering to ensure that their teachers are both well trained and experienced facilitating learning for students with diverse needs. If not, is there a special education teacher or consultant on staff? How do they support students when they struggle? What is the school’s educational philosophy?

One of the things that makes them unique, is how much each microschool varies from the next. This means that its important to find out about the values and methods each school uses. While Project Based Learning (PBL) is common, others employ such learning modalities as Charlotte Mason, Montessori, faith based programs, or are equipped to individualize teaching and learning around understanding the particular needs of individual children.

Does your school provide an inclusive environment for my child to form relationships with other students and staff? Characteristics like mixed age classes, collaborative activities, mastery based learning, and flexible timelines allow experienced staff the ability to support each student’s needs.

What kind of accommodations and supports can you provide my child? Assistive technology? Additional staff or co-teachers? Sensory friendly spaces? Flexible scheduling? What does a typical day and week look like at your school? Does school meet daily, or only part of the week? Are parents responsible for some of the instruction at home? Is this a private school or homeschool cooperative?

Some microschools in Michigan are fully accredited private schools, others are actually a place for students to come and learn, but the ultimate responsibility for their education falls on the parents and they are classified as homeschool students. Decide which one is the right fit for your family so you can make an informed decision.