School districts have some and those solutions work fine for many families. But for those who need more, one solution is the program at Orchard Friends School in Riverton, New Jersey.
The private school draws students from various parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
In some cases, a school district will choose the school as the solution to a particular need, and pay the tuition.
More often, parents will select the school and are liable for the cost. Base tuition is $32,000 a year, but many forms of assistance are available. Administrators often counsel parents not to conclude they can't afford it until they've talked the situation out with the school.
This year, 25 students attended in first through tenth grades. Come the fall, the school hopes to add another year of high school.
The ultimate goal is to be a K-12 school, but never larger than their ability to meet student needs. The student-to-teacher ratio this year is four to one. In addition to various therapies, the school uses a lot of activities to keep students involved and interested.
Sometimes, a taste of this type of learning gets a child up to speed and transition back to a general school is possible. But special needs children are often easy targets for bullies and parents elect to keep them at Orchard Friends as a safer atmosphere.
The school also operates a six-week day camp each summer. It offers prescribed therapies and some academics, paired with regular outings and trips. The entire program is run by certified professionals.
The school is located at 405 Linden Avenue in Riverton, New Jersey.
For more information. Phone them at 856-786-1123, or go to their website, http://www.orchardfriends.org
