Schools & Programs

Inclusion in education means educating students with disabilities in the same classrooms and community schools as other students of the same age. In an inclusive setting, the student with disabilities receives the necessary accommodations, supports and modifications that will enable them to be included in a general classroom setting. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not use the term inclusion. It does require that students with disabilities be educated in their “Least Restrictive Environment.”

If the parent and the IEP team determine that the student cannot be successful in the general education classroom, even with the supplementary aids and services, an alternate placement is considered. There are several public schools and programs in Delaware that serve children with disabilities in alternative settings.

Private schools are not covered under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are not required to provide a free appropriate education or special education services to children with disabilities. Private schools are bound by Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and cannot discriminate against a child with a disability and might be responsible for providing specific modifications or accommodations.

Centreville Layton School
private school serving kids grades K – 12 with learning differences

Delaware Autism Program (DAP)
public school program for children with autism spectrum disorder

Delaware School for the Deaf
public education program for deaf, hard of hearing and deaf/blind students ages birth to 21

Department of Education: Special Education
state department providing leadership and oversight to special education programs statewide

First State School
school program within Wilmington Hospital for children with serious illnesses

Gateway Lab School
public charter school serving kids 3 – 8 grade with learning differences and/or ADHD

Howard T. Ennis School
public school program for students ages 3 -21 with disabilities in the Indian River District

John G. Leach School
public school program for students ages 3 – 21 with disabilities in New Castle County

John S. Charlton School
public education program for students ages 2- 21 with disabilities

The College School
private school serving kids grades K – 8 with learning differences and/or mild behavioral issues

The Pilot School
private school serving kids ages 5 – 14 with language-based learning problems