Every Child is Unique

Understanding your child's specific needs, strengths, and challenges is the first step in finding the right school environment. For my family, this journey began when my son started receiving early intervention services at just 13 months old. He attended a typical preschool at 20 months, but we soon realized that a more specialized environment would better support him. At 26 months, we transitioned him to a neurodiversity-affirming ABA center full-time.

From there, we explored multiple options, including part-time special education in a public preschool. While the program was well-intentioned, it wasn’t the right fit for our son, so we made the tough decision to pull him out after seven months. Our next step was enrolling him in an inclusive, diversity-friendly preschool, where he thrived with the support of a full-time aide.

Now, we are actively researching private school options that affirm neurodivergent strengths and support his unique needs. Every step of this journey has reminded me how crucial it is to find an environment that truly embraces a child’s spirit and helps them thrive.

Recognizing That Needs May Change

As parents, we must also recognize that a child’s needs can change over time. What works for them at one stage may not be the best fit as they grow and develop. Flexibility and regular evaluations of their progress are key to ensuring their educational environment continues to meet their needs.

The Importance of a Strong Support Team

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having the right team. Building a supportive, multidisciplinary team—including therapists, teachers, and specialists—can make all the difference. These professionals provide insight, guidance, and advocacy to help you navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

Advocating for your child in these settings is equally essential. Whether it’s working with teachers, understanding legal rights through an IEP, or ensuring that accommodations are honored, advocacy is a skill that every parent of a neurodivergent child needs to develop.

This is where I can help. Through my own experiences and professional background, I’ve developed strategies to guide parents in finding the right resources, building a neurodiversity-affirming team, and advocating effectively for their child’s needs.

Exploring School Options

Once you have a good understanding of your child's needs, it's time to explore the educational options available. For neurodivergent children, these often include:

Public Schools: Many public schools offer Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to support children with unique needs. Research the resources and accommodations your local school district provides.
Private Schools: Some private schools specialize in serving neurodivergent learners. These schools often have smaller class sizes, tailored curriculums, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Specialized Schools: These schools are designed specifically for neurodivergent children or those with learning differences, offering targeted support and therapies as part of their educational programs.
Homeschooling or Hybrid Models: For some families, homeschooling or hybrid schooling provides the flexibility needed to customize a child's education. These options can be especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities or those who thrive in nontraditional environments.

Private Neurodiverse Schools in Atlanta Metro Area

I began exploring private schools for my son after realizing the public school system wasn’t the right fit for our family. While some public schools offer exceptional inclusion programs and autism support, our zoned school unfortunately did not meet my son’s needs. It’s important to note that Fulton County does provide a School Choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zone between December 9th and January 15th. Decisions are typically shared shortly thereafter, providing an opportunity for families to find a better fit within the public system. If you are located in another county please check their school websites to determine if you have this option as well.

For families like ours, the Atlanta metro area offers a wealth of private school options, each with unique strengths and approaches to education. Touring these schools is a vital part of finding the right match for your child’s needs. Here are just 12 private schools worth considering, and know there are many more to explore:

Lionheart School: Located in Alpharetta, this school serves students aged 6-21 and emphasizes relationship-based and sensory-rich learning environments.
Cumberland Academy of Georgia: Based in Sandy Springs, this school caters to students in grades 4-12 with autism and other learning differences, offering a tailored academic and social skills curriculum.
Porter Academy: Situated in Roswell, Porter serves Pre-K through 8th grade and provides individualized instruction in small classes for children with learning challenges.
Jacob’s Ladder: Located in Roswell, this neurodevelopmental school serves students from preschool to young adults and focuses on holistic and therapeutic interventions.
The Cottage School: Also in Roswell, this school serves grades 3-12, combining small classes with a focus on social and emotional growth. And will now have K-2 starting in the fall of 2025!
Mill Springs Academy: Based in Alpharetta, it serves students in grades 1-12 and provides a college-prep curriculum designed for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
New Heights Academy: Located in Loganville, this school serves K-12 students, focusing on individualized instruction for children with autism and other special needs.
Hirsch Academy: In Decatur, Hirsch caters to K-8 students and provides neurodiversity-affirming support, emphasizing developmental progress and emotional regulation.
Friendship Forest Academy: Situated in Lawrenceville, this school offers personalized programs for neurodiverse learners in grades K-12, focusing on self-paced growth.
St. Francis School: With campuses in Alpharetta and Milton, St. Francis serves Pre-K through 12th grade, providing a balance of academic rigor and social-emotional support.
MDE School: Located in East Cobb, this school serves students aged 5-18 with developmental disabilities, offering a nurturing, small-class environment.
The Howard School: Based in Atlanta, this K-12 school specializes in educating children with language-based learning differences and incorporates a strengths-based approach.

Touring these schools and understanding their cultures, values, and services can be transformative in identifying the best educational fit for your child. These 12 are just a few of the private school options available in the area.

Additionally, private daycares, preschools, and kindergartens can sometimes be open to inclusion and willing to accommodate a child’s needs by allowing a dedicated aide to support them. Exploring these options can be an excellent step for younger children who might benefit from early intervention and inclusion-focused environments.

If you feel overwhelmed by the choices or don’t know where to start, I can help walk you through these schools and other options, guiding you toward the best fit for your child and family.

Advocating for Inclusion and Support

When exploring school options, ask questions like:

How does the school approach inclusion and neurodiversity?
What support services are available on-site (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy)?
Are teachers trained in neurodiversity-affirming practices?

Advocating for these resources not only helps your child but can also create a ripple effect of understanding and acceptance within the school community.

Partnering with Professionals

Partnering with professionals like psychologists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists can also help you build a clear picture of your child's needs and ensure the school you choose can meet them. Sharing detailed notes and evaluations with schools and maintaining open communication with your team are crucial for continuity of care and progress.

Empowering Your Journey

Choosing a school for your neurodivergent child is a deeply personal decision, one that requires balancing practical needs with your intuition as a parent. Trust yourself, seek out resources, and lean on your community as you navigate this path.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need personalized guidance, I’m here to help. I can work with you to find the right resources, build a support team, and advocate effectively for your child.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your child’s needs and create a tailored plan for their success. Together, we can build the bridge to a brighter future for your family.

Finding the Best School for Your Neurodivergent Child: A Guide for Atlanta Parents