Types of Schools & Placements
Understanding your options is the first step.
Public School with IEP
Your child stays in their local school with an Individualized Education Program outlining accommodations and services.
Best for: Children whose needs can be met with modifications, pull-out services, or an aide within a general education setting.
Substantially Separate Classroom
A self-contained classroom within a public school, typically with a lower student-to-teacher ratio and specialized instruction.
Best for: Children who need more intensive support than inclusion can provide, but don't need a full separate school.
Approved Private Special Ed School
State-approved schools that serve students with disabilities. Placement is funded by the sending school district when they can't provide FAPE.
Best for: Children whose needs exceed what the public school can offer — often after IEP disputes or failed placements.
Independent School with LD Support
Private schools specializing in learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, language-based LD). Families typically pay tuition.
Best for: Bright students who learn differently and thrive in small, specialized environments.
Residential / Day Program
Programs offering both education and residential services for students with significant needs. Some are year-round.
Best for: Students with complex behavioral, medical, or developmental needs requiring 24/7 support.
From Moms Who've Been There
Illustrative examples based on common experiences shared with our community. Not individual endorsements.
"We visited 6 schools before finding the right fit. Bring your child if you can — watch how the staff interact with them, not just how they talk to you."
— Mom of a 10-year-old with autism
"Our district fought the out-of-district placement for a year. Once our advocate presented the data showing regression, they approved it in one meeting."
— Mom of an 8-year-old with multiple LD
"Carroll School changed my son's life. He went from hating school to reading above grade level in two years. Dyslexia schools are a different world."
— Mom of a 12-year-old with dyslexia
"Don't rule out residential. I know it sounds scary, but my daughter is thriving in ways she never could at home. Sometimes the most loving choice is the hardest one."
— Mom of a teen with complex needs
What You Need to Know
What types of schools are out there?
In Massachusetts, options include your local public school (with an IEP or 504), substantially separate classrooms within public schools, approved private special education schools (often called 'out-of-district placements'), independent schools with learning support, and specialized schools for specific disabilities.
Who pays for a private special ed school?
If your school district can't provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) in their own programs, they're required to fund an out-of-district placement at an approved private school. This is usually determined through the IEP process — sometimes through mediation or due process.
What's the difference between a DESE-approved school and an independent school?
DESE-approved private special education schools (sometimes called 'approved private day or residential schools') are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to serve students with disabilities, with tuition funded by the sending school district. Independent schools (like Carroll or Willow Hill) are private and families typically pay tuition, though some may accept district referrals.
How do I know if my child's current placement isn't working?
Signs include: regression on IEP goals, frequent behavioral incidents, your child dreading school, teachers admitting they can't meet needs, or you repeatedly requesting services that never materialize. Trust your instincts — you know your child best.
Free Printable
IEP Meeting Prep Kit
Fill-in worksheet, 12 must-ask questions, and 'say this not that' scripts.
Free Printable
IEP Script Bundle
Word-for-word phrases for when you disagree, need more services, or feel pressured.
Resources & Guides
Tools and organizations to help you find the right placement.
Schools in Our Directory
Community-submitted schools and learning centers across Massachusetts.
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When the School Says They Can't Help
If your child's school says they "can't serve" your child — know your rights under Massachusetts and federal law.
Know the law
Under Massachusetts law (603 CMR 28.00) and federal IDEA, your school district must provide FAPE — Free Appropriate Public Education. They cannot simply say 'we can't serve your child' without offering an alternative placement at their expense.
Source: 603 CMR 28.00; 20 U.S.C. §1412(a)(1)
They cannot send your child home
If a school says they 'can't handle' your child's behavior, that is not a legal basis for removal. Under IDEA, removals beyond 10 cumulative school days trigger 'change of placement' protections, including a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR).
Source: 20 U.S.C. §1415(k); 603 CMR 28.09(4)
Request an emergency IEP meeting
You have the right to request an IEP team meeting at any time — in writing. State that your child's current placement is not meeting their needs and request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) if one doesn't exist.
Source: 34 CFR §300.324
Document everything
Save every email, note, and call log. If the school says something verbally, follow up in writing: 'Per our conversation on [date], you stated [X]. Please confirm or correct.' This creates a paper trail.
Source: Best practice — recommended by FCSN and Disability Law Center
File a complaint if needed
If the district is not providing services, you can file a complaint with the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Problem Resolution System. This is free and does not require a lawyer.
Source: DESE Problem Resolution System — doe.mass.edu/prs
Get an advocate
A special education advocate can attend IEP meetings with you and knows the regulations. FCSN offers free training, and our directory lists advocates in Massachusetts.
Source: FCSN (fcsn.org); MAK Advocacy Directory
Questions to Ask When Visiting a School
Print this list. Bring it on your tour.
- 1What is your student-to-teacher ratio?
- 2What specific training does your staff have for my child's disability?
- 3Can you walk me through a typical day for a student with my child's profile?
- 4What therapies and services are available on-site?
- 5How do you handle behavioral challenges?
- 6What does your transition planning look like (for older students)?
- 7Can we schedule an observation day before committing?
- 8What does parent communication look like — how often and in what format?
This is information, not a school placement recommendation. Listings are community-submitted and not independently verified. Always visit schools in person and consult your IEP team before making placement decisions.