All children can learn. But not all children are being taught the way they learn best. The essence of finding the right school for a child is matching instruction to the way children learn. Students with learning disabilities, or learning differences, often struggle needlessly when the educational setting is rigid, or directed toward the majority of students. But one size does not fit all. This is especially a problem in international schools where quality and effective special education resources are difficult to find. Thankfully, more and more international schools are adding learning support services, but when students reach high school, the academic demands increase, and thus their needs also change.
Many schools overseas are also reluctant to accept students with learning differences and/or ADHD, and parents end up begging school administrators to accept their child. Then when things become difficult, often parents and students are reluctant to demand more out of fear of being dismissed from the school. This is when some students are better served in an educational setting that understands them, embraces them, helps to rebuild fragile adolescent egos, and empowers kids to realize they can do more than they ever dreamed of.
This is especially true of high school students. When they do not get the academic support they need, they often doubt themselves, their intelligence, learn to hate school, and then adjust their dreams for the future accordingly. Nothing is more satisfying than to know that a young person's hope in the future has been restored. And that can happen when the educational setting is right for them.
There are traditional boarding schools with great learning support, boarding schools just for average to above average students that specialize in only learning disabilities, schools for kids with lower cognitive profiles, schools for those with Aspberger's and schools that do a great job with ADHD students. Within these schools, some schools are better than others at meeting the individual needs of the child. That is why it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the student's individual profile before making any recommendations about school placements.
Rebecca Grappo, Certified Educational Planner and founder of RNG, has visited well over 165 boarding schools, and knows of many others in depth. Let an experienced, professional, and compassionate educational consultant help guide you to the school that will be right for your child. Contact us to see how we can help.
More info:
Articles on Boarding Schools
Taking a Special Needs Child Overseas
Testimonials
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