Exploring Alternative Educational Placements in Central Ohio
Traditional public schools don’t always meet the needs of every student. Whether your child has ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, or behavioral challenges, you may be considering alternative educational placements.
💡 Good news: Ohio offers funding options like the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship, which can cover tuition for approved private placements.
Here’s a comprehensive list of alternative schools in Central Ohio that serve divergent learners.
📌 Alternative Schools for Learning Disabilities & ADHD
📍 Marburn Academy (New Albany, OH)
✔ Who it’s for: Students with ADHD and Dyslexia (Grades 1-12)
✔ Approach: Orton-Gillingham accredited independent day school
✔ Specialties: Gifted education for students with learning differences
📍 Rockbridge Academy
✔ Who it’s for: High school students who need academic & personal support
✔ Districts Served: Olentangy, Upper Arlington, and Worthington
✔ Specialties: Small class sizes, personalized instruction, alternative academic strategies
📌 Schools Specializing in Autism Support
📍 Oakstone Academy
✔ Who it’s for: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
✔ Approach: Inclusion-focused environment blending academics & social skills
✔ Specialties: Leadership development, peer interaction, individualized supports
📍 The Learning Spectrum (Multiple Locations)
✔ Who it’s for: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
✔ Services: OT, Speech Therapy, ABA Therapy, Music Therapy
✔ Specialties: Customized educational and behavioral services
📍 Bridgeway Academy
✔ Who it’s for: Preschool to age 21 students with Autism & developmental disabilities
✔ Services: Speech, Music, Occupational, & Physical Therapy integrated into academics
✔ Specialties: Small classroom sizes, ABA therapy, transition-to-adulthood services
📍 REACH Educational Services
✔ Who it’s for: Children with Autism & developmental disabilities
✔ Approach: ABA-based education with customized behavior plans
✔ Specialties: Family-centered programming, individualized learning
📌 Behavioral & Emotional Support Schools
📍 St. Vincent Prep Academy
✔ Who it’s for: Pre-K through elementary students with behavioral challenges
✔ Approach: Small class sizes, behavioral health treatment integrated with academics
✔ Specialties: Social-emotional learning, individualized support
📍 The Bonner Academy
✔ Who it’s for: Students needing behavioral & academic intervention
✔ Approach: Helps students stabilize, build self-regulation skills, and transition back to district schools
✔ Specialties: 24-hour on-call crisis services & transition support
📍 Eagle Wings Academy
✔ Who it’s for: Students needing social, emotional, and behavioral interventions
✔ Approach: Focuses on building confidence & personal growth
✔ Specialties: Family & community collaboration, positive learning experiences
📍 Ventures Academy (Delaware County)
✔ Who it’s for: Students needing structured social-emotional & behavioral support
✔ Approach: Alternative education setting with behavioral interventions
✔ Specialties: Small-group instruction, trauma-informed education
📍 The Buckeye Ranch
✔ Who it’s for: Students with significant mental health & behavioral challenges
✔ Approach: On-site education with comprehensive therapy services
✔ Specialties: Animal-assisted therapy, art/music therapy, DBT, and CBT interventions
📌 Schools for Transition & Career Readiness
📍 West Central School & Transition Services (WCSTS)
✔ Who it’s for: Ages 14-22 with developmental disabilities
✔ Approach: Hands-on career & independent living skills training
✔ Specialties: Social skills, employment readiness, & community integration
📍 Project SEARCH (Nationwide Children's Hospital)
✔ Who it’s for: High school seniors with Autism & disabilities
✔ Approach: 9-month intensive internship at Nationwide Children's Hospital
✔ Specialties: On-the-job training & career placement support
📍 I Am Boundless
✔ Who it’s for: Students with behavioral health challenges
✔ Approach: ABA-based curriculum with a focus on reintegration into public schools
✔ Specialties: Life skills, communication, pre-vocational training
📌 Unique & Alternative Learning Experiences
📍 Mosaic
✔ Who it’s for: High school juniors & seniors looking for alternative learning models
✔ Approach: Self-directed, exploratory curriculum blending community engagement & research projects
✔ Specialties: Encourages intellectual autonomy, real-world experiences, and diverse perspectives
📍 New Story Schools
✔ Who it’s for: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
✔ Approach: Uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a foundation
✔ Specialties: Highly individualized curriculum & therapeutic interventions
How to Pay for Alternative Placements in Ohio 💰
✔ Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship: Covers tuition for eligible private schools if your child has an IEP.
✔ Autism Scholarship: Covers private placement for students with an Autism diagnosis & IEP.
✔ District-Funded Placement: If your public school cannot meet your child’s needs, they must fund an alternative placement.
💡 Not sure what funding option applies to you? Contact us for guidance!
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit for Your Child 🎒
Every child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive. If traditional public school isn’t working, alternative placements offer specialized support that can make all the difference.
🚀 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇
📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466
📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org
🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org

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