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Alternative Educational Placements in Central Ohio 🏫📚

Writer's picture: Sophia WhitehouseSophia Whitehouse

Updated: 4 days ago

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


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