For millions of students, special education is the key to reaching their full potential. Special Ed. programs are meant to support kids with disabilities, but too often, schools fall short. When that happens, students struggle in class, face emotional challenges, and feel isolated. Worse yet, instead of being helped, many are unfairly disciplined.
For parents in Metro Atlanta, navigating special education can feel like an uphill battle. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can step in. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. We ensure that your child has the resources to succeed in school.
Your Child's Right to Special Education: What You Need to Know
If you're interested in a top public school district, it's helpful to know that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools were confusing disability-related behaviors with bad behavior—IDEA made sure students got help, not punishment. Now, public schools must ensure that their special education services are customized to meet the needs of each child. In Georgia, special education rules are established by the Georgia Department of Education Division for Exceptional Children.
What Does a Special Education Program Look Like?
Special education is customized for every child. For some, it means getting specialized reading support outside the regular classroom, while others may receive extra help from a special education teacher in the general education setting. Some students benefit from self-contained classrooms with tailored lessons in life skills, functional academics, and speech development.
Metro Atlanta School Districts
Here are a few examples of schools in Metro Atlanta and their own approach to special ed:
The Howard School
The Howard School, a private special ed. The school serves K-12 students with language-based learning disabilities and learning differences. Its website states: “Howard School students possess average to superior cognitive skills and thrive when their ‘outside the box' thinking is allowed to blossom. They may have struggled in typical schools due to large class sizes, lack of teacher understanding, and the anxiety that comes from being ‘pulled for services.' Our highly-trained teachers, small class sizes, and individualized instruction empower students to reach their full potential and experience the success and self-confidence every child deserves.”
Buford City School District
Buford is a public school district known for its academic excellence. Here is an excerpt from Buford's Special Ed. Mission Statement: “Buford City Schools is dedicated to providing quality instructional services and support to students with disabilities., enabling them to foster their independence and become contributing and productive citizens.” This school would be a good choice for parents who prefer their child to learn alongside regular students.
Fulton County School System
Fulton County School System is another well-regarded public school district. Fulton County School System's “Services for Exceptional Children” (aka Special Ed) sets forth the following Value Statements:
- The belief that all students with disabilities are capable of accessing grade-level content.
- The belief that all students with disabilities have strengths that enable them to learn and grow academically, socially, and independently.
- The belief that all students with disabilities deserve access to the general education environment to the greatest extent possible.
- The belief that all students with disabilities deserve access to non-academic school-based activities.
- The belief that all school leaders, teachers, and support staff are fundamentally responsible for the success of students with disabilities.
Fulton is a good bet if you are seeking a public school where your child can learn alongside regular-needs kids.
If a special ed kid isn't getting the right support, Georgia allows parents to transfer their child to a different school that may better meet their needs. This includes both public and private schools (scholarships available).
Getting the Right Plan in Place for Your Child
Here's how to be proactive about the services your child needs:
- Know the Evaluation Process: Schools have to check if a student has a disability, but that doesn't mean they always get it right. Knowing how the process works helps you make sure your child gets a fair and accurate evaluation.
- Build a Strong Individualized Education Program (IEP): An IEP isn't just some boring school form—it's the blueprint for your child's success. It spells out the help they'll get, what they're great at, where they struggle, and what they're working toward. Keep it real and make sure it actually helps by updating it every year.
- Keep Track of Your Child's Progress: Keep an eye on how your child's IEP is working. If it's not doing the job, don't wait—ask for a meeting and push for changes that actually help.
- Get Legal Guidance: If the school isn't listening or your child isn't getting what they need, a special education lawyer can help cut through the red tape and make sure their rights are protected.
The right support makes all the difference.
The Lento Law Firm: Helping Students with Special Needs
We help when schools fail to provide proper support:
- Smart Advocacy: Knowing when to push and when to play it smart makes all the difference. We read the situation, spot the roadblocks, and build a game plan that protects your child's rights. We stay sharp, steady, and focused on real results.
- Tailored Support: No two kids are the same, and their education shouldn't be either. We take the time to understand what makes your child unique, making sure every move we make helps them thrive and get the support they need.
- Protecting Families Everywhere: No matter where you live, we know how to navigate federal and state special education laws. Our team is ready to fight for the services and support your child deserves.
- Forward-Thinking Representation: Special education policies change, but we stay ahead of the curve. We adapt to new laws and emerging challenges to make sure your child gets the resources they need—today and in the future.
No two children are alike, and neither are their educational needs.
The Lento Law Firm: Fighting for You and Your Child
Advocating for special needs kids in Metro Atlanta means knowing federal and State laws, local school district policies, and practical strategies. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team understands the ins and outs of special education law. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. Your child's rights matter—we make sure schools listen.
