Disability and Schooling Choices in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Choosing a school for a child with a disability in Grand Rapids, MI takes thoughtful planning, local research, and collaboration with educators and healthcare providers.

Grand Rapids families have access to a range of schooling options and support services, including local public schools, private and faith-based schools, and specialized programs, as well as medical and therapeutic support from Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and community resources like the Kent County Health Department.

Choosing a School in Grand Rapids for a Child With a Disability

Look for support programs that match your child’s needs

The school you select should offer support services that fit your child’s specific disability, learning style, and medical needs. In the Grand Rapids area, options may include:

  • Neighborhood public schools in Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) and nearby districts (Kentwood, Wyoming, Forest Hills, Rockford, etc.)
  • Charter schools that may offer inclusive education models
  • Private and parochial schools, including Catholic schools supported by the Diocese of Grand Rapids
  • Special education programs within local districts and regional centers serving students with more complex needs

Some specialized programs may only enroll children with particular disabilities (for example, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or significant physical disabilities), so it’s important to confirm eligibility.

Starting school is a major milestone for any child. For a child with a disability, there are additional medical, educational, and emotional factors to consider—especially in a city like Grand Rapids, where winter weather, transportation, and seasonal illnesses can affect daily school attendance and accessibility.

Planning Ahead Makes the Process Smoother

Start planning 12–18 months before kindergarten

In Michigan, children who turn 5 years old on or before September 1 are generally eligible to start kindergarten that fall (with some flexibility in certain districts). Because evaluations, meetings, and support planning take time, it’s wise to start exploring school options 12–18 months before your child begins school.

When planning, think about:

  • The type and level of support your child will need at school
  • How your child manages transitions, new environments, and sensory input
  • Transportation needs, especially during snowy Grand Rapids winters
  • Proximity to your home and medical providers (such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Access to therapies (speech, occupational, physical therapy) either on-site or nearby

Your Child’s Right to Attend School in Grand Rapids

All children have the right to enroll in their local public school

Under federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), children with disabilities have the right to:

  • Attend their local public school
  • Be considered for placement in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
  • Receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, when eligible
  • Access special education, related services, and reasonable accommodations

Public schools in Grand Rapids and across Kent County are required to develop educational programs that aim to meet each child’s individual needs.

Schooling Options in Grand Rapids, MI

When deciding where to send your child to school, you might consider:

1. Local public elementary school

Grand Rapids Public Schools and nearby districts provide:

  • Inclusive classrooms with support for students with disabilities
  • Special education programs and resource rooms
  • Related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy
  • Access to school psychologists and social workers

2. Catholic and other faith-based schools

Catholic schools in the Grand Rapids area may receive funding to support inclusive education for students with disabilities. Ask:

  • What supports are available for students with learning, physical, or developmental disabilities
  • How they collaborate with public school districts for special education services
  • Whether they have experience with IEPs or 504 Plans

3. Independent and charter schools

Some independent and charter schools in West Michigan actively support the inclusion of students with disabilities. When visiting, ask how they:

  • Provide accommodations and modifications
  • Coordinate with local districts for evaluations and services
  • Support students with complex medical needs, especially during cold and flu season

4. Specialized programs

Across Kent County, there are special education programs and classrooms designed for children who need more intensive support. These may be located within neighborhood schools or at specific centers.

Ask your district’s special education office or the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) about:

  • Autism-specific classrooms or programs
  • Programs for children with cognitive or multiple disabilities
  • Services for students with hearing or vision impairments

How to Decide Which Grand Rapids School Is Best for Your Child

Talk with people who know your child well

Start by consulting with:

  • Your child’s preschool teacher or daycare provider
  • Early childhood intervention specialists (such as Early On Michigan providers)
  • Healthcare professionals at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health who understand your child’s medical and developmental needs

Ask them:

  • What type of school environment might suit your child best?
  • What supports have helped your child succeed so far?
  • What challenges should you discuss with potential schools?

Visit schools and meet with principals

To gather more information:

  • Make an appointment with the school principal to discuss your child’s needs
  • Attend school open houses or tours in Grand Rapids and surrounding districts
  • Talk to other parents of children with disabilities in your area

Some key questions to ask:

  • What is the size of the school and typical class size?
  • What special education services are available on-site?
  • Is there an inclusion or resource teacher who supports classroom teachers?
  • How does the school handle IEP or 504 Plan development and review?
  • What aides or paraprofessionals are available to support students?
  • How does the school manage winter weather, transportation, and accessibility (sidewalks, ramps, bus loading, etc.)?
  • What safety and health procedures are in place for children with medical needs (for example, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders)?

Support Teams and Planning Groups

Once you choose a school, you may become involved with several types of planning and support groups.

Student evaluation and planning

In public schools, the process often includes:

  • Evaluation or assessment team – professionals (such as school psychologists, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists) who assess your child’s needs
  • IEP team – includes parents or guardians, classroom teacher, special education teacher, school administrator, and sometimes therapists or other specialists

Together, these groups:

  • Review your child’s strengths and challenges
  • Determine eligibility for special education or 504 services
  • Develop a plan for supports, services, and educational goals

Program Support Groups / IEP Teams

These groups help set and monitor educational goals and programs for your child. They typically include:

  • A parent or guardian
  • Your child’s classroom teacher
  • Special education teacher or case manager
  • School principal or administrator
  • Therapists (speech, OT, PT) as needed

They will:

  • Set measurable learning and functional goals
  • Decide how often your child receives special education and related services
  • Plan accommodations and modifications in the classroom
  • Review progress at least once a year, or more often if needed

Special Resources and Supports in Grand Rapids Schools

Depending on your child’s needs, the school may offer:

  • A paraprofessional or aide to support your child in the classroom and during transitions
  • An integration or inclusion teacher to assist the classroom teacher with strategies and accommodations
  • Special equipment or modifications, such as:
    • Adaptive seating
    • Assistive technology (tablets, communication devices, specialized software)
    • Visual supports and sensory tools
    • Modified desks, ramps, or accessible restrooms
  • Therapies, which may be provided at school or coordinated with local healthcare systems:
    • Physical therapy (PT)
    • Occupational therapy (OT)
    • Speech-language pathology

In Grand Rapids, some children receive therapy through school while also seeing specialists at:

  • Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids pediatric services
  • Metro Health and Mercy Health outpatient therapy clinics

Helping Your Child Prepare for School

Transitioning to school can be stressful, especially for children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. You can help by planning ahead.

Coordinate with current providers

It’s helpful to:

  • Ask your child’s preschool teacher or early intervention worker to contact the school and share information about your child’s abilities and needs
  • Request written reports from therapists, psychologists, or pediatricians describing your child’s development, strengths, and challenges
  • Share relevant medical information, including any concerns related to Michigan’s seasonal illnesses (such as asthma flare-ups in cold weather or increased respiratory infections in winter)

Prepare your child emotionally and practically

You can:

  • Talk to your child about school – what the day will look like, who they will meet, and what they will do
  • Visit the school together:
    • Walk through the building
    • Show them the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and bathrooms
    • Practice entering and leaving the building, especially in winter gear
  • Practice routines at home, such as:
    • Getting dressed in winter clothing (coats, boots, gloves)
    • Using a backpack and lunchbox
    • Following simple schedules or visual routines

Local Resources for Families in Grand Rapids, MI

When planning schooling for a child with a disability, you may find support from:

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Special Education Department
  • Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) – regional support and information on special education services
  • Kent County Health Department – developmental screening programs, immunizations, and public health information
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – community health programs and referrals
  • Early On Michigan – early intervention for children from birth to age 3
  • Local hospitals and clinics:
    • Spectrum Health / Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

These organizations can help with evaluations, therapy referrals, medical management, and guidance on how your child’s health needs intersect with school.

Key Steps to Take

To summarize, here are practical steps for Grand Rapids parents:

  1. Start planning 12–18 months before kindergarten
  2. Talk with your child’s current providers (preschool, therapists, pediatricians)
  3. Research local school options – public, private, charter, and specialized programs
  4. Visit schools and meet with principals to discuss your child’s needs
  5. Ask detailed questions about class size, services, and supports
  6. Participate actively in evaluation and IEP/504 meetings
  7. Coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure medical and therapy needs are addressed
  8. Help your child prepare by visiting the school and practicing routines

With careful planning and the rich network of educational and healthcare resources available in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can find a school environment that supports your child’s learning, health, and long-term success.