Down Syndrome Education - Supporting Children in School and Beyond
Every child with Down syndrome brings unique gifts to the world—along with specific learning needs that benefit from compassionate, individualized support. With the right environment and guidance, children with Down syndrome can grow into confident, capable, and joyful individuals.
At Morning Star Catholic School, we celebrate the God-given potential in every student. Our approach to special education is built around faith, respect, structure, and support—helping children with Down syndrome thrive both in school and in life.
Understanding the Needs of Children with Down Syndrome
Children with Down syndrome often face developmental delays in areas like language, fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive processing. They may also experience low muscle tone, sensory sensitivities, and health challenges that affect learning.
However, they also tend to have strong visual learning skills, social motivation, and an eagerness to connect and belong. With the right instruction and environment, these strengths can be harnessed for academic and personal success.
Individualized Education in a Structured Setting
At a specialized school like Morning Star, instruction is tailored to meet each student’s learning profile. Using Florida ACCESS standards and individualized education plans (IEPs), we adapt lessons to the student’s pace and processing style.
Visual supports, repetition, multi-sensory activities, and one-on-one instruction help reinforce key concepts. Small class sizes allow for focused attention, and our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures every child receives the support they need.
Onsite Therapies That Build Skills and Confidence
Children with Down syndrome often benefit from a combination of therapies, all of which are integrated into the school day at Morning Star:
Speech Therapy to support language development and communication
Occupational Therapy for fine motor skills and daily living tasks
Physical Therapy to build strength, coordination, and balance
Behavioral Support when needed for emotional regulation and independence
These therapies work hand-in-hand with classroom instruction to support the whole child.
Faith, Community, and Belonging
Morning Star is more than a school—it’s a faith-based community that honors the dignity of every student. Children with Down syndrome are embraced for who they are, not just what they can achieve.
Our students participate in daily prayer, weekly Mass, and religious instruction adapted to their developmental level. Through these experiences, they learn not only academic lessons but also spiritual truths about their worth, purpose, and place in God’s family.
Building Life Skills and Preparing for Adulthood
As students grow older, they need more than academics—they need real-life experience. Morning Star’s Transition Lab, vocational training programs, and job partnerships in the Orlando community help students with Down syndrome develop independence, responsibility, and confidence.
From learning how to manage money to practicing social skills in workplace settings, these experiences prepare students for meaningful roles in the community.
Inclusion That Builds Relationships
Children with Down syndrome are highly social and thrive in environments where they feel included and valued. At Morning Star, we foster inclusion not only within our school but through partnerships with Bishop Moore Catholic High School and St. Charles Borromeo.
Programs like Best Buddies, Unified Special Olympics, and PEERS offer our students the opportunity to build lasting friendships with peers of all abilities—promoting empathy, communication, and mutual respect.
A Place Where Your Child Can Shine
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. For families of children with Down syndrome, the right environment can make all the difference.
At Morning Star Catholic School, we combine academic rigor, therapeutic support, faith formation, and community inclusion to create a space where every child is seen, celebrated, and set up for success.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about how we support children with Down syndrome—and how we can support your family.