School for Intellectually Disabled Children: What Sets Them Apart
When a child has an intellectual disability, choosing the right school becomes especially important. Parents want to know that their child will be seen, valued, supported, and given every opportunity to grow—not just academically, but personally, socially, and spiritually.
Specialized schools for intellectually disabled children are designed to meet these unique needs. At Morning Star Catholic School, we offer a Christ-centered environment where students are embraced for who they are and supported in becoming who they’re meant to be.
Understanding Intellectual Disabilities
An intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which affect daily life and development. These challenges may include difficulties with:
Reasoning and problem-solving
Learning at the typical pace
Communication
Daily living and social skills
Every child is different, and each one has strengths that can be nurtured with the right support. Specialized schools like Morning Star are uniquely equipped to help these children thrive.
Individualized Learning That Meets Every Student Where They Are
Children with intellectual disabilities often learn best with repetition, structure, and personalized instruction. At Morning Star, we use the Florida ACCESS standards and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that reflect each student’s abilities and learning goals.
Our small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios allow us to:
Modify lessons to meet diverse learning styles
Use visual, hands-on, and multi-sensory strategies
Track progress toward personalized academic and developmental benchmarks
Therapies That Support Whole-Child Development
Morning Star integrates key therapies directly into the school day:
Speech therapy to improve communication skills
Occupational therapy to build fine motor and self-care skills
Physical therapy to support mobility and coordination
Behavioral support for emotional regulation and classroom success
These therapies help students participate fully in school life and build essential life skills.
Life Skills That Promote Independence
Academic growth is important—but so is preparing for real life. At Morning Star, students learn practical skills like:
Following routines
Managing personal hygiene
Using public transportation
Preparing simple meals
Participating in job training
Our Transition Lab and community partnerships give students real-world experience that fosters independence and confidence.
Faith and Belonging at the Heart of Education
One of the most unique aspects of Morning Star is our Catholic identity. We believe every student is a child of God with dignity and purpose. Our students:
Participate in daily prayer and weekly Mass
Learn about God’s love in adaptive religion classes
Build spiritual habits that foster peace, gratitude, and community
We nurture not just the mind, but the soul—helping each student understand their value in God’s eyes.
A Place of Friendship, Joy, and Inclusion
Morning Star is more than a school—it’s a family. Our students form friendships with one another and participate in inclusive programs with peers from local Catholic schools like Bishop Moore High School and St. Charles Borromeo.
Programs like Best Buddies and Unified Special Olympics give students opportunities to share experiences, build confidence, and feel connected to the broader community.
Choosing the Right School for Your Child
If you’re seeking a school for a child with an intellectual disability, we invite you to explore Morning Star Catholic School. Here, your child will be welcomed, celebrated, and guided every step of the way.
Schedule a tour today to learn how our individualized, faith-based approach can make a difference in your child’s life.