Some school districts, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, have regional centers for special education. These schools provide free education and support to students up to age 22 and are staffed with teachers trained in special education. Mentally challenged students attend the same school as students with other disabilities and special needs, including physical handicaps. School districts believe these schools give students with special needs the focused attention they need to learn effectively.
Numerous private schools exist for mentally challenged students. In states such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, parents can use public vouchers to enroll their students in private schools with a contribution toward tuition from the state. Many such schools offer special education to several kinds of disabled populations. Others focus on helping the mentally challenged achieve their full potential, including strong life skills to help them function as independently as possible. In states without voucher programs and at schools with residential programs, parents can expect specialized services at private school tuition rates.
Students with only mild mental disability or ambitious, high-functioning kids have the option to mainstream into regular schools. Many special education schools work with parents and students to prepare students to successfully integrate into a regular middle school or high school. To achieve this goal, students have to be sufficiently capable and personally dedicated. Teachers try to help students develop the cognitive and coping skills necessary to succeed in a regular classroom.
The educational community is divided about whether separate special education schools are the best choice for mentally challenged students. Many parents and teachers think these schools give the kind of personalized attention and support mentally challenged kids need to succeed. Others believe that special education programs residing in mainstream schools give mentally challenged students greater exposure to a mixture of kids, which in turn helps them develop the social and communication skills needed to function in the world.