The Schwartz School - Dartmouth

Dartmouth Public Schools is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for all students, including those with special needs. The district's core mission is to foster academic excellence and personal growth, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Dartmouth Public Schools serves a wide range of students, including those with learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other unique challenges. Key offerings within the district include specialized programs designed to address various learning needs. These programs incorporate evidence-based therapeutic methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Orton-Gillingham for reading interventions, and comprehensive speech and language therapy. Additionally, occupational therapy services are available to help students develop essential life skills, while social skills groups provide opportunities for peer interaction and relationship building. The district also emphasizes the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs) to tailor learning experiences to each student's strengths and challenges. What sets Dartmouth Public Schools apart is its focus on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. The district maintains low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and fostering strong relationships between educators and students. The campus is equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning experiences, and vocational training programs are available to prepare students for future employment opportunities. Furthermore, summer programs are offered to ensure continuous learning and skill development, while community integration initiatives help students connect with their local environment and resources.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) runs special education programs for students ages 3 to 21, plus services for adults with developmental disabilities, to supplement the special education resources of member districts including New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River, Fairhaven and Old Rochester. Our Early Childhood Program serves preschool and kindergarten children with autism in substantially separate classrooms with small student-to-staff ratios. Elementary students attend the Primary Language Program, the Carney Academy Program or the Therapeutic Learning Center, and Multidisciplinary Learning Classrooms serve elementary and high school students with significant physical and medical needs. Integrated Services Programs and Alternative Learning Classrooms continue through middle and high school, and the Transitional Services Program prepares students ages 14 to 21 for work and community life. Occupational therapists and registered nurses are part of our team, wheelchair-accessible vans transport students, and programs continue through a five-week summer session. Adults 22 and older attend our Adult Day Health program and SAIL in Dartmouth.