When your child is smart, curious, and full of potential—but constantly being told to sit still, stay quiet, or “try harder”—school can become a daily struggle.
As a parent of a child with attention deficit disorder, it’s heartbreaking to watch them lose confidence simply because the classroom wasn’t built with their needs in mind.
For this reason, many families—just like yours—start to look for things that can help, such as school accommodations for ADHD, or even separate ADHD Schools.
And the good news is, there are several options available that can help.
While there’s no official category of “ADHD schools,” there are alternative learning environments—like EA Schools—designed specifically for students who learn and think differently.
With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a team that understands ADHD, these schools allow children with more significant ADHD to thrive, not just get by.
At Education Alternatives, we support students across Ohio who benefit from a more personalized, therapeutic, and flexible approach to education. That includes many students with ADHD, as well as those with anxiety, autism, sensory processing differences, and other learning needs.
Why traditional classrooms don’t work for many students with ADHD
If your child has ADHD, you’ve likely seen how bright, curious, and capable they are—yet also how quickly they can become frustrated, misunderstood, or discouraged in a conventional school setting.
Large class sizes, rigid routines, and long periods of stillness can make it harder for students with attention deficit disorder to focus, express themselves, and succeed on their own terms.
Common challenges include:
- Difficulty sitting still: Movement helps ADHD students focus, yet most classrooms expect them to sit still, making learning a struggle.
- Processing through talking: Many ADHD brains process information by talking things through, but in most classrooms, this is seen as “disruptive” instead of productive.
- Fast-paced deadlines: Tightly structured school days don’t always give students the time to organize their thoughts, leading to frustration.
- One-size-fits-all teaching: Every student learns differently, and ADHD kids in particular, but traditional schools often can’t adjust easily.
Over time, these obstacles can chip away at a student’s confidence, and children with ADHD often start to believe they are the problem. But the issue isn’t your child, it’s the environment. They just need a school that understands them.
Options available for students with ADHD
If your child isn’t thriving in their current school, don’t worry. You have options.
It’s important to note that not all students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder automatically qualify for placement in a specialized or alternative school (aka an “ADHD School”).
Eligibility for special education services depends on how significantly the ADHD impacts their ability to learn, focus, or manage behavior in a traditional classroom setting.
However, understanding their eligibility starts with their current school, so your first port of call should always be a face-to-face meeting with their current teachers, who will be able to guide you on options.
Here is a breakdown of the types of support available:
- School accommodations for ADHD (504 plans): For students who stay in general education but need some support, a 504 plan offers school accommodations for ADHD, like extra time, movement breaks, flexible seating, or visual instructions. These help reduce daily challenges without changing the curriculum.
- IEPs (Individualized Education Programs): If ADHD significantly affects your child’s ability to learn, they may qualify for an IEP. This plan includes individualized goals, modified instruction, and access to services like therapy or behavioral support.
- In-school support: Some public schools provide resource rooms, special education teachers, or access to school counselors. These services can help with focus, organization, and emotional regulation during the school day.
- Tutoring & after-school help: For children who need extra structure, tutoring or ADHD coaching can build study skills, routines, and confidence—but these are usually supplemental, not a full solution.
- Homeschooling or online learning: Home-based education offers flexibility, but may lack the structure, therapy, or social opportunities some students need to thrive.
- Specialized schools (like EA Schools): If ADHD significantly limits your child’s success in a mainstream setting—even with the above accommodations—an alternative school may be the best fit. These ADHD-tailored schools provide small class sizes, hands-on learning, therapeutic support, and IEP-driven instruction tailored to each student’s needs.
Most students attend specialized ADHD schools through a district referral, when it’s determined that a traditional setting is no longer meeting their needs. However, there are other options for enrollment, which we’ll discuss below.
What makes EA Schools a great option for students with ADHD?
At EA Schools, we see ADHD as a different way of thinking, not a problem to fix.
We understand that students with ADHD, autism, or other learning difficulties simply need an environment that matches their learning style, and to be understood, supported, and given the tools to reach their full potential.
Here’s how we create that supportive space in our Day Treatment Program:
Small class sizes for personalized learning
Large classrooms can be overwhelming for students with attention deficit disorder.
At EA, we maintain a 6:1 student-to-staff ratio, meaning our classrooms are quiet, calm, and structured, and every child receives individual attention and tailored support.
Hands-on, engaging learning
Sitting still and listening to the teacher all day is not how most students with ADHD learn best.
At EA, we take a more active approach:
- Interactive lessons that incorporate movement and sensory engagement
- Real-world problem-solving activities that develop natural critical thinking
- Vocational and life skills programs like VisionQuest, which prepare students for success beyond the classroom
Individualized learning plans for every student
At EA, every student is taught in a way that works for them—not just the class as a whole.
This includes:
- A personalized learning plan for every student, aligned with their IEP.
- Personalized accommodations that help those with ADHD in class, such as additional time, movement breaks, and modified assignments.
- Teaching at the pace that works for them, using clear routines and realistic goals.
- Instruction aligned with the Ohio Dept. of Education’s academic standards to ensure consistent academic growth.
Our structured, supportive classrooms help students with ADHD stay focused and engaged, allowing them to learn in ways that match how their brains work best.
Integrated mental health and emotional support
Students succeed academically when they also have the tools to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively.
Through our partnership with REACH Behavioral Health, students have access to licensed therapists and behavioral specialists during the school day, which helps them with:
- Emotional regulation strategies to manage frustration and anxiety.
- Focus and impulse control tools tailored to each student’s needs.
- Social skills coaching to build friendships and navigate group learning.
We believe that emotional well-being and academic success go hand in hand—and our program supports both.
Enrollment and financial assistance options for ADHD kids at EA Schools
We know that navigating school placement, funding, and paperwork can feel overwhelming, and many parents worry whether there are financial assistance options available for students with ADHD.
The short answer is: yes there are—and we’re here to help you understand how it all works, and walk you through the applications if needed.
There are two main ways students enroll at EA:
1. District Referral
Most students come to EA through a referral from their current public school. This typically starts with an IEP team meeting, where it’s agreed that a specialized setting like EA is the best next step.
If your child is referred through the district, all tuition, services, and therapeutic support are covered.
2. Direct Parent Enrollment (EA Academy)
If your child is not referred by the district, you can apply through EA Academy, our chartered non-public school.
To enroll this way, your child must qualify for the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and services.
We do not offer private pay options, but our team can guide you through the scholarship application process and help determine your eligibility.
In both pathways, students typically need an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—but not always. If you’re not sure whether your child qualifies, or how to go about getting an IEP for your child, we can explain everything to you.
EA Schools: A place where ADHD students in Ohio can thrive
Your child deserves more than a school that expects them to just “get by.” They need a place where they can truly thrive.
At EA Schools, we focus on celebrating their strengths, providing the right support, and helping them build confidence—both in the classroom and in life.
If your child is struggling in their current school and you think a more ADHD-tailored school is what they need, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you explore the best options.
Schedule your free consultation now, and take the next step toward your child’s success.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out our other blogs to learn more about alternative education and find valuable resources for your family!