School Districts

Referral Process

All students are referred through the special education department of their local school
district. Students come with an active IEP and have been eligible at a multidisciplinary
conference made for a therapeutic/alternative setting outside the realm of special
education services offered within the local district. MacNeal School does not accept
any private referrals from parents, or community clinicians.

Communication

MacNeal School works closely with referring school districts. There is an ongoing
relationship with the school district throughout the student’s enrollment at MacNeal
School. The Academic Coordinators ensure that the home school district is frequently
updated regarding the student’s progress.

Transitioning

The decision to transition a student back to their home school district is determined
on an individual basis. Consideration for transitioning is based on academic and
social/behavioral success, both within school and the student’s home community, as
well as the reduction of support services within MacNeal School. Discussion around
transitioning occurs during an IEP/MDC meeting when the student’s parent/guardian,
MacNeal School representatives, and home school district personnel are present.
Transitions are highly individualized and may increase incrementally with student
success. For older students, transition schedules are matched to academic and
emotional needs, along with successful transition to adulthood goals.

District Open House

Each fall we invite representatives from our stakeholder school districts to visit our program.
It allows district representatives an opportunity to tour MacNeal School, observe and meet
with their students, and to meet with MacNeal School administrators to learn more about
current happenings as well as any changes occurring at MacNeal School.