In a Minneapolis suburb, parents are creating a charter school for autistic students in sixth grade and up, reports the Star-Tribune. Founders hope the school will be a place to research the best ways to educate children on the autism spectrum.Â
Frustrated with what they termed the “illusion of inclusion” in traditional schools, the Lionsgate parents decided to start a charter public school rather than a private school. As a charter school, Lionsgate will receive basic per-pupil funding from the state.
. . . Lionsgate will enroll children in sixth through 10th grades, eventually serving students up to age 21.Â
 Parents complain their children are placed in a special education room with children with different disabilities.  The distractions make it hard for their children to concentrate.
As it happens, I met a man last night who started a private school for 20 autistic students. He’d planned a program just for his own child but word spread.
I wish them well, I love “illusion of inclusion”. Isn’t that the case for many kiddos with disabilities. I’ve taught gifted kids for 25 years and have had several kids with Asperger’s. It would be wonderful to have a place where their needs could be met.