GCPA: Online School for Students in Special Education

How Special Education Works at GCPA

Special Education Program Overview 
Thank you for your interest in our special education program at Grand Canyon Private Academy. We know choosing the right learning environment is an important decision, and we want to share clear information about the supports we provide and how they differ from those in public schools. 
 
Our Approach to Support 
We are committed to supporting students with special needs in a meaningful way. Once a family provides an evaluation or IEP, we use that documentation to help create an Individualized Student Plan (ISP) that outlines goals, accommodations, and strategies to meet the student’s needs. 
 
Students enrolled in our special education program receive: 
-A special education case manager who reviews the student’s needs, sets goals, and monitors progress. 
– Extra academic and functional skills support aligned with the student’s ISP. 
– Collaboration with general education teachers who provide small group instruction in reading and math to reinforce core skills. 
 
Program Limitations 
It is also important to understand what we do not provide: 
– We do not offer an alternate curriculum, self-contained classrooms, life skills programs, or stand-alone special education classes. 
– Our model best supports students who are at or just below grade level and able to spend at least 80% of their time in general education classes.  
– We do not provide one-on-one aides, related services or, therapeutic programs within the school. 
 
Family Partnership 
Our experience shows that students are most successful when school supports are paired with strong home supports. Families play a vital role in their child’s progress, whether that is providing structure, assisting with assignments & accommodations, or arranging outside tutoring or therapy when needed. Together, this shared support creates the best environment for success.  

Special Education in Private Schools 
As a private school, we do not create or maintain Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), nor do we provide services such as psychological evaluations or special education testing. Families who wish for their child to have a formal evaluation or IEP must do so for free at their local public school district or privately, at their own expense, through a licensed evaluator. Because GCPA does not receive federal funding for special education, there is an additional annual cost of $3,000 for students receiving special education services. This fee is in addition to the general education tuition. GCPA students who live in Arizona may have additional related services or therapies covered by the Arizona ESA.  

Next Steps 
If you would like to explore whether our program is a good fit for your child, we encourage you to share any recent evaluation or IEP documentation you may have. Our team will review the information carefully and work with you to determine an individualized plan.  

Questions about Special Education Services and IEP submissions should be directed to Meghan Griffin, Head of School, meggriffin@k12.com.

We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to supporting your student’s educational journey.

For GCPA students who live in Arizona, additional services or therapies may be covered by the Arizona ESA. GCPA will provide the student’s guardian with an ESA list of approved providers for these services.

Questions about Special Education Services should be directed to Meghan Griffin, Special Education Administrator, meggriffin@k12.com.

---

Supportive & Qualified Teachers

Our certified teachers help students identify and target their strengths while also letting them explore and find academic approaches that work for them. They’re there to provide support in areas where students may need more guidance and build tailored approaches where necessary to help every student achieve their goals.

---

Child Find

At Grand Canyon Private Academy, we want every student to succeed. Federal law requires public school districts to identify and evaluate children who may have disabilities, even if they attend private schools. This process is called Child Find. 

What this means for families: 

• If you think your child may have a disability, you can request an evaluation from your local public school district at any time. 

• GCPA does not provide IEPs, but we will share concerns and relevant information with your district if you give permission. 

• Parents may also choose private evaluations at their own expense. 

• Some districts may provide limited services for private school students through an Individualized Services Plan (ISP). 

We are committed to supporting student success, communicating with families, and guiding you to resources that may help.

---

Special Education (IEP) or Service Agreements (504 Plans)

Once the evaluation process is completed by the student’s resident district and eligibility has been determined, the resident district may offer an Individual Service Plan (ISP) or 504 Plan. At this point, GCPA will complete an individualized Special Education plan (ISEP) for the student, indicating the Special Education program and accommodations that will be provided. The ISEP will be developed in collaboration with the student’s parent/guardian.

---

Request for Parent/Guardian Interpreter Services or Disability Accommodations

Professional interpreter services may be requested at any time for parents/guardians of students with disabilities by contacting Meghan Griffin at meggriffin@k12.com.

Additionally, if any parent/guardian has a disability or other limitation that would impact their ability to participate fully in their child’s educational planning process, GCPA would be happy to discuss accommodations that may be available to maximize the parent/guardian’s participation. Individuals seeking to discuss accommodations for this reason may contact Meghan Griffin at meggriffin@k12.com.

---

Privacy & Confidentiality

GCPA follows protocols to ensure students’ records remain confidential both within its central office and across school systems and databases.