School-Based vs. Private Speech Therapy: What You Need to Know

What School-Based Speech Therapy Focuses On

The school’s job is to make sure your child can participate in the classroom, follow instruction, and interact with peers well enough to benefit from their education.

What this usually looks like:

• Goals are tied to academic standards or classroom performance

• Therapy often happens in short sessions, sometimes in small groups

• Scheduling depends on school availability and staffing

• Parent involvement is limited because sessions occur during the school day

This model works well when a child’s communication challenges are directly affecting school participation.
However, it may not address communication needs that show up at home, in play, or in daily life.

What Private Speech Therapy Focuses On

Private speech therapy focuses on communication across all parts of life: home, play, friendships, routines, community outings, meals, social interactions, and emotional expression.

What this usually looks like:

• Goals are highly individualized based on your child’s specific strengths and needs.

• Sessions are one-on-one, giving your child focused attention.

• Parents are directly supported and coached, so strategies and progress go home with you!

• Ability to target skills the school may not be able to address under IEP criteria.

• You have direct, immediate access to your child’s SLP each week. Not just quarterly progress notes.

Private Speech Therapy is Best For Families Who Want…

• Noticeable progress they can see in everyday life

• Tools to help their child communicate at home, with loved ones, and with friends

• A partnership where they feel involved and guided to support their child’s progress

• A therapist who takes the time to truly understand their child

• Their child to have focused, one-on-one attention

Which Option Is Right for Your Child?

Both help your child communicate. They just operate under different rules, goals, and settings.

Your child may benefit from one approach, the other, or both working together.

Choose school-based therapy if the main concern is classroom participation.
Choose private practice if you want:

• More individualized support

• To be involved in helping your child grow

• Strategies that help at home, not just at school

If you’re noticing your child is capable of more than what’s currently being addressed, private therapy is where we can go deeper, build confidence, and support real communication growth.

Want support that carries over into real life?

We’d love to help.
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