Overview of Special Education

Special Education and FAPE

Westport Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. Under a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities.

This means that students between the ages of 3 and 22 who live in our district and need special education services will receive:

• Special education and related services at no cost to families

• An individualized education program (IEP) tailored to their unique needs

• Educational support that meets both state and federal standards

• Access to a high-quality preschool, elementary, or secondary school education

Even if a student is progressing from one grade to the next, they may still be eligible for services under IDEA if they need them to make meaningful progress.

Importantly, the U.S. Supreme Court has clarified that every IEP must be designed to help students make progress in a way that is appropriate to their individual circumstances.

At Westport Public Schools, we are proud to uphold these standards and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.