Exceptional Students
Department of Exceptional Students
Forsyth County School system special education programs are founded upon the belief that all children are capable of learning and being successful in school experiences which are designed to develop academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and independence skills for active participation in their community. The district offers a variety of services and resources for parents. More information can be found here on our district webpage.
Tips for Parents
Parent Portal in Infinite Campus is a web-based application and allows you access to pertinent information about your child's performance, attendance, and health records. Information about Parent Portal and how to set up your account can be found here.
Canvas is our Learning Management System (LMS), and our teachers post digital copies of assignments, calendars, and other information that will help you help your child keep organized.
Conferences can be scheduled through your child's case manager.
Parent Resource Links
Parent workshops are offered through the county office, and some helpful resources are provided below:
Special Education Parent Guide
Your Rights as a Parent (Condensed)
Your Rights as a Parent (in Spanish) Sus Derechos como Padres
Eligibility Requirements
To receive Special Education services, students must meet Georgia eligibility requirements. Once a student is determined to be eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), an IEP or Individualized Education Plan is written and services begin.
Out of County:
Parents or guardians should contact the DeSana Middle School Special Education Department Chair or the Forsyth County Special Education Department. Transfer students will need to provide a current IEP or sign a release of records so that current student information may be obtained. All records will be reviewed by Forsyth County personnel and an IEP committee to determine appropriate services.
IEPs from within the county transfer automatically to DMS.
Service Models
General Education: Students with disabilities are served in the general education classroom with no special education personnel support.
Consultation: Students with disabilities receive one hour / month of service.
Supportive: Students with disabilities receive service from certified teachers in a general education class.
Special Education Class: Students with disabilities meet in a small group with a special education teacher. Support is offered in 6th-8th grade math and language arts.