Century Elementary School Adds Special Education Classrooms
The Grand Forks School District is launching two new K-5 classrooms to support students with specific learning needs.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Special Education
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The Grand Forks School District is launching two specialized classrooms at Century Elementary to better serve K-5 students with autism and emotional or behavioral needs. This new school-within-a-school model replaces previous proposals to lease a separate facility for high-needs students.
Why it matters
This shift aims to provide a less restrictive environment for K-5 students who require more intensive behavioral and instructional support than traditional classrooms can offer. The district is also revisiting its staffing levels by planning to restore some paraprofessional roles following previous budget-related reductions.
The district is creating two dedicated classrooms at Century Elementary School for K-5 students. This program follows a recent reduction in paraprofessional staff levels during the prior budget cycle.
The players
Grand Forks School District
The local public education authority responsible for managing curricula, staffing, and facility planning for city students.
The Arc of North Dakota
A disability advocacy organization that provides input on educational access and support services for residents.
Century Elementary School
The specific K-5 school facility selected by the district to host the new special education program.
The details
The program utilizes a school-within-a-school model to integrate specialized instruction and behavioral interventions directly into the elementary setting. Student placements in these classrooms are determined through an individualized process that incorporates direct input from parents and guardians. This approach is intended to ensure students receive necessary support while remaining in a familiar school environment.
Timeline
The district announced the classroom plans to parents via email on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The School Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Home Front
This move reflects a broader shift toward integrating specialized support services directly into public elementary school buildings. It follows national trends prioritizing inclusive education environments over isolated off-site facilities for K-5 students.
Parents of K-5 students with specific learning needs should schedule a meeting with their student's individualized education program team to discuss how this classroom placement might affect their child. Keep an eye on official district updates regarding staffing and enrollment timelines.
The takeaway
The transition to a school-within-a-school model signals a change in how the district supports students with high behavioral or instructional needs. Families should monitor district communications for updates on staffing as the school year progresses.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support services available for local families in the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
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