School Speech vs. Private Speech Therapy: What’s the Difference?

By: Maggie Wade, CCC-SLP

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I’ve worked both in schools and private practice. Parents often ask me how services differ, and the answer is that both settings are valuable, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

In Schools

• Goal: The focus is on helping students access their education. Services are tied to how speech and language affect learning in the classroom.
• Eligibility: A child must qualify under specific disability categories set by federal law. If speech/language isn’t impacting education, the student may not qualify.
• Therapy: usually provided in small groups during the school day. Goals are connected to academic success.
• Team Approach: Decisions are made by a team which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and the SLP.
• Exit Criteria: Students are dismissed when they no longer need support to access their education.

In Private Practice

• Goal: The focus is on maximizing overall communication skills, beyond just school needs.
• Eligibility: Families can seek an evaluation without need a school referral or specific disability category.
• Therapy: Often one-on-one and flexible, targeting any area of speech or language that concerns the family.
• Team Approach: Collaboration may include the therapist, parents, and sometimes other healthcare providers.
• Exit Criteria: Therapy continues until the child and family feel goals are met.

Why are schools more limited?

School services are not meant to replace private therapy, they are designed to make sure every student can succeed in the classroom. The eligibility rules and group settings are in place because schools must serve many children while following federal guidelines. This ensures support is provided where it’s most necessary for learning.

Takeaway for Parents

If your child qualifies for school-based speech therapy, it means their communication is impacting their education and the school will support them in that setting. If you’d like your child to work on broader communication goals (like social skills, voice, or articulation that doesn’t impact academics), private therapy may be a helpful option. Some families choose one, the other, or both depending on their child’s needs. Both paths are valid, they just serve different purposes.

Looking for private speech therapists who take insurance in Charlotte, NC? Our team of licensed Speech-Language Pathologists offers individualized, one-on-one support for children working on articulation, language development, social communication, and more. Whether you’re looking to supplement school-based services or explore private options, we’re here to help your child thrive. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation, using our easy self-scheduling tool!