Private schools have some advantages over public schools, but parents must remember that IEP’s do not apply at private schools. They are merely a suggestion. Most private schools will adhere to a 504 plan. If you want your child with disabilities to go to a private school, be sure to check out what they are willing to do to assist your child with special needs. Districts are still required to assess children who have learning needs for disabilities, but if parents choose private over public, they are not required to provide supportive or learning services for the child.
Sometimes, what a private school can offer students with disabilities is preferable to what public schools can, but this is not always the case. It seems that private schools almost have a way of discriminating against those with disabilities by not having to provide them services, driving kids with disabilities into public schools if they are going to get their needs met.
The advice to take away is always check and see what schools and districts are willing to provide, especially if they need more support than a 504 plan can provide.