Grand Forks Adds Special Education Classrooms at Century

The district plans to integrate two specialized classrooms for students in grades K-5 at Century Elementary School.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Special Education

Grand Forks Adds Special Education Classrooms at Century

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Should your local school district prioritize integrated classrooms over separate facilities for high-needs students?

The Grand Forks School District is launching a school-within-a-school model to provide specialized support for high-needs students. This initiative replaces previous plans to lease a separate facility for students requiring additional behavioral and instructional services.

Why it matters

The district aims to provide the least restrictive environment for students who require levels of support that existing settings cannot accommodate. The program offers targeted behavioral interventions and specialized instruction within a K-5 framework.

The school district is establishing 2 new classrooms at Century Elementary School specifically for K-5 students. This program features separate rooms for students with autism and those with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

The players

Grand Forks School District

The public school system responsible for managing educational programs and facilities for students in Grand Forks.

Century Elementary School

A local primary school that will host the newly announced special education classrooms.

The Arc of North Dakota

An advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The details

The program provides dedicated behavioral interventions and instruction for students whose needs exceed standard classroom capabilities. These new placements are determined on an individual basis with active input from parents and guardians.

The district announced the new plans to parents via email on Friday, October 23, 2026.
A school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Arc of North Dakota provided commentary on the district plans in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This move reflects the ongoing transition toward integrating high-needs students into standard school environments rather than isolating them. It aligns with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's least restrictive environment mandate to prioritize classroom inclusion.

Families in the district will participate in individual placement evaluations to determine if these classroom settings meet their child's specific needs. The district also intends to hire additional paraprofessionals to support the new program.

The takeaway

Providing specialized support within neighborhood schools fosters better inclusion for students in the K-5 age range. Parents and guardians should prepare to engage in individual review meetings as the district finalizes staffing and enrollment plans.