For many families of children with developmental delays or neurodivergent children, choosing the right school can feel overwhelming.
There are often more questions than answers.
What options are available beyond our current school?
Which environment will best support my child?
How do different schools support learning, wellbeing and inclusion?
Families frequently tell us they want clearer information – not just online descriptions, but the opportunity to hear directly from schools themselves.
That’s exactly why we created our School Options Workshop.
Bringing Schools and Families Together
Our School Options Workshop was designed to bring together a range of schools that support neurodivergent students across both primary and high school pathways.
Rather than families needing to contact multiple schools individually, the workshop created one shared space where schools and families could connect, learn and ask questions openly.
Representatives from each participating school shared:
- An overview of their school community
- The supports available for neurodivergent learners
- Different educational pathways offered
- What makes their setting unique
Hearing directly from schools allowed families to better understand not just what options exist, but how those environments work in practice.
Hearing From Schools First-Hand
Each school had the opportunity to speak about their approach to supporting students.
Families heard about inclusive classrooms, specialist supports, wellbeing programs, and the different ways schools help students build independence and confidence over time.
For many parents, this was the first time they were able to compare multiple school options side-by-side in one setting.
This kind of access can make a significant difference when families are navigating complex decisions.
Asking the Questions That Matter
A key part of the workshop was our Q&A panel, where parents were invited to ask questions directly to school representatives.
These conversations centered around real concerns families face.
Providing space for open dialogue helped families leave with clearer information and greater confidence.
Connecting Beyond the Presentation
Upon arrival as well as following the presentations and panel discussion, families were able to roam freely between school booths, speaking one-on-one with representatives.
These informal conversations were one of the most valuable parts of the day.
Parents could explore different environments at their own pace, ask personalised questions, and begin building connections with schools that may be part of their child’s future journey.
Why Workshops Like This Matter
There is no single “right” school for every child.
The best environment is the one that understands a child’s strengths, supports their needs, and allows them to participate meaningfully in learning and school life.
By bringing schools together in one space, the School Options Workshop aimed to reduce uncertainty and make the decision-making process feel more manageable for families.
Access to information, direct conversations, and shared experiences can transform what often feels like an overwhelming process into one grounded in clarity and confidence.
Supporting Families on the Journey
At the Stronger Together Foundation, we regularly meet families who are navigating school decisions — whether entering primary school, preparing for high school, or considering a change in pathway.
The School Options Workshop reflects our commitment to supporting families with practical information, connection, and community.
We are incredibly grateful to the schools who participated and the families who attended and engaged so thoughtfully throughout the day.
Because when families feel informed and supported, children are better positioned to thrive.
Schools Represented were:
Department of Education
St Gabriel’s School, Castle Hill
New Hope, Dural
Ngarra, Riverstone
Warrah Specialist School
Aspect Hills Shire & Western Sydney
St Lucy’s Wahroonga
St Edmunds, Wahroonga
