We Give ALL Students A High-Quality Education
Every student deserves a high-quality education. That's why we work hard to provide rigorous instruction to all students, regardless of the nature or severity of their disabilities. Whether they have autism, are visually impaired, have health impairments, or other disabilities, our experienced and compassionate Exceptional Education and Student Services staff is here to support and empower your student's education in elementary, middle, and high school.
For more information, please call (904) 348-7800.
Who We Serve
As a large and diverse school district, we have the experience and expertise to work with students with various abilities.
You can read more about the specific disabilities we serve by visiting our Disability Categories and Related Services Page.
We serve 20,000+ students with disabilities
We have ESE services in all Duval schools
We work with students from birth to age 22
Students with IEPs
Some students may be eligible for an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. An IEP is a written plan created to support a student’s unique learning needs.
It is important to know that having a medical diagnosis (such as ADHD, autism, or anxiety) does not automatically mean a student will need an IEP or be eligible for special education services. Schools look at how a student’s needs impact their learning and whether specialized support is required in the school setting.
Not every student with a disability is eligible for an IEP, but this page will help you understand what an IEP is and how the process works.
We Meet Our Students' Needs
We adjust our services to meet the needs and abilities of our students. For some, that may look like receiving additional support in the classroom. For others, that may mean learning in self-contained special education classrooms. We've mapped out an overview of our services below:
Indirect Support
Students learning in general education classrooms are supported through regularly scheduled meetings between their teacher and an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher or service provider to discuss their needs.
Classroom Support
Additional support is provided to students learning in general education classrooms. An ESE teacher or service provider provides direct support through collaborative teaching practices.
Out-of-Classroom Support
Students either receive pullout support (periodically pulled out of the classroom to receive direct services and/or therapies) or are placed in a self-contained ESE classroom (consisting entirely of students with disabilities).
Off-Campus Support
The student receives all services in a non-traditional setting, such as a center school or Hospital Homebound, due to significant and complex medical, physical, cognitive, behavioral, or psychiatric needs.
Life After High School
Our Transition Services team supports students with disabilities in planning and preparing for life beyond high school. This ranges from specialized programs with state colleges to internships with local companies such as UF Health, the University of North Florida, FSCJ, and more.
The Transition IEP (TIEP) meeting gathers the student, family, school staff, and community agencies to plan for the future collaboratively. To learn more, visit the Transition Services website or contact a specialist at 904-348-5205
ESE Parent Survey
Each year, the Florida Department of Education invites parents of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to complete a survey. This survey helps evaluate how effectively schools are partnering with families and supporting meaningful parent involvement in their child’s education.
We encourage all parents, guardians, and adult-age students to participate and share their feedback. This survey is available in 10 languages and can be completed electronically or in paper format, based on your preference.
Bus Registration for ESE Students
All bus riders, including ESE students, MUST be registered for bus transportation each year.
Beginning in 2025-26, students in a self-contained ESE program must also be registered for bus transportation. The registration steps are the same, but you must also complete the section labeled: ONLY Complete this section if your student is in a Self-contained ESE Program.
Use the buttons below to learn how to register for or submit a change to transportation for ESE students.
ESE Contact Information & Helpful Links
EE/SS Main Number 904-348-7800
The ESE Solution Center
The ESE Solution Center offers parents, employees, and the community an open and safe line of communication to report any concerns related to Exceptional Education & Student Services about individual school classrooms, staff, instruction, and support. Contact at this email address: esesolutioncenter@duvalschools.org
Helpful Links
From resources to ESE webinars to the ESE Advisory Committee – we've included a list of important go-to links below.