Marion County has approximately 7,000 exceptional students enrolled in its public schools. An exceptional student is one who has special learning needs. The special assistance received in school is called Exceptional Student Education, or ESE. Our goal is to provide every exceptional student with a free appropriate public education (FAPE), help them progress in school, access the general curriculum, and prepare them for life after school.
The Marion County Public School System offers a continuum of services and programs to meet the individual needs of students requiring special education, ages 3 through 21. The degree to which services are provided is based individually on each child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) as set forth by a staffing committee. The continuum of services may be provided in a variety of settings, which include regular classrooms, resource rooms, hospital/homebound, separate day school, special class, and non-public school (contractual).
If you suspect your student has a disability or for more information about any of our programs, please call your child's school and speak with the School Counselor or ESE Specialist.
ESE Department Contact Information:
Voice 352-671-6832
FAX 352-671-6833
FRS 800-955-8770
TTY 800-955-8771
MCPS Guidance & Testing - 352 671-6848
MCPS Home School Office - 352 671-6859
FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System) - 352 671-6051 Toll-Free: (800)533-0326
United Way's First Call for Help (For information on the services in Marion County) - 352 732-4444