MUAN, SOUTH KOREA – A significant step towards inclusive education and enhanced opportunities for students with severe intellectual disabilities is underway in Jeonnam Province. The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education has announced the successful passage of its plan to establish a new public special school in the western region, following approval from the Ministry of Education's Central Investment Review Committee. This pioneering institution will be the first public special school in the province dedicated to providing high school and vocational training specifically tailored for this student population.

The state-of-the-art facility will be constructed on the former site of Illo Elementary School Juksan Branch, situated within the Phase 3 development area of Namak New Town in Muan County. Envisioned as a modern, three-story building, the school is slated to open its doors in 2029, backed by a substantial investment of 45 billion Korean Won.

The educational framework of the new school will encompass a comprehensive high school curriculum, comprising six classes, alongside an extensive post-secondary vocational program offering eight specialized classes. Upon its inauguration, the school anticipates enrolling approximately 150 students with severe intellectual disabilities, providing them with a focused and supportive learning environment.

This development will also lead to a strategic realignment within the region's existing special education landscape. The four current private special schools will adapt their offerings by reducing their high school programs and concurrently expanding their kindergarten, elementary, and middle school classes. This collaborative approach, dividing educational stages between the public and private sectors, aims to maximize the overall capacity to accommodate a greater number of students with diverse needs across all age groups.

The curriculum at the new public special school will place a strong emphasis on both general academic subjects and specialized vocational training, equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for future employment and independent living. Kim Dae-jung, the Superintendent of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, expressed his strong commitment to the initiative. "This school will be a customized space where students with special education needs can truly realize their potential and pursue their dreams," he stated. "Through the establishment of this public special school in the western region, we are dedicated to bridging the special education gap and creating a foundation where all students can have a fair start in life."

The establishment of this specialized public school marks a crucial advancement in Jeonnam Province's commitment to providing equitable and tailored educational opportunities for all students, fostering greater independence and facilitating a smoother transition into society for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. The collaborative model between public and private institutions is expected to create a more comprehensive and accessible special education system within the region.