Self-contained special education classes at Alki and Schmitz Park elementary schools will close at the end of the school year due to low enrollment, Seattle School District officials decided.

The district's yearly evaluation of it's special education programs revealed a decrease in special needs enrollment at the schools, forcing the decision to consolidate those students into programs at Arbor Heights and High Point, said Patti Spencer, a district spokesperson.

During the two-week review of the programs, the district looked at enrollment trends and budgetary needs to figure out what areas of the city needed more or less special education.

Alki and Schmitz Park each have one special education class that serves students with a variety of challenges. The district expects only about 11 third through fifth-grade students to enroll in those classes next year.

"The reality is that there's a small number of students in these classrooms," said Spencer.

One Alki parent said her son, a fourth-grader with a speech delay disorder, has already been to four different schools. She's worried about what another move will do to his self-esteem.

"He's sad because he won't be able to graduate with all of his friends," she said. "I want my child to stay in the school he's in now. I wish we had a choice in this matter."

She's said she's upset that the district made the decision "without warning" and before consulting parents. Impacted staff and families were contacted immediately after the decision was made in mid-March, said Spencer.

"With any decision, our goal is to whenever possible have a discussion with families about decisions that will have a direct impact on them and at a minimum inform them immediately," she said. "The reality is that with small self-contained programs we have a limited number of options."

Spencer said the district recognizes that moving or closing special programs can be especially difficult for the parents and students of special needs families.

"We realize it's very challenging for families to make these changes and we make every attempt to minimize that," said Spencer. "We're looking at special education more comprehensively and we really want to make sure we use our resources to bring the most benefit to our children with special needs."

Families will be sent letters explaining the decision and a new assignment plan for each student. Parents will be given the opportunity to appeal those assignments. Typically, the district tries to match special needs students with schools closest to their homes.

Parents will also be given the opportunity to tour the schools and "get to know the programs," said Spencer.

It isn't known whether the programs could be reinstated at Alki and Schmitz Park since there are classes at other West Seattle schools that can absorb the displaced students at elementary and higher grade levels, she said.

Moving students around is something the district wants to avoid whenever possible, said David Tucker, another district spokesperson.

"We really want to minimize the disruption to student's lives and education," he said.

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com