Full statement provided by Michelle Paris, principal at Northwest Catholic: By no means have we ever turned a child away because of special needs. Educating children is a primary mission of our Church and caring for children with special needs is an inherent part of that mission. According to the rules for a Choice school, no income eligible student can be denied enrollment. There is a random selection process that must be followed that ensures no discrimination against potential students. Once a student is enrolled, he/she is subject to all policies and procedures of the school which are applied to all students enrolled--not just those in the Choice program. Furthermore, if a school determines that they are unable to meet the needs of a student, they may encourage another school placement and recommend that parents withdraw the child. Withdrawal is the decision of the parent. In response to this particular situation, every decision was made in the very best interest of the child with mutual agreement of our school leadership and the parent.