Katherine Walter of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, has chosen to homeschool her 11-year-old son, William, who has autism and apraxia, following a contentious incident involving his treatment at the local public school. Walter and her husband, Mike, cite a loss of trust in the school district’s ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for their son, particularly without resorting to physical restraint.
William, known as Will, has complex developmental needs, including significant speech and communication challenges. Despite early success in a private preschool program tailored to his needs, the family encountered difficulties when transitioning Will to the public elementary school system. The school initially promised classroom placement with a dedicated aide, but Walter says the aides and special education staff were not in place as agreed before the school year began, prompting her to keep Will at home.
The situation escalated in March 2026, during a home visit by Will’s prospective first-grade teacher. According to the teacher’s account, Will struck her and then approached holding what she believed was a toy; Walter identified the object as Will’s communication device—a speech-generating tablet. The teacher restrained his wrists, leading to a struggle in which Will kicked her. Walter’s version alleges the teacher “pinned” Will to the floor after he fled under a table. Walter filed a complaint with the county sheriff’s office alleging assault, but the county attorney declined to pursue criminal charges, stating the teacher acted in self-defense. The school’s superintendent also supported the teacher’s actions as appropriate.
After that incident, Walter sought a formal assurance from the school district that physical restraints would not be used again on Will. When the school did not provide that guarantee, the family pursued other avenues, including a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and lobbying efforts aimed at banning restraint and isolation in Montana schools—legislation that ultimately did not pass. The family also attempted to file a civil rights lawsuit but reportedly could not find legal representation willing to take the case. Instead, they settled a personal injury claim with the district in 2025 for $40,000, without admission of fault.
In the years since, the Walters have committed to homeschooling all their children, tailoring instruction to their individual needs. Will’s education includes work at various grade levels and adjustments such as eliminating exams and adapting lessons to reduce frustration. The family drives weekly from their rural home to Helena, over 90 minutes away, for occupational and speech therapy sessions vital to Will’s development. The cost of these therapies, partly covered by health insurance, totals $10,000 to $12,000 annually.
The Walters’ experience reflects broader trends in special education. Nationwide, approximately 15% of students receive special education services, with autism diagnoses contributing to the increase from previous decades. While federal law guarantees a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, some families opt to remove children from public schools due to dissatisfaction with services. In response, 30 states and Washington, D.C., offer taxpayer-funded scholarships to support private schooling or homeschooling, often prioritizing students with disabilities.
Montana enacted such a scholarship program in 2023, allocating an average of $6,600 per student for eligible expenses. While Will was not eligible because he was not recently enrolled in public school, his brother Lester received the funding. The program is currently paused due to an ongoing legal challenge. Advocates on both sides debate the impact of these scholarships, with some warning they jeopardize students’ rights and drain public school resources, while families like the Walters see them as critical support for individualized education.
Looking ahead, the Walters may benefit from a new federal initiative allowing tax credits for donations to school choice scholarship programs. Despite hopes that his siblings may return to the local public school, Katherine Walter plans to continue homeschooling Will indefinitely, emphasizing concerns about his safety and the district’s use of physical restraint as central to that decision.