ST MICHAELS SPEC SCHOOL
School Details
About
St. Michael’s Special School provides education for approximately 166 pupils aged 5‑18 who have a mild learning disability. The school’s ethos celebrates the uniqueness of each child, offering a broad range of learning opportunities that encourage self‑expression and active participation in all school activities. A strong focus on quality teaching and learning is underpinned by a dedicated team of teachers, special needs assistants and ancillary staff who maintain high standards of achievement within a safe, caring and inclusive environment. The school operates under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin and the trusteeship of the Daughters of Charity, embracing Catholic Gospel values that inform all policies and practices. Facilities are tailored to support diverse needs, including specialised art, information technology, woodwork and home economics rooms, a well‑stocked library, a prayer room, a dining hall and extensive sport facilities. These resources enable pupils to develop academic, creative and physical skills, fostering confidence and independence as they progress through the junior cycle and beyond.
History
The Daughters of Charity transferred 75 pupils from St Vincent’s, Navan Road, to the newly established St Michael’s on 14 April 1955. The school officially opened in 1956, originally serving only girls, some of whom were boarders. The Daughters of Charity, co‑founded in France in 1633 by St Louise de Marillac and St Vincent de Paul, arrived in Ireland in 1855 and have since expanded their charitable work across a range of services, including education for children with intellectual disabilities.