Schools for students with disabilities
Recognized private schools across the United States that provide individualized instruction, therapy services and inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities.
The right school changed Alex’s life more than once: a charter preschool where he learned to read, an elementary school with a dedicated special education department, and an inclusive Catholic school that became his safe haven through graduation. The schools below stand out nationally, and many others across the country offer the same life-changing support.
Private schools for students with disabilities
Landmark School
Beverly, MassachusettsSpecializes in language-based learning disabilities, dyslexia and executive function challenges, serving grades 2 to 12 with individualized instruction and embedded coaching.
www.landmarkschool.orgThe Lab School of Washington
Washington, D.C.An independent day school for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences, featuring arts-integrated academics and small-group instruction.
www.labschool.orgOakwood School
North Hollywood, CaliforniaFocuses on students with ADHD, dyslexia and executive function challenges, with tailored academic support and executive skills training.
www.oakwoodschool.orgThe Greenwood School
Putney, VermontAn all-boys boarding school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, offering intensive one-on-one support.
www.greenwoodschool.orgThe Windward School
White Plains and Manhattan, New YorkA day school for grades 1 to 9 serving students with language-based learning disabilities, using multisensory Orton-Gillingham methods.
www.thewindwardschool.orgOrion Academy
Concord, CaliforniaA high school for students with autism, nonverbal learning disorder and neurocognitive disabilities, with a 1 to 4 staff-to-student ratio.
www.orionacademy.orgKennedy Krieger School
Baltimore, MarylandPart of the Johns Hopkins-affiliated Kennedy Krieger Institute, offering school-based programs (K to 21) for developmental, neurological and learning disabilities.
www.kennedykrieger.orgFranklin Academy
East Haddam, ConnecticutA boarding and day school for grades 8 to 12 and postgraduates with autism and nonverbal learning disabilities, with a 2.4 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
www.fa-ct.orgDevereux Glenholme School
Washington, ConnecticutA therapeutic boarding school for ages 10 to 21 with autism, ADHD, emotional or learning disabilities, emphasizing individualized academics, behavioral support and the arts.
www.theglenholmeschool.orgPerkins School for the Blind
Watertown, MassachusettsThe nation's oldest school for students who are blind or visually impaired, offering academic programming with accessible technology and Braille instruction.
www.perkins.orgSt. Elizabeth School
Baltimore, MarylandA nonpublic, publicly funded school serving students with profound autism, intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury, focused on life skills and job training.
www.archbalt.org
Public and special education district programs
Your state's special education services
In addition to private schools, many states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Michigan, offer highly rated public and special education districts with strong disability support services. Start with your local intermediate school district.
www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org
The Alexander Foundation has found these sites helpful. We list them as a starting point, not an endorsement, and we encourage every family to decide for themselves what is useful. Nothing here is medical advice.
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