Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in Chandler, Arizona (2026)

The East Campus of the Foundation for Blind Children, known as the Floye Steele Center, serves East Valley families with preschool and elementary programs for children who are blind or visually impaired. The Foundation for Blind Children, founded in 1952 by four families, is Arizona's only agency of its kind for people with vision loss and serves more than 2,000 people of all ages. Its school-based program includes a center-based preschool with full-day and partial-day options four days a week, and an elementary program for kindergarten through fourth grade that meets full days five days a week. Classrooms build early academic skills, pre-braille and reading skills, and kindergarten readiness through curriculum-based center learning aligned with the Arizona academic standards, Arizona Early Childhood Standards, and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physical therapy are integrated into each classroom based on each child's needs, and students take part in weekly music and pet therapy sessions. Beyond the classroom, the foundation runs early intervention home visits for infants and toddlers, family education and support programs, a braille and large print resource center, and transition programming for teens and young adults that covers daily living, job readiness, and postsecondary planning. FBC campuses appear on the Arizona Department of Education approved private special education school list.

• Private special education school for students who are blind or visually impaired
• Blindness
• Visual impairment
• Preschool

St. Dominic Savio Academy is a private, non-profit educational institution dedicated to providing exceptional programs and education for children on the autism spectrum. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, the academy's core mission is to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students to thrive academically and socially. The academy offers a range of specialized services and methodologies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based education, which has been extensively validated through decades of research. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, St. Dominic Savio Academy ensures that each child receives personalized attention and care during these critical developmental years. The year-round program is designed to provide consistent educational support, while the structured classroom environment reflects traditional school settings, enhanced by the presence of ABA-trained instructional assistants. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic learning with social skills development, ensuring a holistic approach to education. What sets St. Dominic Savio Academy apart is its nurturing and collaborative atmosphere, where experienced and compassionate staff work closely with families to support each child's unique needs. The academy emphasizes open communication between parents and educators, fostering a strong partnership in the child's educational journey. Additionally, the school organizes various field trips and community activities, promoting social interaction and real-world learning experiences. This commitment to creating a safe, clean, and engaging environment makes St. Dominic Savio Academy a remarkable choice for families seeking the best educational options for their children with autism.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Private school

Valley Christian Schools, established in 1982 and located in Chandler, Arizona, is dedicated to providing a distinctly Christian education for nearly 1,100 students from kindergarten through high school. The school's mission focuses on equipping students to become culture changers for Christ by fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, and strong community ties. Valley Christian serves a diverse student body, including those with unique needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The educational approach emphasizes individualized attention through a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring that every child receives the support needed to thrive academically and socially. With a rich array of programs that include award-winning fine arts, championship athletics, and innovative STEM initiatives, students are encouraged to explore their talents and develop their character both inside and outside the classroom. What sets Valley Christian apart is its commitment to building lasting partnerships with families and creating a nurturing environment where students can flourish. The school prides itself on its vibrant community events that foster connections among students, parents, and staff, making it not just an educational institution but a supportive family-oriented environment where every child is valued.

• Catholic school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school