Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Gilbert, Arizona (2026)

Arizona Connections Academy is a tuition-free online public school for Arizona students from kindergarten through grade 12. Certified teachers lead classes online while caregivers support each student’s daily learning at home.

• School
• Public school

The Autism Academy for Education and Development operates a Gilbert campus at 2061 South Gilbert Rd. as part of its network of Arizona locations. It provides K-12+ education exclusively for students with autism, including kindergarten through high school programs and the B.R.I.D.G.E. post-12th grade transition program. The school delivers individualized education plans focused on academics, communication, social skills, daily living skills, and vocational preparation in a structured environment with small class sizes and in-house therapies. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and approved by the Arizona Department of Education to provide special education services. Families enroll directly or through district placements. The Gilbert campus offers the same programming as other sites, with options for tours and enrollment support via the main site.

• Private special education day school for autism
• Autism
• Accredited
• Private school

Pathways School and Evaluation Center is a small non-profit, state-approved K-12 private day school and evaluation center with a campus at 1540 North Burk St in Gilbert, AZ. It educates children with learning differences, attention deficits, and developmental delays. The school uses a Montessori-informed approach blending direct instruction, exploratory learning, multi-sensory interventions, and social skills training. It provides speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic therapy, with low student-teacher ratios. Enrollment is open for the 2026-27 school year across locations. Families submit an interest form and IEP/MET documents for review; tours and decisions follow. It accepts ESA funds and offers scholarships. The Gilbert campus serves K-6th grade.

• Private special education day school
• Specific Learning Disability
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia

PS Academy Arizona is a premier private school dedicated to supporting neurodiverse teens, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other learning differences. The school's core mission is to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where atypical learners can thrive academically and socially, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Key offerings at PS Academy include a variety of tailored programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and real-life skills, integrating therapeutic methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and social skills training. Students can engage in diverse electives, from robotics and music to practical life skills like budgeting and cooking. Additionally, specialized support services, including speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, are available to enhance each student's educational experience. What sets PS Academy apart is its commitment to creating a supportive community where every student is understood and valued. With a low student-teacher ratio, personalized attention is guaranteed, allowing educators to focus on individual strengths and interests. The school also offers a range of clubs and extracurricular activities that promote friendship and collaboration, ensuring that students not only learn but also build meaningful relationships. The campus environment is designed to be welcoming and engaging, making school a place where students look forward to attending each day.

• Special education school
• ADHD
• Autism
• Learning differences

At Sierra School of Gilbert, our kindergarten through grade 12 program combines classroom instruction with speech therapy, occupational therapy and counseling. Sensory rooms and a motor lab are available for students who need them. Instruction is guided by students' IEP goals in smaller, structured classrooms. Our Spark, Spring and Bloom learning pathways cover academic and behavioral support, instruction and life skills, and functional communication and daily living. The Gilbert campus accepts Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account. Our school is at 875 South Cooper Road.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Behavioral Support Needs
• Emotional Disability

Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a premier therapeutic day school dedicated to providing exceptional educational and behavioral support for students with autism, emotional disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. The core mission of Austin Centers is to empower every student to overcome their unique challenges and achieve their fullest potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Key offerings at Austin Centers include individualized learning programs tailored to meet the specific academic and behavioral needs of each student. The school employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating therapeutic methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. Additionally, students benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities designed to promote well-rounded development and community integration. What sets Austin Centers apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and support. With six conveniently located campuses across the Phoenix area, the school serves a diverse population from over 100 school districts and charter schools. The dedicated staff, with an average tenure of four years, fosters a consistent and reliable learning experience, contributing to a significant reduction in negative behaviors and successful reintegration into public schools for many students.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Emotional disabilities
• Intellectual disability