Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Danville, California (2026)

Blackhawk Montessori opened in Blackhawk Plaza in 2015 and has spent 11 years serving Danville families with authentic Montessori education for children ages 2 to 6. Our campus is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with nine schedule options to choose from. Children move through four mixed-age programs. Prep 1 (ages 2 to 3, one teacher for every six children) builds independence through practical life work, sensorial materials and patient toilet learning support. Prep 2 (ages 2.5 to 3.5, 1:8) adds sandpaper letters, number rods and golden beads. Our Preschool/TK classrooms (ages 3.5 to 5, 1:10) cover math, language, science, geography and cultural studies, and Kindergarten (ages 5 to 6, 1:12) adds leadership and more complex problem-solving. Spanish, music, science experiments, daily movement and daily yoga and mindfulness are included at no extra cost. Families can add optional classes such as STEM, art, soccer, robotics and Amazing Athletes.

• Montessori preschool and kindergarten (ages 2 to 6)
• Montessori
• Mixed-age classrooms
• Spanish enrichment

Charlotte Wood Middle School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. Serving students in grades six through eight, the school focuses on individuals with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, ensuring that each child receives the tailored support necessary for their academic and personal growth. The school employs a variety of therapeutic methodologies and specialized programs designed to enhance learning experiences, including individualized instruction and collaborative learning opportunities that cater to different learning styles. What sets Charlotte Wood Middle School apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and meaningful connections between educators and students. The school emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is key to student success. Additionally, Charlotte Wood features specialized facilities that support diverse educational approaches and hosts unique community events that foster engagement among students, parents, and staff. This holistic approach not only nurtures academic achievement but also promotes social-emotional development, making Charlotte Wood Middle School a distinctive choice for families seeking an enriching educational experience for their children.

• Middle school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Our Danville campus on El Pintado Road offers Mandarin and Spanish immersion classes alongside English Montessori classrooms. Fountainhead Montessori School was founded in 1972, and in Danville we serve children from 18 months to 6 years. Toddler/Prep classes for children 18 months to 2.5 years ease little ones into their first school experience through practical life work, sensorial exploration, art, songs and stories. Our preschool primary classrooms group children ages 2.5 to 6 together for three years, so older children lead and younger ones learn by watching. Classes meet from 9 to noon and again from 1 to 4, families choose anywhere from three to five days, and we do not require toilet training. Before and after care runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is billed only for the time used, with art, reading and a large outdoor playground. Monthly tuition for 2026-27 runs from $831 for two toddler mornings to $1,386 for five, paid in 12 installments, and it includes music and science classes and a snack. Themed discovery camps run on site when school is out.

• Montessori preschool and toddler program
• Montessori
• Mandarin immersion
• Spanish immersion

John Baldwin Elementary has served a residential Danville neighborhood east of Interstate 680 since 1968 as part of San Ramon Valley Unified School District. We enroll about 442 students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade, and our fifth graders move on to Charlotte Wood Middle School. John Baldwin earned the California Distinguished School Award in 2014. Primary classrooms teach reading with the CKLA phonics and reading program, and identified students take part in GATE. Our student support lineup includes the Primary Intervention Program (PIP), Second Step and Steps to Respect lessons, the Rainbow Program and Pals groups, and older students can join student council and school clubs. Families back the school through the Cougar Ed Fund, which pays for programs on campus, and through an active PTA. Kids Country and Right at School offer before- and after-school care options for Baldwin families.

• Public elementary school (TK-5)
• CKLA phonics and reading
• Public school

Safari Kid is dedicated to nurturing the whole child, offering a comprehensive early childhood education experience that empowers young minds to explore, engage, and grow. Serving children from infancy through sixth grade, the school caters to diverse developmental needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other unique challenges. The curriculum is inspired by respected educational methodologies such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia, emphasizing a balanced approach that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. At Safari Kid, play is seamlessly integrated into learning, creating an environment where children feel safe and inspired to discover their interests. The school prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships, ensuring personalized attention for every child. Regular assessments are conducted to tailor educational experiences according to each child's unique potential. With modern facilities designed to encourage creativity and imagination in both indoor and outdoor settings, Safari Kid stands out for its commitment to whole child development, fostering lifelong learners who thrive in a nurturing community.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school

San Ramon Valley High School, home of the Wolves, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse learners, particularly those with unique educational needs. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, the school embraces individuals with various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The core mission of San Ramon Valley High School is to empower every student to achieve their fullest potential through tailored educational programs and therapeutic methodologies that focus on both academic excellence and personal growth. Key programs at the school include specialized academic support, individualized learning plans, and a range of extracurricular activities designed to engage students' interests and talents. The school emphasizes a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring that each learner receives personalized attention and guidance from dedicated educators who are committed to their success. Additionally, strong partnerships with families are integral to the school's approach, fostering an open line of communication that supports student development both in and out of the classroom. What sets San Ramon Valley High School apart is its unique blend of academic rigor and community involvement. The school hosts various events aimed at building a sense of belonging among students and families, while also providing specialized facilities that cater to the diverse needs of its student body. This holistic approach not only prepares students for academic achievement but also nurtures their social-emotional well-being, making San Ramon Valley High School a standout choice for families seeking an enriching educational experience for their children.

• High school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Sycamore Valley Elementary School, home of the Sharks, is a San Ramon Valley Unified public school in Danville for students in transitional kindergarten through 5th grade. Along with classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, our staff includes resource specialists, a school nurse and department teachers for music, library and physical education, and each grade has its own computer lab activities. Our PTA funds programs families notice. Art Docent volunteers teach monthly art lessons in clay, chalk, paint and foil and introduce artists from Monet to O'Keeffe, a Green Team works on cutting waste, and teacher mini grants have paid for reading intervention materials, speech intervention apps and library books. A PTA Special Needs committee shares district parent education events and plans activities for students with learning, physical, speech or social-emotional needs, and an inclusion group supports ability awareness work. After school, Right at School runs the district's Expanded Learning program for TK to 5th grade, with free or reduced-cost spots for eligible families. Students also have English learner support and after-school enrichment classes.

• Public elementary school (TK to 5)
• Arts enrichment
• Public school

Vista Grande Elementary School opened in 1960 in central Danville, near Diablo Road and Camino Tassajara, with Mt. Diablo as our backdrop. We are a San Ramon Valley Unified neighborhood school for about 530 students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade, and our students are the Vista Grande Falcons. Our classrooms run on a team approach we call TEAM, for Together Everyone Achieves More. Each of our three TK, kindergarten, first and second grade classes has a classroom paraeducator working alongside the teacher, and several classes are taught by job-share teacher pairs. Beyond core subjects, students have enrichment in science, PE, visual and performing arts, vocal music, instrumental music and STEM, plus regular time in our library. Vista Grande has been named a California Distinguished School five times and a California Gold Ribbon School, and we are recognized as a No Place for Hate and Digital Citizenship school. Families support the school through the Future Fund and serve on our School Site Council.

• Public elementary school (TK-5)
• Arts and music enrichment
• STEM enrichment
• Classroom paraeducators