Best Special Needs Schools in Lakewood, California (2026)

Intensive Learning Center is a Bellflower Unified school in Lakewood serving about 615 students from Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade. Families choose us for our Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, which follows a 90/10 model: TK through first grade learn 90 percent in Spanish, shifting toward more English each year as students become bilingual and biliterate. Every class takes part in AVID for college and career readiness, and each student has an individual Chromebook. TK to fourth graders have music class, fifth and sixth graders join chorus or band, and primary students visit the library weekly. Our staff includes intervention teachers, special education specialists, a speech and language specialist and a physical education teacher. We use PBIS and Capturing Kids' Hearts, and students earn Gotcha Tickets for S.O.A.R. behavior. Uniforms are required. Free YMCA supervision starts early each morning, breakfast is served in the cafeteria, and an active PTA supports school events.

• Public elementary school (TK-6)
• Speech therapy
• AVID
• Public school

Social Vocational Services (SVS) stands as a beacon of support for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities across California. With a core mission centered on empowerment and community inclusion, SVS offers a diverse array of individualized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. These programs encompass Community Inclusion, Supported Employment, Career Exploration, and both Supported and Independent Living services, ensuring that clients have the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. What sets SVS apart is its commitment to fostering personal relationships built on trust, allowing clients to actively participate in designing their service plans. This client-first approach is complemented by a low student-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized attention from dedicated professionals who are deeply ingrained in the communities they serve. With specialized facilities and innovative programming, SVS not only enhances the quality of life for its participants but also champions meaningful community integration through various events and partnerships.

• Adult education school
• Developmental disabilities
• Intellectual disability
• Private school

Spectrum Center- Long Beach Middle Country Club is a nonpublic certified private school in Lakewood, California, operated as part of the Spectrum Center Schools network. It provides specialized academic and functional skills instruction for students with IEPs who require intensive support beyond what is available in public school settings. Students are placed by their local school districts through the IEP process. The program emphasizes personalized learning in small classes, positive behavior supports, and preparation for transition to less restrictive environments or post-school life. No direct tuition is charged to families. The campus serves middle school ages with a focus on academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development in collaboration with referring districts.

• Private special education day school
• Autism
• Emotional Behavioral
• Private school