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

Brilliant Totz Daycare & Preschool in Lathrop is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment tailored for young children, particularly those with unique developmental needs. Serving children in their early years, the school emphasizes a personalized approach within a small group setting, allowing for individualized attention that meets each child's specific requirements. The play-based curriculum encourages exploration, creativity, and social development, ensuring that learning is both effective and enjoyable. Safety is a top priority; the facility is equipped with child-proofing measures and adheres to strict hygiene standards to maintain a healthy environment. Unique offerings include homemade fresh and healthy meals, extensive play areas, and a variety of engaging activities such as art and dance. What sets Brilliant Totz apart is its commitment to building strong family partnerships and providing an atmosphere where children can thrive academically while enjoying their formative years through active play and fun games.

• Preschool
• early childhood development
• social-emotional learning
• Private school

Delta Charter Schools stand as a beacon of educational excellence in California, committed to delivering a tailored learning experience for nearly 2,000 students ranging from Transitional Kindergarten through adult education. With a mission centered on personalized education, these tuition-free public schools are designed to meet the unique needs of each student, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The schools employ innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies that foster both academic and personal growth, ensuring that every learner is prepared for college and career pathways. What sets Delta Charter Schools apart is their low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates strong relationships between educators and families, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. Additionally, the specialized facilities and community events enrich the educational experience, making Delta Charter Schools not just places of learning but nurturing communities dedicated to empowering every student to reach their fullest potential.

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

Joseph Widmer Elementary School on Stonebridge Lane in Lathrop is part of Manteca Unified School District. Our school runs Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), with clear, positively stated behavior expectations for every part of campus. Manteca Unified expands inclusion classrooms under the belief that special education is a service, not a place, and provides specialized academic instruction and related services to students with IEPs. English learners receive targeted English Language Development instruction, and families and teachers meet early in the year for goal-setting conferences. We also offer an Expanded Learning program outside the school day.

• Public elementary school
• Inclusion classrooms
• PBIS
• Public school

Lathrop High School opened in 2008 and serves grades 9 to 12 in Lathrop as part of Manteca Unified School District. Our classrooms are technology-rich, and we encourage students to get involved in athletics, clubs and the arts. Students can earn college credit before graduation. Through Delta College's College Early Start program they can take on-campus courses at San Joaquin Delta College, and the Dual Enrollment Program offers free college courses at our school shortly after classes end for the day. Counselors guide students through A-G requirements for UC and CSU, credit remediation, scholarships and financial aid, including FAFSA and the California Dream Act. We recognize academic achievement with the Academic Block L and Academic Lamp and with honor cords. Our athletics program fields teams in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, flag football, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. We also run Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and a yearbook, and across Manteca Unified, inclusion classrooms follow the belief that special education is a service, not a place.

• Public high school (grades 9-12)
• Dual enrollment
• College and career readiness
• Inclusion classrooms

Little Stanford Scholars is a small preschool and child care program on Delicato Drive in Lathrop for children from 6 months to 6 years old. Our toddler program uses a milestone-based curriculum with educational toys and room to move, building physical, language, cognitive and social-emotional skills. In our preschool room, children work on independence, cooperation and communication through hands-on learning. We teach math with Singapore Math, reading with Hooked on Phonics and writing with Handwriting Without Tears, and we track progress across areas such as early math, literacy, logic and reasoning, nature and science, creative arts and social-emotional development. A typical day includes circle time, music and movement, a helper chart, calendar, art, science and table manipulatives. We cook nutrient-dense meals from fresh ingredients, and coaches from Soccer Shots run sessions on site. Our after school program offers homework help, creative activities, games and snacks, and our summer program adds arts and crafts, outdoor games, science and cooking workshops, music and dance, and field trips. We accept child care subsidies for new enrollment.

• Preschool and child care (ages 6 months to 6 years)
• Infant and toddler care
• Early literacy
• Private school

Mossdale Elementary School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can achieve grade-level standards and experience personal success. Serving a diverse population, the school focuses on students with unique educational needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other special requirements. The school's mission emphasizes collaboration among educators, families, and the community to provide tailored educational pathways in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. Key programs at Mossdale Elementary incorporate personalized learning sessions that offer targeted academic support, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate assistance at the right moment. Additionally, the school promotes specialized education as a service instead of a separate entity, reinforcing the importance of inclusion within the classroom. Unique features such as a low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships set Mossdale apart, enhancing the educational experience for all students while creating a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and growth.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Private school

Our Lathrop site is part of San Joaquin County's one.Program alternative education. The program serves students who need a different path through school, including young people referred by their districts, attendance review boards, juvenile court or probation. Families can also request a nontraditional setting for their child. The county program provides academics alongside health and mental health services and family support. Clinicians offer assessments and therapy by request, and intervention staff work with families when attendance becomes difficult. Students also take part in Quest field trips. The one.Program has served San Joaquin County students since 1991.

• Community school
• at risk of academic failure
• Learning differences

Catalyst Kids is a nurturing educational environment dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children from infancy through school age, including those with diverse needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. With a core mission centered on inclusivity, the school offers a range of programs including Before and After School care, Preschool, and Summer Camps that are designed to inspire self-guided learning while promoting discovery and independence. Catalyst Kids employs research-based methodologies that encourage children to explore their interests in a safe and supportive atmosphere. The school stands out for its commitment to family partnerships, welcoming input from parents to enhance the educational experience, which strengthens community ties and enriches each child's journey. With a focus on maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, Catalyst Kids ensures personalized attention that caters to individual learning styles and needs. The unique blend of educational enrichment, community involvement, and strong family support sets Catalyst Kids apart as a trusted resource for parents seeking an empowering environment for their children.

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