Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in Los Altos, California (2026)

Bullis Charter School is a family-founded, free public charter school that has served Los Altos-area families since 2004. Our North Campus on West Portola Avenue teaches transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. Admission is by lottery with no fee or entrance exam, and we are accredited by WASC. TK and kindergarten classes each have a teaching assistant, with adult-to-child ratios averaging 1:10 in TK and 1:12 in kindergarten. All grades take weekly specialist classes such as Mandarin, drama, art, music, PE and Makerspace, and elementary students set their own Focused Learning Goals with parents and teachers. Middle schoolers follow math pathways up to Algebra 2, take double-block English and social studies, build skills in 3D modeling, laser cutting, coding and robotics in our Fab Lab, and spend three two-week Intersessions a year on real-world projects. Students with IEPs or 504 plans receive push-in and pull-out services, English learners get integrated and designated support, and mental health counseling is available on site. Middle school clubs include debate, engineering, coding and video editing, and our teams play flag football, basketball and lacrosse. Before- and after-school care runs through our expanded learning program.

• Public charter school (TK-8)
• Project-based learning
• Design thinking and fabrication lab
• Mandarin

Music Together takes place in every Children's House classroom, alongside circle times with books, stories, songs, poems and chants. We offer children choices in mathematics, science, practical life, movement and language arts, using differentiated teaching in a language-rich setting with exposure to two languages. Each child belongs to a small family group, with a teacher who shares updates about the child's day. Our National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited toddler and preschool program includes children with special needs, and we work with families on each child's development. We also run the Children's House Clubhouse for children in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade at Loyola, Springer and Gardner Bullis. Before school care begins at 7:30 a.m.; after school care continues until 6 p.m. Children can join on-campus language, science, sports and scouting activities while in our care, and we offer care during school-year breaks. Children's House of Los Altos began in 1978 and remains a family-owned program for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

• Preschool
• inclusivity
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional

Drawn2Art is a distinguished art education program dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of students across various age groups and abilities, including those with unique learning needs. Since its establishment in 1986, this family-owned and operated school has focused on delivering high-quality, skill-based instruction in realistic drawing, painting, and clay sculpture. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to enhance visual intelligence by teaching students to recognize lines, shapes, colors, and tones in their environment. Through engaging art activities, students not only develop fine motor skills essential for their growth but also experience improvements in academic performance; research indicates that involvement in the arts correlates with higher test scores and greater recognition for academic achievements. The school's commitment to individualized learning is further exemplified by its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters strong relationships between educators and families. Unique community events and a responsive curriculum that evolves based on feedback from both teachers and students set Drawn2Art apart as a leader in art education. This enriching environment empowers children to cultivate self-motivation and personal pride through their artistic endeavors while promoting essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

• Art school
• Learning differences
• Private school

LACS is a private K-8 school located in Los Altos, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission is to empower every child to become a confident and joyful learner by providing personalized attention through a low student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and an average class size of just 7 in the Learning Support Program. LACS employs a holistic approach to education that integrates rigorous academic programs with character development rooted in Christian values. This unique blend not only challenges students intellectually but also nurtures their moral compass, promoting personal growth alongside academic excellence. The school offers a variety of engaging extracurricular activities, including sports, STEAM Robotics, art, and music programs, allowing students to explore their interests while building meaningful friendships. With a commitment to whole-child development, LACS ensures that each student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. The school's impressive standardized test scores, reflect the effectiveness of its educational strategies and dedicated faculty. What sets LACS apart is its strong emphasis on family partnerships and community involvement. Parents are encouraged to engage actively in their children's education through various events and initiatives that foster collaboration between home and school. This sense of community enhances the overall educational experience, making every child feel known and valued. By prioritizing individualized attention within a faith-based framework, LACS creates an environment where every student can flourish as they prepare for future academic challenges and life beyond the classroom.

• Elementary school
• Dyslexia
• dysgraphia
• dyscalculia

Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District is dedicated to providing an inclusive and equitable educational environment, serving students from diverse backgrounds and with various needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The district's core mission is to empower every student to reach their full academic and social potential through tailored educational experiences. Key programs within the district emphasize personalized learning approaches, integrating therapeutic methodologies that support each student's unique learning style. What sets this district apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, fostering strong partnerships with families, and offering specialized facilities that enhance the educational experience. Additionally, the district hosts unique community events that promote engagement and collaboration among students, parents, and educators, ensuring a supportive network for all families.

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

School for Independent Learners has offered one-to-one and small-group instruction in Los Altos since 1987. We are a WASC-accredited private school for grades 8 to 12, and students can enroll full-time or take just a few courses alongside another school. There are no minimum hour requirements for completing a course. Students move at their own pace until they master the content, and tuition reflects the actual time each student needs. Our faculty writes the curriculum in-house, and because we know the course sequences and policies of neighboring middle and high schools, students can move between SIL and their home school smoothly. Course options include for-credit classes, Advanced Placement, UC honors courses, full-immersion Spanish from level 1 through 4 and honors, and advanced math up to Multivariable Calculus Honors. Students who need to raise a grade can take remediation courses. We also offer college counseling, student mentoring, leadership and clubs, summer enrichment and rolling admissions.

• Private high school with 1:1 instruction (grades 8-12)
• One-to-one instruction
• Small group classes
• Self-paced mastery learning

Stepping Stones Preschool and Infant Care has been owner-operated since 1983. Two former preschool teachers and a parent of children they cared for have owned the school together since 1997, and our directors bring over 50 years of combined preschool experience. Since 2015 we have been on Covington Road, tucked between Covington Elementary School and Rosita Park in a quiet residential neighborhood. We are licensed for up to 100 children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, and each group spans a narrow age range: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Transition, and Pre-Kindergarten until kindergarten age. Ours is an academic preschool with plenty of free play, open year-round from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families choose full time or 2, 3 or 4 days a week; we do not offer half days. Classrooms have block, dramatic play, science, math and reading centers, a reading loft and a Montessori area. Outside, children ride bikes, climb the shaded play structure, play on the grass circle and work in our garden. We serve morning and afternoon snacks, and we are a no-sugar, no-peanut school.

• Private preschool and infant care
• Academic preschool
• Infant care
• Full-day year-round care