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

Audeo Valley Charter School serves grades 6–12 through a personalized alternative public-school model in Moreno Valley. At the Audeo Valley Resource Center, students receive one-on-one instruction and follow courses tailored to their academic needs. The school continues under the Audeo Valley name within Altus Schools Riverside County.

• Charter school
• Public school

Canyon Springs High School opened in 1987 as the second high school in Moreno Valley Unified, and today we serve 2,251 students in grades 9 to 12. Our campus includes a two-story classroom building, a multi-purpose room and cafeteria, a gym, a library, a stadium and our Cyber Innovation Center. We are an International Baccalaureate World School and also offer AVID, Advanced Placement, Honors, Air Force JROTC and Middle College. Students can follow our CyberSecurity pathway or join our Business Academy and Health Academy, and band, choir, theatre and set design make up a visual and performing arts department that competes across Southern California. Student support includes the BARR program, Freedom Writers, a site-based MTSS program, counseling and special education services, and PBIS built around our Cougar Core Values.

• Public high school (9-12)
• International Baccalaureate
• Cybersecurity pathway
• Performing arts

Moreno Valley Unified School District’s Early Learning Academy hosts California State Preschool and Head Start for eligible three- and four-year-olds. Children build early literacy, numeracy, social and physical skills through developmentally appropriate activities, with part-day and full-day sessions available. Families can take part in parent education and other program activities.

• Preschool
• Public school

Leadership Military Academy, formerly Riverside County Education Academy, serves grades 9–12 at its Perris Boulevard campus in Moreno Valley. The public charter school uses a military-themed setting to develop leadership, responsibility, accountability, and teamwork alongside regular academic study. Its approach centers on rigor, relevance, and relationships: students work toward graduation while planning for college, careers, or other next steps. Most courses meet University of California A–G requirements, and students can choose academic electives or credit-recovery courses. The academy provides one-to-one classroom technology, extracurricular activities, and CIF sports. Cadets can also participate in color guard and armed or unarmed drill teams; the school featured its 2026 state drill competition. A Wellness Center provides student support, and families can check grades and attendance through the Aeries portal. LMA holds WASC accreditation.

• Charter school
• Public school

Options For Youth (OFY) is a network of free public charter high schools located in Southern California, dedicated to providing a flexible and personalized educational experience for students aged 14 to 22. Accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), OFY serves students who may be behind on credits, seeking a non-traditional learning environment, or balancing external responsibilities, with a commitment to helping each student achieve California state graduation requirements in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The school accepts and serves students with IEPs and 504 Plans, providing comparable services and specialized supports as required, with partnerships through "Partners in Special Education" for mild-to-moderate disabilities and related services. OFY employs innovative teaching methods including small group classes, online courses, and guided independent study, ensuring that each student's unique learning style and credit needs are met. The school stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters meaningful interactions and personalized attention, as well as its strong emphasis on family partnerships. Campus facilities are designed to create a safe and collaborative environment, free from distractions often found in traditional schools. Additionally, OFY offers unique travel opportunities and real-world experiences that allow students to gain practical knowledge while earning school credit. This holistic approach promotes both academic success and social-emotional growth, while maintaining full compliance with ADA, Title IX, Section 504, McKinney-Vento provisions for homeless youth, and providing specialized support for foster and justice-involved youth, making OFY a welcoming educational home for students from all backgrounds and circumstances.

• High school
• 504 Services
• Credit Recovery Students
• Speech therapy

Sunnymead Montessori in Moreno Valley is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and engaging educational environment for young learners, specifically serving children in preschool and kindergarten. With a core mission to help each child shine through love and guidance, the school embraces the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. This approach allows children to explore their creativity while participating in age-appropriate activities facilitated by trained educators. Research indicates that Montessori education can lead to happier, healthier adult lives compared to traditional preschool methods, a testament to its effectiveness. Parents have reported remarkable growth in their children's academic skills and confidence, highlighting the supportive and welcoming atmosphere fostered by the staff. Unique features of Sunnymead Montessori include a low student-teacher ratio that ensures personalized attention, strong partnerships with families that enhance the educational experience, and a variety of community events that promote engagement and connection. This combination of individualized support and innovative educational practices makes Sunnymead Montessori a standout choice for parents seeking an enriching foundation for their children's early education.

• Montessori school
• Montessori
• Private school

The Journey School, located in Moreno Valley, is a free public charter institution dedicated to nurturing the educational growth of students from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. Since its establishment in 2018, the school has focused on creating a secure and supportive environment where collaboration flourishes, enabling students to develop essential skills for future success. The Journey School serves a diverse population, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, fostering a growth mindset that empowers children to embrace challenges and persist through obstacles. The school's approach includes individualized instruction facilitated by fully credentialed teachers and a strong emphasis on technology integration with one-to-one computer access for every student. Unique to The Journey School is its commitment to building robust partnerships with families, ensuring that parents are actively engaged in their child's educational journey. With a low student-teacher ratio and specialized facilities designed to support various learning needs, The Journey School stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for families seeking an enriching educational experience for their children.

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

Vista del Lago High School opened on Lasselle Street in Moreno Valley for the 2002-2003 school year, and our students are the Ravens. As part of Moreno Valley Unified, we give every student a Chromebook and build the school year around pathways that point toward college and careers. Students can choose Health Academy, which has its own building, along with EMT, sports medicine, public and community health, graphic design and media arts, construction, machining, engineering and cyber security. Academic options include Advanced Placement and honors courses at every grade level, AVID, a Scholars program, Dual Language Immersion, dual enrollment and the Early Raven College Academy. Students who miss a few days can keep up through short-term independent study, and counselors help with course selection, credit recovery and college planning. Outside class, Ravens play on athletic teams, join student-led clubs and student leadership, and perform in visual and performing arts programs. Our RAVENS values stand for respect, achieve value, engage, never give up and succeed.

• Public high school
• Career technical pathways
• Speech therapy
• Advanced Placement