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Best Special Needs Schools in Paramount, California (2026)

Compare 3 special needs schools in Paramount. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in Paramount

1

Frank J. Zamboni Middle School

Listed
Paramount, CAGrades 6-8Tuition-free

Frank J. Zamboni Middle School is a Paramount Unified School District middle school on Orange Avenue. Students choose electives from STEM and MESA, art, choir, band, drama and journalism, and they can join robotics, clubs, sports and student leadership. For students who need more support, we offer intervention classes in English language arts and math, study skills classes, and English Language Development for English learners. Our counselors provide short-term individual and group counseling and connect families with mental health services, and students can get academic support and homework help. Independent study is available for families who need that option. After school, students can stay for Think Together and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). We help families with Chromebook and internet access, offer resources for students in out-of-home care or experiencing homelessness, and welcome family volunteers on campus.

  • Public middle school
  • STEM and MESA
  • Visual and performing arts
  • Public school
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2

Lincoln Elementary School

Listed
Paramount, CAGrades K-5

Lincoln Elementary School serves kindergarten through fifth grade in Paramount Unified. The Lincoln Lions build academic habits through AVID Elementary, which teaches writing to learn, inquiry, collaboration, reading for understanding, and organization. Children practice those skills early so they can set goals and prepare for the move to middle school. Teachers also provide intervention and small-group instruction during the school day when students need help strengthening classroom skills. Lincoln's counselors and social workers lead guidance lessons and work with children individually or in groups on emotional wellness, behavior, friendship and conflict resolution. Families can work with the support team to connect children with school or community resources. The campus also offers student leadership and recognition activities, visual and performing arts, and Think Together/ELOP after-school opportunities. A Lincoln ELOP trip brought learning to Disneyland Campus, where students acted as Imagineers and designed amusement parks together. That project linked creativity, critical thinking and problem solving to an activity children could picture and build. Families can take part in school committees and events. Lincoln is at 15324 California Avenue in Paramount.

  • Elementary school
  • Public school
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Nearby school options

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Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Paramount

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team how a proposed setting will support your child's goals.

How to choose a special needs school

Prepare school-tour questions, compare supports and family communication, and record what each program can show you.

IEP process guide

Bring your IEP, progress evidence, and focused questions to conversations about evaluations, services, or placement.

Comparing school options in Paramount

Paramount Unified's Special Education Department takes Child Find calls at 562-602-6033. The district is one of three members of the Mid-Cities SELPA, with Bellflower and Lynwood unified. Paramount's Child Find page says every district must find and evaluate children ages 0 to 21 who may need special education, including children who are homeschooled or attend a private school.

Paramount Unified lays out four steps: referral, assessment, an IEP if your child is eligible, and carrying out the IEP. After a referral, the district has 15 days, not counting vacations over five days, to send either an assessment plan or a written notice that it will not assess. You have at least 15 days to sign. The district then has 60 days to assess and hold the IEP meeting. If the district refuses to evaluate, parents can request a due process hearing.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Paramount

What language will my child be assessed in?
Paramount Unified says assessments are given in your child's primary language, or an interpreter is provided. A multidisciplinary team, including at least one teacher or specialist who knows the suspected disability, does the testing. Materials must not discriminate by race, culture, or sex, and they are adapted for children with sensory, physical, or speech impairments. Ask for interpretation at the IEP meeting too.
My child is homeschooled. Can Paramount Unified evaluate them?
Yes. Paramount Unified's Child Find page states that all children ages 0 to 21 are included, even those who are homeschooled or attend a private school. Call the Special Education Department at 562-602-6033 and follow up with a written request. Our guide on how to request a special education evaluation shows what to put in the letter.
What if Paramount Unified says no to an assessment?
If the district decides an assessment is not appropriate, it must send you written notice of that decision. Paramount Unified's Child Find page notes that when a district refuses a parent's request to evaluate, the parent can request a due process hearing. Many families first ask for a meeting to review the reasons. Keep copies of your request and the district's answer.
What does an assessment in Paramount include?
Paramount Unified says assessments may include individual testing, observing your child at school, interviews with you, your child, and school staff, and a review of records, reports, and work samples. Your child is assessed in every area related to the suspected disability, and only after you sign the plan. Results are discussed at the IEP meeting. Our IEP prep checklist helps you prepare.

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