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

Arrowhead Christian Academy began offering college-preparatory education to Inland Empire students in 1979, and today about 416 students in grades 9 to 12 learn at our Upper School, set on a 25-acre campus on Tennessee Street in Redlands. We are WASC accredited and part of Redlands Christian Schools, a preschool through 12th grade system that traces back to 1921. Average class size is 19, with one staff member for every 15 students. Our course list includes AP classes from Calculus AB and Computer Science to US History and Spanish, dual credit through Colorado Christian University, and electives such as engineering, sports medicine, ceramics, cuisine and journalism. Students can pursue an optional Distinctive in STEM, Exercise Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Journalism or Global Studies. Our Special Education Center serves students with mild to moderate learning needs who need specialized academic instruction, while keeping them in regular classrooms first. Faith runs through the week with Bible classes, weekly chapel, mission trips and an annual retreat. Students sing in choir, play in jazz band and wind ensemble, act in theater, join clubs, and compete in three sports seasons.

• Private Christian high school (grades 9-12)
• Learning differences
• College preparatory
• Advanced Placement

CAST tutoring uses our Library Media Center after school on scheduled afternoons. Cope Middle School students can bring classroom work into that support alongside counseling and online textbook resources. We pair those learning resources with opportunities to participate in the arts, athletics and student activities. Our students can choose art, band, choir, theatre, yearbook and digital storytelling. Athletics and a range of clubs extend school life in other directions. AVID, CJSF, WEB and expanded learning add programs through which students can take part. SOAR expectations guide our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports work. We ask students to practice mutual respect, critical thinking, problem-solving and a steady work ethic as they take responsibility for their education. For incoming families, the student-family handbook and incoming-student information help with the transition into middle school. Parents can participate through the PTSA, School Site Council and English Language Advisement Committee, bringing family perspectives into school life. Our Redlands campus opened in 1957, and the golden eagle remains our mascot. Parents can participate through the PTSA, School Site Council and English Language Advisement Committee. Incoming-student information accompanies the student-family handbook for children making the transition into middle school.

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

Excelsior Charter Schools is dedicated to empowering students in grades 7 through 12 through a fully accredited, blended learning program and a comprehensive supported independent study initiative. The school's core mission is to create a motivating and safe environment that not only prepares students for graduation but also equips them with the skills necessary for lifelong success in their careers and personal lives. Excelsior serves a diverse student body, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, ensuring that each individual receives the tailored support they need to thrive. The school employs innovative educational methodologies that blend traditional teaching with modern technology, fostering an engaging learning experience. Key programs focus on personalized learning plans, allowing students to develop and execute a strong vision for their future while receiving the guidance and resources necessary to achieve their goals. What sets Excelsior apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which enhances individualized attention and support. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing the vital role that home and community play in a student's educational journey. With specialized facilities and unique community events, Excelsior Charter Schools cultivates a nurturing atmosphere that celebrates each student's potential and encourages their growth.

• High school

In Redlands, Gorman Learning Center gives families a resource center within Gorman Learning Charter Network. The network builds personalized programs of study around academic standards and collaboration between parents and education professionals.

• Charter school
• Public school

Since opening in the fall of 1966, Orangewood High has been the continuation high school for Redlands Unified School District, which covers Redlands, Loma Linda and parts of Highland and San Bernardino. We give students an individualized, alternative setting where they build independence, critical thinking and self-advocacy on the way to graduation. Students are scheduled into classes with careful attention to their abilities and needs. Our program combines grade-level instruction, college preparatory courses and Career and Technical Education classes, all backed by a Multi-Tiered System of Support. Planning for life after high school is built in. Every Redlands Unified student completes the FAFSA to receive a diploma, so our staff help each student finish the entire form and hold information meetings for parents. Seniors also take part in Bite of Reality.

• Public continuation high school
• Alternative education
• Career and technical education
• Public school

Packinghouse Christian Academy began in 1984 as the Calvary Chapel Christian School, in a remodeled Sunkist packing house in Redlands, with kindergarten through 6th grade. We added a grade each year, graduated our first senior class in 1991 and took our current name in 2006. Today we teach Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade as an extension of Packinghouse Christian Fellowship Church, with Biblically integrated teaching in every subject. Our campus covers 27 and a half acres, with baseball, softball and athletic fields, a technology center and a serving kitchen for our lunch program. Middle and high school students compete in volleyball, cross country, baseball, softball, basketball and golf, and grades 6 to 12 are split into four houses that earn points all year for the Packinghouse Cup. Third through fifth graders can join our after-school Mileage Club. We are accredited by WASC and are members of ACSI. Annual tuition for 2026-27 ranges from $4,493 to $10,086 depending on grade, with a 12-month payment plan. Junior Kindergarten offers a half-day option from 8:25 a.m. to noon or a full-day option, and before and after school daycare costs $8 per hour.

• Christian school (JK-12)
• Biblically integrated curriculum
• House system (grades 6 to 12)
• Accredited

The Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts is dedicated to fostering creativity and self-expression through dance for students of all ages, starting from as young as three years old. The studio serves a diverse range of students, including those with various learning needs, by offering an inclusive environment that emphasizes both artistic development and personal growth. With a mission to share the joy of dance, the studio provides a variety of classes tailored to different skill levels and interests, including Kinder-Theater for younger children and specialized Hip Hop classes for ages 3 to 6. The approach at Looking Glass Studio combines traditional dance techniques with innovative therapeutic methodologies, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention in a nurturing atmosphere. The low student-teacher ratio allows for meaningful interactions and targeted instruction, helping each dancer thrive. Furthermore, the studio's commitment extends beyond the classroom; it actively engages with families through community events such as performances at Disneyland and participation in local parades, fostering strong partnerships that enhance the overall experience for students. What sets Looking Glass Studio apart is not only its dedication to high-quality dance education but also its supportive community spirit. The studio regularly hosts fun events like Trunk or Treat and showcases local talent, creating a vibrant environment where families can connect and celebrate their children's achievements together. This unique blend of professional instruction, community involvement, and family-oriented values makes Looking Glass Studio a standout choice for parents seeking a comprehensive performing arts education for their children.

• Dance school
• Private school