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Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in San Francisco, California (2026)

Compare 6 special needs schools in San Francisco. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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1

Alice Fong Yu Alternative School

Middle school

Listed

San Francisco, CA • Ages 5-8

Alice Fong Yu Alternative School in San Francisco is a public Chinese immersion K to 8 program. It is a general public school model, and families should confirm IEP support details with SFUSD for disability-specific needs.

Support: language-based learning disabilities, twice-exceptional, Public

2

Chinese American International School

Bilingual school

Listed

San Francisco, CA • Ages 2-8

Chinese American International School in San Francisco is a private Mandarin immersion preschool to grade 8 program. It is primarily a bilingual school model, with learning support services to be confirmed directly with admissions.

Support: language-based learning disabilities, twice-exceptional, Private

3

Presidio Knolls School

Bilingual school

Listed

San Francisco, CA • Ages 2-8

Presidio Knolls School in San Francisco is a private bilingual preschool to grade 8 program. It is primarily a language and project-based learning model instead of a dedicated special-needs school.

Support: Private

4

SF Tikes Academy

Preschool

Listed

San Francisco, CA • Ages 2-5

SF Tikes Academy in San Francisco is a bilingual early childhood preschool program. Families seeking disability-specific services should verify whether the school provides dedicated special-needs programming or referral support.

Support: Private

5

Winston Transitions- San Francisco

Special education school

Listed

San Francisco, CA • Ages 9-22

Winston Transitions San Francisco is a specialized transition program for older students with learning differences preparing for college, work, and independent living. The program focuses on executive functioning, self-advocacy, and postsecondary readiness.

Support: ADHD, Dyslexia, Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NVLD), Private

6

Woodside Learning Center

High school

Listed

San Francisco, CA

Woodside Learning Center is listed as an SFUSD specialized program for students with disabilities who need intensive support. Families can confirm referral criteria, age range, and program structure through district placement teams.

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in San Francisco

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team about placement and funding.

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