Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Santa Rosa, California (2026)

Anova Center for Education (ACE) Sonoma operates as a certified non-public school (NPS) providing K-12 education to students with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and other neurodevelopmental impairments. The school uses the Anova Method of Education (AME), which integrates academic instruction based on California Department of Education frameworks with simultaneous therapies including behavior analysis, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social cognition, and sensory integration. Students receive individualized education programs (IEPs) developed by a multidisciplinary team of teachers and clinicians. The program emphasizes essential life skills for independence alongside academics in subjects such as reading, mathematics, science, history, physical education, and transition planning. A dedicated transition program supports students ages 18-22. Placement occurs primarily through local school districts as a day program, with private enrollment also accepted. The Sonoma campus is located at 212 Concourse Blvd. in Santa Rosa and is fully certified by the California Department of Education.

• Private special education non-public school (NPS)
• Autism
• Learning differences
• Emotional/behavioral support

Lattice Educational Services is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with significant cognitive and physical impairments, particularly those who are nonverbal or minimally verbal. Serving learners from kindergarten through 12th grade, the school focuses on individuals with diverse needs, including language-based learning disabilities and emotional dysregulation. Lattice employs a holistic approach to education that integrates tailored academic and behavioral support, ensuring that each student receives personalized instruction designed to foster their unique strengths and challenges. Key programs such as Bloom focus on functional communication and daily living skills, while transitional support helps students re-engage with their education after facing behavioral or disciplinary challenges. What sets Lattice apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention and support in a calm, structured environment. Strong partnerships with families and community organizations further enhance the educational experience, making Lattice Educational Services a distinctive choice for parents seeking comprehensive support for their children's growth and development.

• Private educational institution
• Cognitive impairments
• Emotional dysregulation
• Learning differences

New Horizon School & Learning Center is a state-certified, non-profit educational organization located in Santa Rosa, CA, dedicated to providing a therapeutic day school experience for students with language-based learning disabilities. The core mission of New Horizon is to support students demonstrating average to above-average intelligence who face learning challenges, ensuring they thrive in a nurturing environment that fosters their unique learning potential. Key offerings at New Horizon include individualized learning programs tailored for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other specific learning disabilities. The school employs a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates educational therapy, remedial assistance, and creative expression. Services provided encompass speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups, and after-school programs. Additionally, New Horizon offers Extended School Year (ESY) services and summer tutoring to maintain academic progress during breaks. What sets New Horizon apart is its commitment to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and tailored instruction. Specialized technology and resources are utilized to enhance learning experiences, while vocational training and community integration opportunities prepare students for future success. The emphasis on building self-esteem and addressing emotional well-being further distinguishes New Horizon as a leader in educational support for students with learning difficulties.

• Special education school
• Dyscalculia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyslexia

North Valley School (NVS), Santa Rosa is the non-public school affiliated with Victor Treatment Centers. NVS is a private, non-profit, non-public school that provides students in grades 1-12 with educational and mental health services. NVS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and certified through the California Department of Education (CDE). NVS provides a therapeutic environment where students can access their education, make progress on their individual goals, build coping skills to assist with emotional regulation, and form healthy, trusting relationships. The student population at NVS is comprised of youth that reside at Victor Treatment Centers and day students from surrounding school districts that have an IEP indicating the need for a non-public school. We serve students who qualify under the following categories of eligibility: Emotional Disturbance (ED), Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Autism (AUT), Intellectual Disability (ID), Multiple Disabilities, and Other Health Impairment (OHI). Students must be referred to NVS through their school district's special education department with an IEP that indicates an NPS setting. All students receive mental health services aligned with their IEPs that typically include individual and group counseling. North Valley contracts with a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist to provide services to students who have been determined to require the service. Placing districts will contract with Occupational Therapists to provide OT services to qualified students to take place on campus.

• Private non-public special education school
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Specific Learning Disability
• Autism

Our kindergarten through grade 12 program at Sierra School of Sonoma County provides instruction in smaller, structured classrooms. Each student's IEP goals guide the academic, behavioral and emotional supports we put in place. Counseling, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, workforce development, and transition and life skills programming are offered at this school. The Spark pathway addresses academic and behavioral needs; Spring focuses on instruction and life skills. We work with families and district partners on students' classroom goals and preparation for their next steps.

• School
• Autism
• Behavioral Support Needs
• Emotional Disability