Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Aurora, Colorado (2026)

Aurora Public Schools is dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience for all students, including those with special needs. The district's core mission is to accelerate learning for every student, ensuring they develop the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to shape successful futures. Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse population, including students with various learning disabilities and developmental challenges. Key offerings within Aurora Public Schools include specialized programs such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for students with autism, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. The district also provides social skills groups designed to enhance interpersonal communication and relationship-building among peers. Additionally, Aurora Public Schools emphasizes inclusive education through its Universal Preschool (UPK) and Child Find Special Education services, ensuring early intervention and support for children with developmental delays. What sets Aurora Public Schools apart is its commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment. The district maintains low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and tailored educational plans. The schools are equipped with specialized technology to support diverse learning needs and offer vocational training programs that prepare students for future employment. Furthermore, summer programs are available to keep students engaged and learning during the break, promoting continuous growth and development.

Cherry Creek Montessori Academy is a distinguished Montessori school dedicated to nurturing the educational and developmental needs of children aged 12 months to 6 years. Grounded in the principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori, the school emphasizes a child-centered approach that fosters independence, accountability, and a strong sense of self. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed to promote multi-sensory learning, allowing students to engage deeply with specially crafted materials while working both independently and collaboratively. This unique environment encourages children to explore their interests at their own pace, guided by compassionate teachers who are committed to each child's growth. With a focus on individualized learning plans, the academy ensures that every child receives the right level of challenge tailored to their unique abilities. One of the standout features of Cherry Creek Montessori Academy is its low student-teacher ratio, which enhances personalized attention and fosters meaningful relationships between students and educators. The school's commitment to diversity among staff and families enriches the educational experience, creating a vibrant community where children learn not only academic skills but also vital social and emotional competencies. As families seek an exceptional early learning program for their children, Cherry Creek Montessori Academy stands out as a beacon of quality education that prepares young learners for future success in an ever-evolving world.

Since 2015, Elevation Ability Services has provided person-centered support for individuals with developmental disabilities across the Denver metro area. Our specialized day school offers a structured, supportive environment where students receive individualized interventions that reduce challenging behavior, build functional skills, and increase access to learning and community opportunities. Elevation serves as an out-of-district placement for students whose moderate to severe problem behavior has affected their ability to learn in a less restrictive setting. Our interdisciplinary team includes special education teachers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and licensed clinical social workers who work together to deliver coordinated, evidence-based care. Our goals are to reduce the frequency and severity of problem behavior, develop the social, leisure, and academic skills students need to transition back to a less restrictive environment, and provide high-quality training and assistance to caregivers and school staff so learners are set up for long-term success.

Nature School Cooperative is an innovative outdoor nature-based preschool serving children ages 3 to 6, designed for families seeking a nurturing and immersive learning environment. With a core mission centered on fostering joy and curiosity in young learners, the school embraces a learner-led and play-based approach that allows children to explore their surroundings while developing essential skills. The cooperative model, led by dedicated teachers, promotes collaboration among families and educators, creating a supportive community that values each child's unique contributions. Nature School Cooperative is committed to cultivating a Pay-What-You-Can culture, aiming to become a tuition-free institution that prioritizes accessibility for all families. The school stands out with its focus on nature immersion, allowing children to connect deeply with the environment while building meaningful relationships with peers and educators. This holistic approach not only prepares children for future academic success but also honors the innate magic of early childhood, making it a truly distinctive place for young learners to thrive.

Serenity Education and Day Treatment, along with The Gregory Center at Serenity, is a program of Smith Agency Inc., a Colorado organization dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities become happy, well-adjusted, and contributing members of their communities. The school serves students in grades K through 12, with transition services extending through age 21. The program is a CDE-approved day treatment school that meets the academic, behavioral, therapeutic, and vocational needs of each student. Academics are paired with applied behavior analysis, occupational and speech therapy, affective education, and support for students who use AAC devices or need life and independent-living skills. Serving young people with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional challenges, Serenity partners with families, human services agencies, and Aurora-area school districts to give every student a supportive path toward independence.