Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2026)

Colorado Springs, CO

Angels of Care Academy is dedicated to empowering individuals with a passion for caregiving through its comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program. Located in Colorado Springs, this accredited institution serves aspiring healthcare professionals, including those with unique medical needs, by providing high-quality educational opportunities designed to cultivate compassionate, respectful, and culturally competent care. The academy offers flexible learning options, including both online hybrid and in-person classes, ensuring accessibility for all students. A key feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on learning and personalized instruction, allowing students to master essential skills through practical experience and constructive feedback from knowledgeable instructors. The school's commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom with robust job placement support following course completion. What sets Angels of Care Academy apart is its strong focus on building family partnerships and a nurturing environment that fosters individual growth, making it an ideal choice for parents and guardians seeking a supportive pathway into the healthcare field for their loved ones.

Trade school
Private school

Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades K-12

Banning Lewis Academy is a distinguished, tuition-free public charter school located in Colorado Springs, dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically while developing essential life skills and character. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the academy caters to a diverse range of learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school employs a unique blend of traditional and modern educational methodologies, enriched by the Capturing Kids' Hearts character education program, which has been integral since 2018. This holistic approach not only emphasizes academic excellence but also promotes social-emotional development through engaging extracurricular activities in sports and the arts. What sets Banning Lewis Academy apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention for each student, as well as its strong partnerships with families that foster a collaborative community spirit. The academy's accolades, including multiple awards for academic excellence and outstanding attendance, reflect its dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

School
Learning differences
Twice-exceptional
Public school

Colorado Military Academy

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades PreK-12

Colorado Military Academy (CMA) is a tuition-free public charter school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, located adjacent to Peterson Space Force Base. The academy's core mission is to provide a values-driven education that emphasizes leadership, discipline, and character development, making it particularly suited for students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities and English language learners. CMA employs a unique military-inspired educational approach that integrates academic rigor with essential life skills such as teamwork, respect, and responsibility. The school offers specialized programs tailored to various age groups, including an early childhood program that nurtures foundational skills in a supportive environment. For elementary students, CMA fosters leadership qualities and academic excellence through structured learning experiences. The secondary education curriculum further builds on these principles by preparing students for both civilian and military careers while promoting character development. Additionally, the Civil Air Patrol program at CMA enhances students' leadership and aerospace skills through hands-on activities like flight training and community service. What sets Colorado Military Academy apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, which ensures personalized attention for each student. The academy also boasts strong family partnerships and a supportive community environment that fosters camaraderie among students. With an emphasis on wellness and nutrition, alongside opportunities for career pathways in aerospace and public service, CMA equips its graduates with the skills needed to thrive in their future endeavors. This holistic approach not only prepares students academically but also instills a sense of integrity and service that lasts well beyond their time at the academy.

Charter school
disabilities
Speech therapy
Public school

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind

Colorado Springs, CO • Ages 0-21

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind is Colorado's statewide preschool through 12th grade residential school in Colorado Springs, with postsecondary transition programs. CSDB includes the School for the Deaf (grades K-12), the School for the Blind (grades K-12), the Early Education Center for ages 3-6, and Bridges to Life for students ages 18-21. It is a Deaf-, Blind-, and Deafblind-led learning community. Students receive individualized academics along with residential life, athletics, arts, and student leadership. Bridges to Life prepares young adults for employment, further education, independent living, and community participation. Statewide Outreach partners with families and districts, including the Colorado Home Intervention Program for Deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to age 3. CSDB also houses the Colorado Instructional Materials Center, which produces braille, large print, digital, and other accessible materials for eligible Blind and low vision students across the state.

School
Additional disabilities
Deaf or hard of hearing
Visual impairments

Grand Mountain School

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades K-8

Grand Mountain School is a K-8 institution dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for students, particularly those with unique learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around integrating computer science into its curriculum, empowering students to develop problem-solving skills through pattern recognition and process creation. With a focus on innovation, Grand Mountain School emphasizes the importance of hard work and authentic relationships while preparing students to become engaged citizens in their community. The school stands out through its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and tailored educational experiences. Additionally, Grand Mountain actively supports military-connected families, ensuring that all students receive the guidance they need to thrive academically and socially. Through engaging after-school clubs and community events, the school fosters a sense of belonging and significance among its students, making it a unique place for growth and development.

School
Learning differences
Twice-exceptional
Private school

J. Wilkins Opportunity School

Colorado Springs, CO • Ages 9-21

J. Wilkins Opportunity School is a program of Griffith Centers, a Colorado nonprofit that has supported children and families since 1927. The school provides specialized interventions and wraparound services for students in grades 3 through 12 who are at the greatest risk of leaving school because of trauma, neglect, or abuse. Students learn in a therapeutic setting that pairs academics with day treatment, individual and family therapy, and trauma-informed care. Through connected PRTF and residential programming, Griffith can support additional grade levels and higher-acuity needs, helping youth find safety, regulation, and hope. Griffith Centers meets each young person with compassion and nonjudgment, partnering with families, school districts, and placing agencies across the Colorado Springs region to help students heal and rebuild their futures.

CDE-approved facility school (day treatment / residential)
emotional_behavioral
trauma
serious_emotional_disorder

Kishami Academy

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades 9-12

Kishami Academy is an independent private school in Colorado Springs for autistic and other special-needs students in grades 3 through high school. The campus is at 2328 E. Platte Avenue. After enrollment, each student receives an intake assessment and a customized curriculum. Teachers adapt methods based on the students in front of them rather than following a single fixed program. The school is independent of an outside board and does not use yearly standardized testing. It is not staffed for one-to-one support, and the location is not suited to students who elope. Academic hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with a late-start Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. After-school homework and day care run from 3 to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

High school
Autism
Special-needs elementary and secondary education
Individualized curriculum

Mountain Song Community School

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades K-8

Mountain Song Community School is a unique educational institution dedicated to nurturing the whole child, through a Waldorf-inspired curriculum. Serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, the school embraces a diverse range of learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The core mission of Mountain Song is to cultivate imagination, creativity, and intelligence in each child, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and socially. The school employs innovative teaching methodologies that emphasize experiential learning, artistic expression, and hands-on activities. By integrating movement, music, and art into daily lessons, Mountain Song ensures that students engage with the material in meaningful ways. The low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, enabling educators to tailor their approaches to meet individual needs effectively. What sets Mountain Song apart is its commitment to building strong partnerships with families and the community. The school offers a supportive environment where parents are actively involved in their children's education through various events and programs. Additionally, as the only tuition-free Waldorf-inspired school in Southern Colorado, it provides accessible education without compromising on quality. This holistic approach not only nurtures academic success but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence among students as they embark on their educational journeys.

Community school
Learning differences
Twice-exceptional
Public school

One World Quest

Colorado Springs, CO

One World Quest is dedicated to empowering students and communities through innovative educational opportunities. Serving a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, the school focuses on fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. The approach combines tailored programs with therapeutic methodologies designed to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring they receive personalized support that encourages growth and development. What sets One World Quest apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for meaningful connections between educators and families. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong partnerships with parents and guardians, recognizing their vital role in the educational journey. With specialized facilities and engaging community events, One World Quest not only nurtures academic excellence but also cultivates a sense of belonging and empowerment among its students.

Educational institution
Learning differences
Twice-exceptional
Private school

Orton Academy

Colorado Springs, CO • Grades K-8

Orton Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Colorado Springs, founded in 2020, dedicated entirely to educating students in grades 2-8 with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Certified Academic Language Therapists deliver structured literacy instruction and reading therapy built around each student's specific needs, with a strengths-based approach to learning.

Public charter school for dyslexia
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia

Other Special Needs Schools in Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak Early College

Pikes Peak Early College is a pioneering educational institution dedicated to serving students with diverse learning needs, particularly those facing language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptionalities. The school's core mission revolves around fostering an inclusive environment where each student can thrive academically and socially. PPEC employs innovative teaching methodologies that blend personalized instruction with therapeutic strategies, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to excel in their studies. With a strong emphasis on community and family partnerships, the school creates a collaborative atmosphere that empowers parents and guardians to be actively involved in their children's education. Unique features of Pikes Peak Early College include its low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates individualized attention, as well as specialized facilities designed to accommodate various learning styles. Through engaging community events and a commitment to holistic development, PPEC stands out as a nurturing space where students can achieve their full potential while building essential life skills.

RiseUP! School (Roundup Fellowship)

For more than 50 years, RiseUP (Roundup Fellowship) has walked alongside families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiverse needs. We turn confusion into clarity, surrounding each individual with a caring team of specialists who craft a plan around their needs and strengths. RiseUP School in Colorado Springs serves approximately 30 students from kindergarten through age 21 in a therapeutic, small-group environment where individualized attention is standard practice. Students receive personalized curriculum in all subject areas along with social skills development, life skills training, emotional regulation strategies, and effective behavior management. We serve students who have specialized needs, require behavior management, have co-existing mental health diagnoses, or have conditions such as head injuries. We individually evaluate each student's needs and set specific goals during educational planning meetings, focusing not only on academic progress but on developing the whole child. Our program also supports the difficult transition between ages 18 and 21, along with community integration and vocational training, helping students grow, graduate, and step confidently into adult services.

intellectual_disability

Rudy Elementary School

Grades PreK-5

Rudy Elementary School, located in Colorado Springs, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students in grades PreK through 5, particularly those with diverse learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around providing a nurturing space where every child can thrive academically and socially. With an average class size of just over 23 students, Rudy Elementary ensures personalized attention, allowing educators to tailor their teaching methods to the unique requirements of each student. The school employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and specialized programs designed to enhance learning outcomes and emotional well-being, promoting not just academic success but also personal growth. What sets Rudy Elementary apart is its commitment to strong family partnerships and community engagement, which are integral to its educational approach. The school has been recognized with the Excellence in Inclusion Award, reflecting its dedication to creating an environment where all students feel valued and empowered.

The MiLL - National Training Center

Grades 9-12

The MiLL is a specialized educational institution dedicated to empowering high school students with unique learning needs, particularly those facing challenges in areas such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptionalities. The school's core mission revolves around creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically and socially. Through innovative programs in cabinet manufacturing, careers in construction, and welding technology, students engage with cutting-edge machinery and tools, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for future careers. The MiLL stands out due to its low student-teacher ratio, fostering personalized attention and support tailored to each student's individual needs. Furthermore, the school emphasizes strong partnerships with families and industry leaders, ensuring that students not only receive a quality education but also have access to valuable resources and opportunities for growth within the community. This holistic approach makes The MiLL a unique place for students to learn, grow, and achieve their fullest potential.

Valley Christian Academy

Grades PreK-5

Valley Christian Academy, located in Colorado Springs and Fountain Valley, is dedicated to providing a classical Christian education focused on character development, academic excellence, and creativity for children from infancy through 5th grade. The school's mission emphasizes nurturing each child's unique potential while supporting families in fostering lifelong learning. Programs at Valley Christian Academy are designed to cater to various developmental stages, beginning with Infant and Toddler Programs that create a warm, nurturing environment where young learners can thrive through individualized attention and age-appropriate activities. The Preschool Program lays a strong educational foundation by engaging children in essential skills across motor, social, language, and cognitive development through a balanced approach of child-initiated and teacher-directed learning. For children aged 4-5, the Kinder Prep Program focuses on instilling healthy habits and strong Christian morals while preparing them for kindergarten success. The Kindergarten Program continues this trajectory with Christ-centered instruction that balances spiritual growth with academic readiness. In the Elementary Program, experienced teachers guide students through a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses core knowledge and critical thinking in a supportive Christ-centered setting. What sets Valley Christian Academy apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, fostering strong family partnerships, and its vibrant community involvement through various events. This dedication ensures that each child receives personalized support tailored to their individual needs within a loving environment.

Private school

Widefield School District 3 Preschool