Top 9 Best Special Needs Schools in Lakewood, Colorado (2026)

Advantage Learning Center, located in Lakewood, Colorado, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching educational environment for preschool-aged children, including those with unique learning needs. Serving families in Jefferson County and Denver County, this private school is committed to fostering a love of learning through its accredited programs. With a focus on early childhood education, Advantage Learning Center holds NAEYC accreditation, a distinction awarded to only 8 percent of preschools nationwide, underscoring its commitment to high-quality education. The center offers a range of tailored programs for children from infancy up to age seven, including infant care, toddler classes, preschool, kindergarten preparation, and summer day camps. Each program is designed with individualized care in mind, utilizing creative curricula that promote engagement and school readiness. What sets Advantage Learning Center apart is its low student-teacher ratio and strong emphasis on family partnerships, ensuring that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive. This holistic approach not only prepares children academically but also fosters emotional and social development in a supportive community atmosphere.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school

From preschool through twelfth grade, Denver Christian School in Lakewood organizes learning around its Christ-centered Six Spheres of Learning. Students develop spiritual, cognitive, physical, creative, personal, and social capacities through a framework that connects faith, academics, wellness, and relationships. In the classroom, the school links critical thinking and problem-solving to a biblical view of the world. Students also create original work, care for others, and practice service as they grow. The same framework follows children as they move from preschool to elementary, middle, and high school, with expectations suited to each stage.

• School
• Private school

Fletcher Miller School is a Jeffco Public Schools school on Kipling Street in Lakewood for students with significant support needs, from preschool through 12th grade and transition services. We are part of the district's continuum of alternative special education placements, and students come to us through the IEP process. Our students work toward Extended Evidence Outcomes aligned with the general education curriculum and Colorado Academic Standards. Instruction covers literacy, functional communication, math, science and social studies, along with adaptive physical education, music and art. We provide intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy so students can access their learning, and staff work in multidisciplinary teams. Students also take part in art shows, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and adapted athletics, and we use PBIS schoolwide. Our Lighthouse Program serves students from sixth grade through transition age whose complex behaviors make a neighborhood school program a poor fit. Small classrooms with paraprofessional support focus on functional communication, behavior and sensory regulation, backed by speech and occupational therapists, registered nurses and mental health providers. Preschoolers attend morning or afternoon sessions, and district buses serve our students.

• Public special education school (preschool to transition)
• Significant support needs
• Complex behaviors
• Special education school

Green Mountain Village Preschool is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and dynamic environment where children embark on their educational journey with confidence and joy. Serving young learners typically in their early years, the school specializes in creating a safe space for children who may have little to no prior school experience, ensuring they develop socially, emotionally, academically, and physically. With a focus on holistic growth, the preschool employs experienced and compassionate educators who provide tailored support to help each child thrive both in learning and in life. The school's philosophy emphasizes building strong community ties grounded in trust and honesty, recognizing that collaboration between staff and families is essential for student success. Established in 1983, Green Mountain Village Preschool has deep roots in the Green Mountain neighborhood, fostering lasting relationships that span generations as they now educate the children of former students. Unique features of the school include its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, which allows for individualized attention, as well as its strong partnerships with families that enhance the educational experience. This combination of dedicated teaching, community involvement, and a caring atmosphere makes Green Mountain Village Preschool an exceptional choice for early childhood education.

• Preschool
• Private school

Handprints Academy is designed for students whose educational and behavioral needs extend beyond what a traditional school setting can provide. We serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade who benefit from a structured, relationship-based environment that prioritizes trust, communication, and meaningful growth across every area of development. Our program blends individualized academics with behavioral and therapeutic supports in a small, nurturing setting. Classrooms are led by licensed Special Education Teachers with 1:1 Instructional Assistant support, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts embed Applied Behavior Analysis strategies to teach new skills and reduce barriers to learning. We practice trauma-assumed care, recognizing that behavior is communication and that progress happens when students feel understood and safe. Working closely with families and districts, we plan for each student's next steps, whether that means returning to a home school, moving to a less restrictive setting, or continuing to build independence within our program.

• Colorado Department of Education-authorized Facility School
• autism_spectrum
• emotional_behavioral
• developmental_delay

Jefferson County Open School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students of varying needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Serving children from preschool through high school, the school's core mission emphasizes individualized learning experiences that empower each student to thrive academically and socially. The approach at Jefferson County Open School integrates innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that every child receives the support necessary for their unique challenges. What sets Jefferson County Open School apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates personalized attention and meaningful relationships between educators and students. The school strongly values family partnerships, recognizing that collaboration with parents and guardians enhances the educational journey. Additionally, Jefferson County Open School features specialized facilities that provide a nurturing atmosphere conducive to learning, along with community events that promote engagement and inclusivity among families. This holistic approach creates a vibrant educational community where every child can flourish.

• School
• Private school

PRN for Families is a Colorado behavioral health organization whose day treatment school creates a safe, supportive learning environment where every child and family is empowered to build the skills needed to thrive in the least restrictive setting. The school serves students in grades 4 through 12 who have an IEP and benefit from a smaller, therapeutic classroom. The program pairs academics with individual and family therapy, speech language services, and transition support, all grounded in trauma-informed practice and the Love and Logic approach that puts parents back in control while teaching young people responsibility. Students facing serious emotional disorders, behavioral challenges, and trauma find a place to grow both academically and emotionally. PRN for Families is accredited by the Joint Commission and works closely with families and public school districts across the Denver metro area, offering wraparound services that extend from the classroom into the home.

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

Small Characters is a nurturing preschool dedicated to fostering the growth of young children, particularly those aged 2 to 5 years, through a play-based educational approach. The school's core mission centers on the holistic development of each child, focusing on social/emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. With an emphasis on individualized learning, Small Characters offers flexible scheduling options starting from two days per week, accommodating the diverse needs of families. The curriculum is designed to promote language and literacy skills in a developmentally appropriate manner, evidenced by impressive outcomes such as a 96% growth in phonological awareness among students during the 2024-2025 school year. In addition to its engaging preschool program, Small Characters provides before and after care services filled with creative activities like arts and crafts and imaginative play, ensuring that children are stimulated and cared for throughout the day. The school also hosts a vibrant summer camp that features exciting activities and field trips, creating lasting memories for attendees. What sets Small Characters apart is its commitment to quality improvement through participation in the Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement Program, which enhances the overall care provided. With a strong focus on family partnerships and an inviting environment where children feel safe and valued, Small Characters stands out as a supportive community where small characters can build their big dreams.

• Preschool
• Private school

The Big Red Barn is a nurturing preschool and daycare located in Lakewood, dedicated to fostering holistic development in children aged 18 months to 6 years. With a mission rooted in allowing children to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace, the school emphasizes self-guided exploration and hands-on experiences. The curriculum incorporates the Frog Street Curriculum alongside Dr. Becky A. Bailey's Conscious Discipline, ensuring that each child's individual needs are met while promoting emotional and social growth. Unique to The Big Red Barn is its intimate setting; with only four classrooms that maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio of no more than 13 children per class, educators can provide personalized attention and build meaningful relationships with each child. This family-owned center prioritizes community involvement and strong partnerships with families, creating an environment where love for learning thrives alongside spiritual growth. By blending educational excellence with a supportive atmosphere, The Big Red Barn stands out as a sanctuary for early childhood development, ensuring that children not only acquire essential skills but also find joy in their journey of discovery.

• Preschool
• Private school