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

Denver Equestrians Riding School, located in Littleton, CO, is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for horse lovers of all ages, particularly those with unique needs. Since its inception in 2009, the school has focused on fostering personal growth and development through equestrian experiences for children and adults alike. Catering to a diverse range of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other special needs, Denver Equestrians offers tailored programs that emphasize not only riding skills but also essential life lessons such as self-confidence, independence, respect, empathy, and responsibility. The school features an array of thoughtfully designed programs including private and group riding lessons, signature youth riding clubs, and immersive horse camps for ages 5-16. Each program is crafted to meet the individual needs of riders while promoting skill development in a supportive atmosphere. The experienced equine educators are committed to providing personalized instruction that encourages each rider's unique journey. What sets Denver Equestrians apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters strong relationships between instructors and students. This personalized attention ensures that every rider receives the guidance necessary to thrive. Additionally, the school prides itself on its vibrant community where families are actively engaged in their children's equestrian activities. The facility itself is designed with specialized spaces that enhance learning experiences, making it an ideal setting for both novice and experienced riders. Through community events and celebrations of achievements like horse shows, Denver Equestrians Riding School creates lasting memories while empowering riders to connect deeply with horses and nature.

• Horse riding school
• Learning differences
• Private school

Dutch Creek is the smallest elementary school in Jeffco Public Schools' Columbine area, and that size lets our staff give personal attention to each student. We serve kindergarten through fifth grade on West Roxbury Place in Littleton. Our teaching follows Jeffco's standards-aligned curriculum in literacy, math, science and social studies, with direct instruction in social emotional learning at every grade. Students with disabilities receive special education services through Jeffco's Special Education department, and our student support team offers mental health supports and resources to help families prepare for middle school. Fifth graders can apply to join DC News, our weekly student news broadcast. Accepted reporters and tech crew members work in groups of two to five, come in on Tuesday mornings to record, and take turns creating, directing and starring in the episode that airs in classrooms every Friday.

• Public elementary school
• Small school
• Social emotional learning
• Public school

Espree Child Learning Center in Highlands Ranch runs full-day preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. Our preschool and pre-K classes serve children ages 2 1/2 to 5, Monday through Friday, with a preschool-only day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or an extended day from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each month has a theme that ties the day together: an Opening meeting with calendar and counting, two small-group lessons with a designated teacher (one in language arts, one in math and science), art and centers for science, dramatic play and library, and daily gross motor play such as obstacle courses, parachute play and music and movement. Our kindergarten uses the Open Court Reading phonics program, adds math, science, social studies, PE and music, and keeps a small class size. Our teachers meet Colorado Department of Human Services requirements as early childhood teachers, and most hold degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, psychology or social work. In summer, children take daily swimming lessons from certified lifeguards in our heated pool, and full-day children also get an afternoon free swim.

• Private preschool and kindergarten
• Small class sizes
• Phonics-based kindergarten
• Swimming lessons

For sixty years, Havern School has helped neurodiverse learners thrive through specialized instruction, integrated therapies, and a close-knit 4:1 environment. Founded in 1966 by the Sisters of Loretto, we serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade whose profiles include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, language and communication disorders, level one or two autism spectrum disorder, and auditory processing challenges. We incorporate each student's strengths, challenges, and diagnosis to create a customized, research-based curriculum. Our structured literacy program is rooted in the Orton-Gillingham approach and delivered through multisensory, direct, explicit instruction in small, skill-based groups. Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health support, and a dedicated social-emotional learning curriculum are woven into every student's schedule. As an independent school, we adapt to each child's needs immediately, with no waiting and no red tape. Set on a beautiful 13-acre hilltop campus twelve miles southwest of downtown Denver, we partner closely with families to build confidence and resilience, preparing each student for their next step, whether that means returning to their home school or continuing their full K-8 journey with us.

• independent nonprofit special education day school
• Dyslexia
• dyscalculia
• dysgraphia

Learning Zone is the flagship school program of Real Life Colorado, a nonprofit that empowers, supports, and connects individuals who are non-speaking or limitedly verbal to the resources they need to live full and healthy lives. The school offers a CDE-approved day treatment setting for students in grades K through 8, with preferential admissions for students in K through 6. What sets Learning Zone apart is total immersion in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) environment, so students who use communication devices are surrounded by peers and staff who model and honor their way of communicating. Academics are paired with applied behavior analysis, occupational and speech therapy, and instruction in life and independent-living skills. The program serves students with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments, and complex communication needs. Real Life Colorado partners with families, school districts, and human services agencies to give every student the optimal environment to maximize their academic and life experiences.

• CDE-approved facility school (day treatment, AAC immersion)
• autism_spectrum
• intellectual_disability
• cognitive_impairment

Little People's Landing Early Learning Centers have been a nurturing environment for families for nearly 40 years, dedicated to fostering the growth of children with diverse needs. Serving children from infancy through preschool, the school specializes in supporting those with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. With a strong belief in the power of play as a fundamental aspect of early learning, Little People's Landing creates a vibrant atmosphere featuring nautical-themed decor and interactive spaces that encourage self-expression and social skill development. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet each child's unique needs, promoting academic, emotional, and social readiness for elementary school. In addition to its engaging educational programs, Little People's Landing emphasizes community involvement through family events such as luaus, BBQs, and holiday celebrations that strengthen bonds among families and staff. The school prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for every child while offering convenient services like in-school haircuts and extracurricular activities including dance and sports lessons. This holistic approach not only cultivates a love for learning but also fosters lasting relationships within the community, making Little People's Landing a truly exceptional choice for early childhood education.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school

Little Sunshine's Playhouse is dedicated to nurturing the potential of children aged 6 weeks to 6 years through an innovative play-based learning approach. Committed to fostering a warm and welcoming environment, the school serves a diverse range of young learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum emphasizes self-directed exploration and creativity, allowing children to engage in purposeful play that supports their cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and linguistic development. Each classroom is designed to provide personalized attention from dedicated educators who guide children through thoughtfully organized activities that change monthly, ensuring fresh themes and projects that inspire collaboration and imagination. What truly sets Little Sunshine's Playhouse apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters strong relationships between educators and families, creating a supportive community where every child can thrive and discover their unique abilities.

• Preschool
• developmental challenges
• Learning differences
• Private school

Shiloh House has served Colorado families since 1985 with a mission to end childhood trauma and help families flourish. Its education services provide a CDE-approved facility school for students in grades 5 through 12 who do not fit a traditional classroom and need a therapeutic, trauma-informed setting. Students receive academics alongside individual and family therapy, occupational and speech therapy, affective education, and short-term crisis intervention. The program supports young people navigating serious emotional disorders, behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorders, substance use, and complex trauma histories. With residential and day treatment options across Littleton, Longmont, and Centennial, Shiloh House surrounds each student with a full circle of care and partners with families, school districts, and human services agencies to help youth heal and move forward.

• CDE-approved facility school (residential and day treatment)
• emotional_behavioral
• autism_spectrum
• serious_emotional_disorder

The Zarlengo Foundation Learning Evaluation Center (LEC) is dedicated to supporting children aged 4 to 21 in the greater Denver area who face challenges in their educational journey, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Established in 2016 in collaboration with the Havern School, a respected independent K-8 institution that has been serving students with learning disabilities since 1966, the LEC offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations conducted by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. These evaluations are designed to uncover each child's unique academic and psychological strengths while identifying areas for growth, providing valuable insights that inform Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or Advanced Learning Plans. What sets the LEC apart is its commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families and schools, ensuring that every child receives tailored support in a nurturing environment. The center's collaborative approach not only aids in addressing immediate educational needs but also helps create lasting positive outcomes for students and their families.

• Educational testing service
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school