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

The Career Elevation and Technology Center, part of St. Vrain Valley Schools, is dedicated to empowering students through innovative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers. Serving high school students, the center focuses on those seeking to explore pathways in fields that promise growth and opportunity, including technical and vocational education. The school's core mission is to elevate future opportunities by providing rigorous coursework aligned with both graduation requirements and postsecondary readiness, ensuring students are well-equipped for their next steps in education or employment. At the heart of the center's approach are its eight career pathways, which offer students the chance to engage in authentic work experiences through project-based learning, job shadowing, and apprenticeships. This real-world application of skills not only enhances technical expertise but also fosters a seamless transition into further education or the workforce. The center emphasizes collaboration with industry professionals, allowing students to gain valuable insights and certifications that are highly regarded in today's job market. What sets the Career Elevation and Technology Center apart is its commitment to individualized learning experiences, supported by a low student-teacher ratio that fosters strong relationships and personalized attention. The center also prioritizes family partnerships, ensuring that parents and guardians are actively involved in their child's educational journey. With specialized facilities designed to enhance learning and community events that promote engagement, the center stands out as a nurturing environment where students can thrive and prepare for successful futures.

• High school
• Public school

Central Elementary School, at 1020 4th Ave. in Longmont, is a St. Vrain Valley Schools elementary and an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School, and every one of our students is enrolled in the PYP. Built in 1878, Central was Longmont's first school and is a designated Longmont historic landmark. We offer special education, preschool, gifted and talented services, and counseling, and we have an active PTO.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Public school

Crossroads School, located in Longmont, Colorado, is dedicated to transforming the educational experience for middle and high school students who have faced academic and behavioral challenges in traditional school settings. Since its inception in 2010, the school has focused on providing a nurturing environment that fosters individual growth and responsibility. Crossroads serves students with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, offering tailored programs that address their unique learning profiles. At Crossroads, the approach to education is both innovative and compassionate. The school implements individualized strategies designed to empower each student, ensuring that they receive the support necessary to thrive academically and socially. The curriculum is enriched with therapeutic methodologies that promote emotional well-being and academic success, allowing students to build confidence and resilience. What sets Crossroads apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, which facilitates personalized attention and stronger relationships between educators and students. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is essential for student success. Community events, such as the annual Family Fun Fest and Bingo Nights, further strengthen the bonds between students, families, and staff, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. Through its dedicated efforts, Crossroads School not only provides a second chance for at-risk teens but also instills hope for a brighter future.

• High school
• academic challenges
• at-risk teens
• behavioral challenges

Karen Grant and Dr. Michael C. Grant founded Gateway Montessori School in Longmont in 1982 to share classic Montessori education with local families. We are a nonprofit early childhood school on 9th Avenue serving toddlers from 14 months through kindergarten, governed by a board made up mostly of past parents and alumni. Toddlers learn in our half-day Daffodil and full-day Daisy classrooms, which run year-round. Children 2.5 to 6 join mixed-age primary classrooms, where kindergartners in their third year lead the room, take on larger works and do more small-group unit study. Half-day preschool runs 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., half-day kindergarten 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and full-day programs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families pack a lunch and we provide healthy snacks. We are licensed by the State of Colorado with a Level 3 Colorado Shines rating, validated by the Colorado Montessori Association, and members of the American Montessori Society and NAMTA. We accept Colorado Universal Preschool and CCAP funding and give a 10% discount for a second child. Our summer program runs ten weekly themed sessions from June to August, with park walks and water days on Fridays.

• Montessori preschool and kindergarten
• Montessori
• Toddler program
• Mixed-age classrooms

Here We Grow is a nurturing early childhood learning center dedicated to providing exceptional care for children aged six weeks to six years. With a core mission centered on recognizing the unique gifts of each child, the school fosters a safe, clean, and loving environment that encourages social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative development. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cater to the individual needs of each child, promoting a positive self-image and a sense of pride as they explore their world. Here We Grow stands out by offering engaging programs that include Sign Language, Spanish, and fitness activities, along with enriching art projects and outdoor play. The center prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships, ensuring personalized attention and support for every child. With an emphasis on nutrition, Here We Grow provides homemade meals and snacks through a carefully planned menu rotation. This commitment to holistic development and community involvement makes Here We Grow a distinctive choice for families seeking quality early education.

• Preschool
• Private school

LaunchED Virtual Academy runs a fully online K–12 program through St. Vrain Valley Schools. Licensed district educators teach in Schoology, using digital materials that follow Colorado Academic Standards and St. Vrain's expectations for each grade and course. Students study from home while their teachers remain responsible for instruction. Families help with the learning process, but parents and guardians do not need to act as teachers; LaunchED staff support them along the way. The academy also offers counseling for academic and personal concerns, course scheduling, and college or career planning. High school students can explore concurrent enrollment through its counseling team. This combination of district-taught online courses and school-based guidance gives students a virtual route through the regular K–12 curriculum.

• School
• Public school

Main Street School is a dedicated educational institution within St. Vrain Valley Schools, designed to support students with diverse needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around fostering self-advocacy and independence, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. The school employs a collaborative approach to learning, integrating specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of its students. This includes participation in initiatives like The Great Kindness Challenge, which promotes a positive school culture and proactive bullying prevention. Additionally, Main Street School features an ADA-accessible playground equipped with sensory elements and inclusive play structures, ensuring that all students can engage in meaningful play experiences. What sets Main Street School apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration between educators and parents is vital for student success. Unique community events, such as the Day of Champions, further enhance the school's inclusive atmosphere by fostering cooperation and selflessness among students, both with and without disabilities. This holistic approach ensures that Main Street School is not just an educational facility, but a vibrant community dedicated to the growth and development of every child.

• High school
• Public school

Shiloh House's Longmont campus is a CDE-approved facility school serving male students ages 11-21 with serious emotional disorders. The program combines individualized academics with trauma-informed therapy, life skills instruction, and occupational and speech therapy, with placements typically made through school districts or the Department of Human Services.

• CDE-approved facility school (residential/day treatment, male students)
• Serious Emotional Disorders
• CDE-approved facility school
• Male students only

The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools is dedicated to transforming the educational experience for students, particularly those who thrive in a non-traditional learning environment. Serving a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, the center emphasizes experiential learning designed to cultivate the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. With a focus on rigorous academic programs, students have access to advanced coursework, internships, summer camps, and capstone projects that foster both personal growth and professional development. The center stands out due to its commitment to real-world experiences, offering students opportunities for employment that not only enhance their resumes but also allow them to contribute meaningfully to community projects through technology solutions. This unique blend of academic rigor and practical application, combined with strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders, ensures that each student receives tailored support in a nurturing environment. The Innovation Center's low student-teacher ratio further enhances individualized attention, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an engaging and supportive educational setting for their children.

• School
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional

The Bella Vita School is a nurturing educational environment dedicated to children ages 2.5 to 6, particularly those with unique learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around fostering individualism and community, ensuring that each child is treated with love, dignity, and respect. Bella Vita emphasizes the importance of the preschool years as foundational for lifelong learning and personal development, providing gentle guidance that encourages children to become independent learners who view themselves and others as valuable contributors to society. The school employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and programs designed to create an engaging learning atmosphere, complemented by a strong commitment to sustainability through its community garden project, which not only produces healthy meals but also teaches children about environmental stewardship. What sets Bella Vita apart is its low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and strong family partnerships that enhance the educational experience, making it a unique choice for parents seeking a supportive and enriching environment for their young children.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school