Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in Pueblo, Colorado (2026)

Ascension Preschool Academy is a faith-based preschool and a ministry of the Church of the Ascension and Holy Trinity Episcopal in Pueblo. We keep classes to ten children, our teachers are certified, and Colorado Shines rates our program at 4 stars. Our Preschool class is for children who turn 3 by October 1, with phonemic awareness and phonics as the base for early reading, plus counting, sorting and classifying. Pre-Kindergarten serves older 4- and 5-year-olds who turn 4 by October 1 and adds memory, comprehension, numeracy and hands-on science. We teach with Creative Curriculum and Alpha Tales Phonics, and music and movement, art, manipulatives and gym time build fine and large motor skills. Classes meet Monday through Thursday mornings, with drop-off from 7:45 a.m. and pick-up by noon. The morning moves between circle time, free-play work time, snack, outside time and classroom work in art, science, music, math and literacy. Tuition for the 2024-25 year was $250 per month, and children who qualify for Colorado Universal Preschool attend free.

• Faith-based preschool
• Small class sizes
• Accredited
• Private school

Nettie S. Freed K-8 Expeditionary School teaches kindergarten through eighth grade using the EL Education model, which grew out of a 1992 collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Outward Bound USA. Our students learn through expeditions: they investigate real community problems, work in teams on solutions, and share their work publicly through presentations, exhibitions and critique. Every middle school grade is currently at capacity, with a waiting list. Beyond core classes, students take art, general and instrumental music, physical education, media and technology, and a dedicated K-4 science class. Our Exceptional Student Services team includes six special education teachers, paraprofessionals, a speech-language pathologist, a school psychologist and a teacher of the visually impaired. We also run a gifted and talented program and receive Title I support. Our school week runs Monday through Thursday. Middle schoolers can compete in volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, and track and field, with football offered through the Pueblo Police Activities League.

• Public K-8 school (EL Education)
• Visual impairments
• Gifted and talented
• Expeditionary learning

Dutch Clark Digital at Paragon is a progressive educational institution dedicated to serving high school students, particularly those who may benefit from a tailored learning environment. With a mission focused on inclusivity and personalized education, the school supports students aged 14 to 21, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic approaches that prioritize individual learning styles, ensuring that each student feels seen and supported. Key programs are designed to foster academic success while also addressing social and emotional needs, creating a holistic educational experience. The school's low student-teacher ratio enhances personalized attention, allowing educators to develop strong relationships with students and their families. Unique community events and partnerships further enrich the educational journey, promoting engagement and collaboration among families and staff. Dutch Clark Digital stands out as a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally, preparing them for successful futures.

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

Pueblo County High School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around empowering each student to reach their full academic potential while ensuring that every individual is respected and valued. With a strong emphasis on creating a safe and engaging atmosphere, Pueblo County High School employs innovative educational methodologies and therapeutic programs tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by its students. What sets Pueblo County High School apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and a deeper understanding of each student's needs. The school also prioritizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is essential for student success. Additionally, specialized facilities and community events enhance the learning experience, providing students with opportunities to thrive both academically and socially. This holistic approach ensures that every child is not only prepared for academic challenges but also nurtured in their personal growth.

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

Pueblo School District 60 is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers every student to lead a purposeful and impactful life. Serving over 16,000 students within the vibrant community of Pueblo, this district encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as specialized programs tailored for students with unique needs. The district's commitment extends particularly to those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, ensuring they receive the support necessary for academic success. Through innovative therapeutic methodologies and individualized programs, Pueblo School District 60 fosters an inclusive environment that prioritizes collaboration between educators, families, and support staff. With a focus on maintaining low student-teacher ratios and creating strong partnerships with families, the district stands out for its dedication to personalized learning experiences. Unique community events further enrich the educational journey, allowing students and families to engage meaningfully with one another and the broader community. This holistic approach positions Pueblo School District 60 as a leader in nurturing the potential of all its students while celebrating their diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Middle school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

With parent permission, South Mesa students can meet weekly with our counselor in a guidance group. Groups address family separation, grief, anger, teasing and difficulty organizing schoolwork. We also offer classroom lifetime skills lessons and an open-door approach to counseling, giving children different ways to discuss concerns that can affect learning. A new student's placement begins with a counselor meeting, a review of prior school records and reading and writing assessments. Our teaching teams then use small groups and monitor progress across the school year, with reading, writing and mathematics at the center of instruction. We work with students and families to understand individual needs and build trust around that classroom work. Families can follow school life through the parent handbook, calendar, PowerSchool and bus resources. As part of Pueblo County School District 70, we offer online registration for new students and separate guidance for families already enrolled in the district. Our counselor provides guidance groups with parent permission and meets students weekly. Placement includes counselor interviews and review of school records, with reading and writing assessments informing the class placement of each new student. Staff continue to focus on school safety and consistent instruction.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional

Vineland Middle School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around educating each student to reach their full academic potential, ensuring that every child is valued and respected. Vineland Middle School employs a range of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to engage students actively in their learning journey. With a strong emphasis on personalized education, the school maintains a low student-teacher ratio that allows for individualized attention and tailored instruction. Additionally, Vineland prioritizes strong family partnerships, recognizing the vital role that parents and guardians play in the educational process. Unique community events further enhance the school experience, creating opportunities for collaboration and support among families, educators, and the wider community. This comprehensive approach not only addresses academic needs but also nurtures social-emotional growth, making Vineland Middle School a distinctive choice for families seeking specialized support for their children.

• Middle school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional