Best Special Needs Schools in Wilton, Connecticut (2026)

Since 1957, Connecticut Friends School has run a play-based preschool under the care of Wilton Friends Meeting (Quakers). We sit on a five-acre wooded campus on New Canaan Road (Route 106) in Wilton, and outdoor play is a priority every day on a playground with sensory tables, building blocks, a sandbox, swings and a wooden climbing playscape. Children are grouped by age: Willows for two-year-olds, Spruces for threes, Oaks for fours and Maples for fives, plus a summer camp for ages 3 to 5. In the Friends tradition, our curriculum emphasizes social-emotional skills, community building, peaceful conflict resolution and problem-solving. Language, early math and critical thinking grow through dramatic play, manipulatives, open art, sensory work, reading, music and time in nature, and teachers shape projects around each group of children. Regular enrichment classes include music and movement, mindfulness with certified leaders, and story time with the Wilton Library children's librarian, along with visits from firefighters, artists and African drummers. Parents are welcome to volunteer in classrooms and join schoolwide events. We welcome families of every race, family structure, background and faith.

• Quaker (Friends) preschool
• Play-based learning
• Quaker education
• Outdoor play

Westport Day School (WDS) is a Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) approved therapeutic day school dedicated to serving students in grades 6-12 who face academic and clinical challenges, including anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and school refusal. The core mission of WDS is to provide a transformative educational experience that inspires confidence, creativity, and success in a safe and supportive environment. WDS offers a range of specialized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Key offerings include individualized education plans, therapeutic support, and a student-centered curriculum that emphasizes collaboration among teachers, parents, and clinicians. The school provides various therapeutic methodologies, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, aimed at improving communication skills, motor skills, and overall quality of life. Additionally, WDS partners with Educere to offer access to over 5,000 virtual courses, ensuring students can explore a wide array of subjects tailored to their interests and needs. What sets Westport Day School apart is its commitment to creating a warm and engaging learning environment with small class sizes that foster personalized attention and hands-on learning. The school emphasizes the development of social-emotional skills, resilience, and self-regulation, helping students build meaningful relationships and thrive both academically and personally.

• Special education school
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning differences