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Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Hollywood, Florida (2026)

Compare 14 special needs schools in Hollywood. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in Hollywood

Miami Learning Experience School special needs school in Miami, FL
1

Miami Learning Experience School

Premium
Serving Hollywood, FLGrades K-125:1 ratio

Miami Learning Experience School is a dedicated educational institution serving children and adults with special needs. Established in 1977, the school is committed to providing a nurturing environment that recognizes and cultivates the unique capabilities of each student. The core mission is to offer personalized care and tailored programs that empower individuals to achieve their educational and personal goals. Key offerings at Miami Learning Experience School include a variety of specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students. These programs encompass: - Interactive Fine Arts Program, fostering creativity and self-expression through visual arts, music, drama, and performing arts - Daily Living Skills training, equipping students with essential life skills in a fully equipped residential-style learning environment - Community Based Instruction (CBI), providing real-world learning experiences at local stores and community locations - Volunteer Job Sites and On-The-Job Training, promoting community engagement and vocational training with job coaches - Special Olympics participation, encouraging physical fitness and teamwork through various sports including track and field, golf, tennis, softball, bowling, and basketball - The Shannon Adult Program, supporting adults with developmental disabilities through functional academics, independent living skills, employment opportunities, and social/leisure activities - Miami Learning Experience Designs, a micro business program where adults learn economics, supply and demand, and business operations while creating and selling resin art products - Continuing Education opportunities for lifelong learning The school maintains an exceptional 5:1 student-instructor ratio for K-12 programs (10:1 for adult programs), ensuring that each student receives individualized attention and support. All teachers are certified by the State of Florida in Exceptional Student Education. The school provides Academic Service Plans (ASP) updated four times per year, similar to traditional IEPs, with one-on-one family collaboration. The campus environment is designed to be inclusive and supportive, featuring specialized technology including interactive Promethean Boards in every classroom, a full bedroom, washer and dryer, full-working kitchen, and bathroom for teaching independent living skills. Miami Learning Experience School offers comprehensive support services including before school care (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM), after school care (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM), enrichment programs, and a summer camp program providing enriching activities, field trips, and socialization opportunities. The school operates year-round, closing only for brief periods between semesters. Financial assistance is available, with over 55% of students receiving financial aid. The school proudly participates in the Step Up for Students (FES-UA) scholarship program. Tuition ranges from $9,300 for part-time adult programs to $29,000 for full-time K-12 programs. This comprehensive approach to education, vocational training, and life skills development makes Miami Learning Experience School a unique and valuable resource for families seeking the best options for their children and adults with special needs.

Claimed ProfileFunding OptionsTransportation AvailableAccredited
Special education schoolAutismCerebral palsyDevelopmental Disabilities
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Mountaineers School of Autism special needs school in West Palm Beach, FL photo 20
2

Mountaineers School of Autism

Premium
Serving Hollywood, FLup to age 22$35,000 per year

Mountaineer's School of Autism is a dedicated educational institution focused on providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children with autism and related developmental challenges. The school's core mission is to empower students by fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth through individualized learning approaches and comprehensive therapeutic services. Key offerings at Mountaineer's School of Autism include a range of specialized programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student. These programs encompass Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. Additionally, the school provides academic instruction tailored to various learning styles, incorporating technology such as iPads to enhance learning experiences. Students also benefit from extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and independent living skills training, ensuring a well-rounded education. What sets Mountaineer's School of Autism apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The school fosters a collaborative community where students can thrive alongside their peers, supported by a team of compassionate educators and therapists. With a focus on building friendships and encouraging personal growth, Mountaineer's School of Autism is a place where children can truly reach their potential in a safe and loving environment. Mountaineer's School of Autism is a dedicated special education institution in West Palm Beach, Florida. We provide a nurturing, supportive environment tailored to students on the autism spectrum, with programs spanning athletics, music, Spanish and sign language, technology (including iPads), academics, social skills, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and individualized learning. Our team helps each student grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a community built on friendship, support, patience, and love.

Claimed ProfileFunding OptionsTransportation AvailableAccredited
Special education schoolAutismADHDNeurotypical
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AA Academy Learning Center 3 in Hollywood: children completing a classroom art activity.
4

AA Academy Learning Center 3

Listed
Hollywood, FLAges 2-5

AA Academy Learning Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare for preschool-age children, with a focus on individual growth and learning. Serving infants as young as six weeks up to five-year-olds, the academy emphasizes a nurturing environment that promotes social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, children receive personalized attention that fosters their unique abilities. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for academic success through engaging programs that strengthen essential skills. Additionally, the school's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its strong partnerships with families and the community, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. Unique offerings such as free lunch and a variety of recreational activities further enrich the experience at AA Academy, making it a standout choice for parents seeking an exceptional early childhood education environment.

  • Preschool
  • Private school
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Avant Garde Academy in Hollywood: students collaborating on a classroom project.
5

Avant Garde Academy

Listed
Hollywood, FLAges 5-1818:1 ratio

Avant Garde Academy of Broward County in Hollywood, Florida, is a Cognia STEM-certified, tuition-free K-12 public charter school founded in 2014 that serves over 2,200 students. Blending rigorous STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) academics with leadership development, Avant Garde offers a complete educational pathway from kindergarten to high school graduation. With an 18:1 school-wide ratio and small-group instructional pods, the academy provides over 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, CTE career pathways, robotics, and competitive visual arts. Avant Garde maintains a comprehensive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department, delivering certified co-teaching, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral intervention to support neurodivergent learners, students with IEPs, and English language learners.

  • General education school
  • K-12 STEAM & STEM Certification
  • Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Support
  • Advanced Placement (AP) & Dual Enrollment
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Exterior of the light blue school building at Davie Academy
6

Davie Academy

Listed
Hollywood, FLAges 2-5

Children at Davie Academy head outside twice a day to one of our three playgrounds, and each week they spend time in our S.T.E.M. room and our indoor sand room. We are a play-based preschool and daycare on North University Drive for children ages 1 to 5, open 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, with meals included. Four classes follow children as they grow: the Toddler Class (12 to 24 months), the Explorer Class for two-year-olds, Preschool Prep for three-year-olds, and the Graduate Class, our Florida VPK program for children who turn 4 by September 1. Classrooms are set up in learning centers for reading, math and manipulatives, science, dramatic play, blocks, and art and music. Our Creative Curriculum is paired with STEAM and project-based lessons, delivered in small groups and one on one. Twice a year we screen each child with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, then sit down with parents to review results and plan next steps together. VPK students also take the state FAST early literacy assessments three times a year. Our character program teaches traits such as honesty and kindness.

  • Preschool and daycare
  • Play-based learning
  • STEAM curriculum
  • Developmental screening (ASQ)
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7

HAAS

Listed
Hollywood, FLGrades K-8Tuition-free

Families call it HAAS: Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science, a public charter on Van Buren Street in Hollywood that teaches kindergarten through eighth grade without tuition. We are part of the Charter Schools USA network, and the U.S. Department of Education named HAAS a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023. Every student follows a Personalized Learning Plan driven by their own data, alongside the Charter Schools USA Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum and next-grade-level extension work. Adaptive programs support the plan: DreamBox Reading Park for the youngest readers, Lexia, Reading Plus for grades 3 to 8, and Imagine Math. Students and staff take part in Leader in Me, and summer reading and math assignments keep skills going between grades. Families can also choose C-Flex, which blends on-campus and online learning, or Flexible Kindergarten for younger five-year-olds. Our middle school Knights compete in soccer, basketball and volleyball, with a 2.0 GPA required to play. Before and after school enrichment clubs serve both elementary and middle school students, and before and after care stretch the day from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Public charter school (K-8)
  • Personalized learning plans
  • Leader in Me
  • National Blue Ribbon School (2023)
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International School of Broward in Hollywood: International School of Broward students and staff.
8

International School of Broward

Listed
Hollywood, FLGrades 6-12

International School of Broward is a public charter school in Hollywood enrolling grades 6 through 12 for the 2026-2027 school year. The campus offers a multicultural environment where students learn basic skills, core academic content, and develop special talents and social competencies. International School of Broward holds Cognia, SACS, and Advanced Ed accreditation and participates in WorldWise Schools and AP programming. The school offers summer enrichment camp, open house tours, and enrollment through the charter application process in Broward County. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about charter enrollment for grades 6 through 12, open house dates, and student support at International School of Broward in Hollywood.

  • High school
  • Public school
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9

International Studies Academy

Listed
Hollywood, FLGrades 6-12Tuition-free

International Studies Academy in Hollywood is a public charter, free to attend, that teaches middle schoolers and high schoolers through a multilingual, multicultural curriculum. Students can pursue an internationally recognized dual diploma option in French, Italian or Spanish. Language study starts in sixth grade, when students take two sections of their chosen language, one for grammar and one for conversation. In high school they continue through honors levels to AP Language and Culture in French, Italian or Spanish, and AP Spanish Literature is also offered. Middle school core classes are taught at the advanced level, eighth graders can take Algebra 1 or Biology, and electives include business keyboarding, business leadership and computer applications. We also run a Cambridge program. Outside class, students choose from elective, honor, service and interest clubs, play school-sponsored sports, and take part in events like French Heritage Week. Families can use morning care and after-school care, and tutoring runs on a posted weekly schedule. Cognia accredits the academy, which also receives Title I funds.

  • Public charter school (6-12)
  • French
  • Italian and Spanish programs
  • Dual diploma option
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Child painting at a table in the Learning Town Preschool classroom.
10

Learning Town Preschool

Listed
Hollywood, FLAges 2-5

Learning Town Preschool in Hollywood, FL, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners aged 12 months to 4 years, including those with unique learning needs. The school's core mission revolves around fostering independent exploration and skill development under the guidance of certified professionals. With a play-based approach, Learning Town Preschool emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social skills, ensuring that children not only acquire essential academic knowledge but also develop integral social and emotional competencies. This bilingual preschool stands out for its commitment to tailoring educational experiences to meet the diverse needs of each child, supported by strong family partnerships and regular progress meetings that extend learning beyond the classroom. The low student-teacher ratio enhances personalized attention, allowing every child to thrive in a safe and caring atmosphere where they can grow into well-rounded individuals.

  • Preschool
  • Learning differences
  • Private school
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Other Special Needs Schools in Hollywood

Mullings Academy of Hollywood

Mullings Academy of Hollywood

Listed
Hollywood, FL
Est. 1993
Ages 1-5

Mullings Academy of Hollywood is a locally owned nonprofit child care center that has served Hollywood and West Park families for nearly 30 years. It was formerly Washington Park Child Care Center. Programs include infant and toddler care from 2 months to 2 years, preschool for ages 2 through 5 with hands-on, play-based learning, and after-school care. The center is licensed by the State of Florida and Broward County. Broward County Child Care Licensing rates it 4 stars or higher, and the center accepts School Readiness and other subsidy programs.

Accredited
Private school
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Rock Creek Academy

Rock Creek Academy

Listed
Hollywood, FL
Ages 2-5

Rock Creek Academy is a private early childhood center in Hollywood at 2700 Stonebridge Pkwy, established in 1984 on a two-acre campus. The academy provides infant and toddler care, preschool programs for ages three through five, Florida VPK, and after-school pick-up with homework time for local elementary students through fifth grade. Rock Creek Academy employs certified teachers and trained staff in CPR and first aid, with programs in reading readiness, math, literacy, science, music, and social development for young children in Broward County. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about infant through preschool enrollment, VPK availability, and after-school care at Rock Creek Academy in Hollywood.

Private school
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Sunshine Elementary Charter School & Paragon Academy Middle School

Sunshine Elementary Charter School & Paragon Academy Middle School

Listed
Hollywood, FL
Grades K-5
209 students

Our Hollywood charter-school community brings together Sunshine Elementary and Paragon Academy of Technology’s middle school. We provide academic learning within a small-school setting. At Paragon, teachers and staff offer a challenging curriculum with attention to students’ progress. We aim to provide a secure environment where students can focus on learning as they move through their middle school years.

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West Park Preparatory School

West Park Preparatory School

Listed
Hollywood, FL

West Park Preparatory School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, registered with the State of Florida Department of Education. Founded by Jovan H. Rembert and now in its eighteenth year, the school teaches a rigorous curriculum across all core classes and asks students to take part in athletics, the arts, community service and other activities that build positive social experience. Admissions looks carefully at each candidate's academic and social history, with the aim of bringing together students who have a mix of academic, artistic, athletic and social strengths. Open houses and campus visits are arranged through the Admissions Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Hollywood

What special-needs school options are available for families in Hollywood, Florida?
Hollywood families typically choose among Broward County Public Schools with Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs, public charter schools, and private special-needs schools. Each path differs in cost, class size, and how services like speech therapy or behavioral support are delivered. Comparing the schools listed on this page alongside a child's IEP or evaluation results is the best way to find the right fit.
How do I request a special-education evaluation for my child in Broward County?
Parents can request an evaluation through Broward County Public Schools' Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department, which coordinates Child Find services for children from birth through age 21. Once written consent is given, Florida law generally requires the evaluation to be completed within 60 calendar days (excluding scheduled school breaks and holidays); under federal guidance (OSEP Memo 11-07), districts cannot use RTI or MTSS tiers to delay or deny evaluation. Families of children already enrolled in a private school can also request evaluation and services through the district's ESE parentally placed private school process. See the Broward County Public Schools ESE department for referral forms and current contacts.
Can I use a Florida scholarship to pay for a private special-needs school in Hollywood?
Yes. The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) gives eligible Florida students with disabilities an education savings account that can be used toward private school tuition, therapies, and other approved services. Families apply through Step Up For Students and use the funds to personalize their child's education across one or more providers. Details and eligibility are on the official FES-UA program page.
Do any of the schools in Hollywood specialize in autism, dyslexia, or ADHD support?
The schools listed on this page are mostly general public, charter, and private schools rather than programs exclusive to one diagnosis. Some may offer ESE support, small class sizes, or learning-difference accommodations, so it is worth reviewing each listing and contacting the school directly about its specific services. Pairing this with a current evaluation or IEP helps match a child's needs to what a given school actually offers.
Is there a free local resource for autism support for families in Hollywood?
Families in Broward County, including Hollywood, can access the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), which provides no-cost services and resources for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families. CARD serves the region through offices covering Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. More information is available at the UM-NSU CARD website.

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