Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Leesburg, Florida (2026)

First Academy Preschool in Leesburg, Florida, is a private faith-based early childhood academy and VPK provider founded in 2005 to serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through kindergarten (ages 6 weeks to 6 years) across Lake County. Operating with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the academy utilizes the A Beka and Creative Curriculum frameworks, combining structured phonics, early numeracy, sensory exploration, and Christian character formation. Certified early educators provide tailored developmental support for early learners with speech delays, sensory processing needs, and focus differences, partnering with families and visiting therapists to build foundational academic and social-emotional skills.

• School
• Christian Early Childhood Foundations
• Structured Early Literacy & A Beka Phonics
• Speech therapy

Lake Montessori Schools in Leesburg, Florida, is an established Montessori learning community offering specialized Montessori secondary education for grades 9 through 12. Lake Montessori applies Maria Montessori's adolescent Erdkinder philosophy to high school academics, combining rigorous self-directed coursework with hands-on enterprise, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. The school's individualized pacing and respectful, collaborative environment provide an ideal setting for students with ADHD, anxiety, and non-traditional learning profiles seeking a supportive alternative to large traditional high schools.

• High school
• Montessori
• ADHD
• Step Up FES-UA Acceptance

St. Paul Catholic School, a distinguished member of the Diocese of Orlando's Catholic education system, is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and moral development of its students. Serving children within a supportive and loving environment, the school focuses on fostering confidence and self-discipline while integrating Catholic values throughout its curriculum. With a commitment to academic excellence, St. Paul equips students with essential 21st-century skills necessary for success in an ever-evolving world. The school emphasizes strong partnerships with parents, recognizing them as the first teachers in their children's lives, and aims to help each student realize their God-given talents. Fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, St. Paul Catholic School stands out for its holistic approach to education and its dedication to creating a safe space where students can learn to navigate adversity and peer conflict guided by moral principles.

• Catholic school
• Accredited
• Private school

Bay Street Schoolhouse, Sunshine Schoolhouse, and Tangerine Schoolhouse are dedicated educational facilities located in central Florida, designed to foster creativity and unlock potential in young learners. Catering to children aged 1 to 6, these schools provide nurturing environments where experienced educators implement a learn-through-play curriculum that emphasizes both academic and social development. Each school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, ensuring consistency and stability for families. At Bay Street Schoolhouse in Eustis, children engage in enriching preschool and VPK programs that promote early childhood education through hands-on experiences. Sunshine Schoolhouse in Leesburg extends its offerings to include a private school setting for students up to grade 6, incorporating a Reggio-inspired approach that encourages exploration and self-directed learning. Meanwhile, Tangerine Schoolhouse in Mount Dora focuses on providing a safe space for preschoolers through grade 5, emphasizing individualized attention. What sets these schoolhouses apart is their commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, fostering strong family partnerships, and creating specialized programs tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Parents appreciate the open lines of communication with staff and the personalized updates about their children's progress. The supportive community atmosphere is further enhanced by unique events that celebrate learning and growth. These elements combine to create an exceptional educational experience that prioritizes the well-being and development of each child.

• Preschool
• Private school
• Reggio Emilia

Take Stock In Children is a college scholarship and mentoring program for at-risk students in Lake County, Florida, administered through the Education Foundation of Lake County at edfoundationlake.com. The program pairs students with volunteer mentors and provides college scholarships for eligible young people who meet academic and behavioral requirements throughout high school. Families in Lake County can submit an inquiry through Special Needs Care Network to ask about eligibility and enrollment in the Take Stock In Children program in Leesburg.

• School
• Transition support