Skip to main content

Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Margate, Florida (2026)

Compare 8 special needs schools in Margate. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

Free Matching

Not sure which school is the right fit for your child?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll help you compare schools in Margate, Florida for free.

Free for families.

Takes about 2 minutes

PremiumVerified
Miami Learning Experience School
1

Miami Learning Experience School

Special education school

Serving Margate, FLAges 4-55:1 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
Autism Spectrum DisorderCerebral PalsyDevelopmental DisabilitiesDown Syndrome
PremiumVerified
Mountaineers School of Autism featured cover
2

Mountaineers School of Autism

Special education school

Serving Margate, 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
Autism (ASD)ADD/ADHDNeurotypicalSpecial Needs
3

Margate Christian Academy

Preschool

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 5-12

Margate Christian Academy is a private Christian school in Margate at 4850 W Atlantic Blvd, serving kindergarten through twelfth grade students in Broward County. The academy's mission is to train children in excellence, love, and commitment within a safe, nurturing environment grounded in the love of Christ. Margate Christian Academy provides preschool and K through 12th grade programs with enrollment information published for parents, including teacher qualification disclosures required under Florida private school statutes. Programs promote emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual development. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about Christian school enrollment, grade levels, preschool programs, and tuition at Margate Christian Academy.

Support: Private

4

Michelle's International Learning House

Preschool

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 2-5

Michelle's International Learning House is an early learning center in Margate at 1800 Cathedral Dr, offering infant and toddler care, preschool, free VPK, and after-school and summer camp programs. Programs use child-guided inquiry and intentional teaching strategies to build a love of learning. Michelle's International Learning House serves young children from infancy through preschool with professional, nurturing staff and online enrollment for families in Margate and Broward County. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about infant through VPK enrollment, after-school care, and availability at Michelle's International Learning House.

Support: Private

5

Play, Learn, and Grow Academy of Margate | Preschool | Daycare | VPK

Preschool

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 2-5

Play, Learn, and Grow Academy is a nurturing preschool dedicated to fostering the holistic development of children aged 12 months to 5 years. With a core mission centered on learning through play, the academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that is tailored to meet the unique developmental needs of each child, including those with specific learning challenges. The programs are thoughtfully designed, transitioning from a toddler program that encourages exploration and curiosity to a preschool program that enhances logical reasoning skills through engaging activities. Additionally, the state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program prepares children for a successful start in kindergarten by focusing on essential early learning skills. What sets Play, Learn, and Grow Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, which ensures personalized attention and fosters strong relationships between educators and families. This emphasis on community partnership is further enriched by specialized facilities and community events that create an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Support: Private

6

Rise Academy - Margate

Charter school

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 5-8

RISE Academy Margate is an A-rated high-performing STEAM charter school in Margate at 6101 NW 31st St, serving kindergarten through fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade on one campus. The school builds young scientists through innovative teaching, advanced science labs, high-tech instruction, and state-of-the-art technology spaces. RISE Academy was recognized as a Schools of Excellence campus and offers summer enrichment, open house events, Clever and PowerSchool resources, and enrollment for families in Broward County seeking a STEAM-focused charter school in Margate. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about charter enrollment, elementary and middle school grade levels, and open house dates at RISE Academy in Margate.

Support: Private

7

SunEd High School of North Broward

High school

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 9-22

SunEd High School of North Broward is a private alternative high school with three campuses in Broward County, offering a flexible pathway to a high school diploma for students who need an individualized approach to completing their secondary education. The school allows students to take only the courses they need and work at their own pace, with campuses in Margate, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood available for enrollment. Students in Broward County can submit an inquiry through Special Needs Care Network to ask about enrollment, tuition, campus locations, and course options at SunEd High School of North Broward.

Support: Public

8

West Broward Academy

Charter school

Listed

Margate, FL • Ages 5-8

West Broward Academy is a distinguished public charter school dedicated to fostering an exceptional educational environment for students in grades K-8. With a core mission centered on higher expectations leading to higher learning, the academy serves a diverse population, including children with various learning needs. The school employs innovative programs such as the Cambridge Program and emphasizes S.T.E.M. education, ensuring that each student receives a well-rounded, engaging curriculum tailored to their unique strengths and challenges. What sets West Broward Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates personalized attention and support, fostering strong relationships between educators and families. This collaborative atmosphere not only enhances the learning experience but also encourages community involvement through various clubs and activities designed to enrich students' social development. By prioritizing both academic excellence and emotional growth, West Broward Academy prepares its students for future success in high school and beyond, making it a nurturing choice for families seeking an inclusive educational setting.

Support: Public

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Margate

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team about placement and funding.

Also Looking for ABA Therapy?

Find ABA therapy centers in Margate, Florida. Many families use both specialized schools and therapy services to support their child's development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Margate

How does Broward County Public Schools handle ESE?
Broward County Public Schools is one of the largest districts in the United States and serves Margate as part of its countywide system. Size means the district operates a wide spectrum of ESE programs, from consultative support in a general education classroom through separate specialized settings. It also means processes are formal and documentation-driven, so families who keep written records of every request tend to get further faster. Broward County Public Schools ESE
My child is under five and not in school. Who do I contact?
FDLRS Reach handles Child Find for Broward County, which is the screening and identification function for children not yet enrolled in public school. Child Find covers birth through 21 but focuses heavily on the birth to five range, and there is no cost. Contacting them early is better than waiting for a pediatrician to raise it, since the intake and evaluation sequence takes months rather than weeks. FDLRS Reach
How long should an initial evaluation take?
The legal obligation is 60 calendar days from signed consent, with breaks and summer not counted. The practical experience in a district of Broward's size is that scheduling an evaluator is its own queue, and families are sometimes quoted an informal wait far longer than the rule allows. Those are different things. A staffing shortage does not extend the deadline, and only a written agreement reached before day 45 can, by up to 30 days. If the date passes, say so in writing to the ESE department and reference the consent date.
What funding is available for private schools in north Broward?
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities can be applied to tuition at participating private schools, along with approved therapies and services, through an education savings account the family manages. Two organizations administer it, Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation. Verify that a school you are considering actually participates, because approval is per school and not universal. Step Up For Students
Which CARD center covers Broward County?
UM-NSU CARD, run jointly by the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, serves Broward as well as Miami-Dade and Monroe. Its Nova Southeastern site in Davie makes it convenient for north Broward families. Services are free and cover consultation, training, and navigation support rather than direct treatment. UM-NSU CARD

Explore More Schools in Florida

Discover specialized educational institutions across other cities in Florida.