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Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in South Miami, Florida (2026)

Compare 4 special needs schools in South Miami. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in South Miami

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

Miami Learning Experience School

Premium
Serving South Miami, 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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Children playing with colorful art supplies.
2

Blessed Pediatric Care - Miami Gardens

Premium
Serving South Miami, FLRegistered nurses provide direct skilled nursing care for each child on site ratioAccepting new students

Blessed Pediatric Care is a medical needs day care (Prescribed Pediatric Nursing Care Center) in Miami Gardens for children with complex medical conditions, fully equipped to provide skilled nursing, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, ABA therapy, respiratory support, medication administration, meals, and transportation with flexible pick up and drop off.

Claimed ProfileFunding OptionsTransportation AvailableAccredited
OtherMultiple DisabilitiesEmotional/behavioral supportIntellectual / Developmental Disabilities
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Mountaineers School of Autism special needs school in West Palm Beach, FL photo 20
3

Mountaineers School of Autism

Premium
Serving South Miami, 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.

  • Special education school
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Neurotypical
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Child showing a classroom art project at O’Farrill Learning Center
4

O'Farrill Learning Center at South Miami Head Start

Listed
South Miami, FL

O'Farrill Learning Center has been a cornerstone of quality childcare and social services for children aged 0 to 11 since its inception in 1997. With a mission to nurture a multicultural community, the center focuses on creating a dynamic learning environment that promotes intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. It emphasizes the importance of family involvement, recognizing parents as the primary educators and fostering partnerships that enhance children's learning experiences. The school employs a variety of developmental activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. What sets O'Farrill apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which ensures personalized attention for each child, along with specialized facilities designed to support various developmental needs. The center also hosts unique community events that strengthen connections among families and celebrate the achievements of its students. With dedicated staff who are passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, O'Farrill Learning Center stands out as an exceptional choice for families seeking quality education and care for their children.

  • Social services organization
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Nearby school options

Compare special-needs schools near South Miami

Families often compare nearby cities when commute, availability, services, or age fit differ.

Special-needs schools in Miami Compare 52 programs about 5 miles away. Special-needs schools in Miami Beach Compare 5 programs about 11 miles away. Special-needs schools in Hialeah Compare 3 programs about 12 miles away.
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Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in South Miami

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team how a proposed setting will support your child's goals.

Florida FES-UA funding guide

Check scholarship amounts, requirements, and approved expenses before contacting schools.

FES-UA approved expenses

What Florida families can buy with FES-UA: private school tuition, ABA therapy, tutoring, and reimbursements.

How to choose a special needs school

Prepare school-tour questions, compare supports and family communication, and record what each program can show you.

IEP process guide

Bring your IEP, progress evidence, and focused questions to conversations about evaluations, services, or placement.

Comparing school options in South Miami

Despite the name, South Miami's public schools are not on M-DCPS's South ESE list. The district places South Miami K-8, South Miami Middle, and South Miami Senior High under ESE Service Center Central, at iTech@Thomas A. Edison Educational Center (305-756-2132). Miami-Dade County Public Schools assigns centers by school, so check the list before calling the wrong office.

The Central center runs eligibility meetings for both ESE and Section 504, so families who are unsure which plan fits can raise both questions with the same office. Families who want a different public school can also use Florida's FES UA public school option. Within 10 days after an IEP meeting, the district must tell parents about FES UA eligibility and offer two public school choices.

Local resources checked .

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in South Miami

Why are South Miami schools listed under the Central ESE center?
Each M-DCPS ESE Service Center serves a set list of schools, and the names of the centers do not follow city names. South Miami K-8, South Miami Middle, and South Miami Senior High are on the Central list, while Pinecrest Elementary is on the South list. Central is at iTech@Thomas A. Edison Educational Center, 6101 NW 2nd Avenue, phone 305-756-2132.
Should I ask for an IEP or a 504 plan?
It depends on whether your child needs specially designed instruction or mainly accommodations. M-DCPS ESE Service Centers hold eligibility meetings for both ESE and Section 504, and the district's ESE site posts an IEP vs. 504 Plan comparison. Our 504 plan vs IEP guide explains the difference in plain terms before you meet with the school team.
What public school choices does FES UA offer?
Within 10 days after an IEP meeting, the district must notify parents of FES UA eligibility and offer two options: another public school in the district, or a public school in an adjacent district that has space and the IEP services in place, with parents providing transportation. M-DCPS adds its own rules, including limits on transportation for families living under two miles away.
What if my child misses school during the evaluation?
Florida's 60 calendar day evaluation window already excludes school holidays, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and summer vacation. If a student is absent more than eight school days during the period, those absence days also do not count. Some district closures for severe weather can pause the count too. Ask the school for the expected completion date and write it down.

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