Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in Sunrise, Florida (2026)

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.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental Disabilities

Christi/STEPSS Academy is an accredited Christian private school in Sunrise at 3495 Hiatus Rd, providing mainstream education with specialized support for ESE, autism, and other special needs. The academy uses a Christ-centered, individualized learning environment that encourages students to meet academic challenges with openness and perseverance. Christi/STEPSS Academy cultivates independent thought, self-discipline, tolerance, and responsibility while offering athletics, spirit week events, and field trips for the whole student. The school serves families in Broward County seeking a faith-based private school with special education support. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about admissions, ESE and autism programming, grade levels, and tuition at Christi/STEPSS Academy.

• Private educational institution
• Autism
• Learning differences
• Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

Franklin Academy - Sunrise in Sunrise, Florida, is a high-performing tuition-free public charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes character development, academic rigor, and creative problem-solving inspired by Benjamin Franklin's principles. Franklin Academy provides structured Exceptional Student Education (ESE) support for students with mild-to-moderate learning differences, ADHD, and speech impairments. The campus utilizes co-teaching inclusion models, specialized reading and math intervention, and proactive 504 plan management to help every student succeed within a supportive charter school community.

• Charter school
• ADHD
• Inclusion & Co-Teaching
• K-12 Continuous Learning

Terra Nova Educational Resource Center is a Christ-centered micro-school located in Sunrise, Florida, dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for students in grades K-12. The school serves a diverse range of learners, including those with unique educational needs, by offering flexible enrollment options that allow families to participate as full or part-time students or engage in specific enrichment activities. With a strong emphasis on academic growth and personal development, Terra Nova combines rigorous academic classes with community service opportunities and engaging field trips, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The center is powered by the mission of Backpack International, a non-profit organization that enriches the school’s programs through resources such as technology, supplies, and professional development for educators. This collaboration not only enhances the learning environment but also fosters strong partnerships with families. What sets Terra Nova apart is its commitment to creating a nurturing community where spiritual growth complements academic achievement, supported by low student-teacher ratios and tailored programs that meet the individual needs of each student.

• Education center
• Micro-school
• Private school

World of Learning Academy (WOLA) is dedicated to nurturing the whole child, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development for children from infancy through school age. The academy's core mission emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's unique needs and differences, fostering an environment where independent thinking and lifelong learning thrive. With a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and programs tailored for toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten students, WOLA creates a joyful and enriching atmosphere that supports children's growth. A key aspect of the academy's approach is its strong emphasis on parent involvement; teachers collaborate closely with families to keep them informed about their child's progress and encourage participation in activities that enhance family bonds. What sets World of Learning Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each child, as well as its thoughtfully designed facilities that cater to diverse developmental needs. This holistic approach not only promotes academic success but also fosters a vibrant community where children can thrive together.

• School
• Private school