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

Compare 5 special needs schools in Venice. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in Venice

1

College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park

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Venice, FL • Grades K-12

College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park is a Charter Schools USA charter school in Venice at 11611 Mezzo Dr, serving students with rigorous academics and experiential learning that builds college and career readiness. The school hosts prospective parent information sessions and enrolls through the SchoolMint choice process. College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park uses an innovative teaching model within the Wellen Park community in Sarasota County, with events, spirit weeks, and family activities throughout the school year. The campus prepares students through eighth grade graduation and beyond within the CSUSA network. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about charter enrollment, school choice windows, grade levels, and student support at College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park.

  • School
  • Private school
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2

Island Village Montessori School

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Venice, FL • Grades PreK-5

Island Village Montessori School is a Montessori charter school in Venice offering preschool and charter programs guided by the Montessori philosophy. The campus inspires a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, child-centered education, outdoor learning spaces, and arts enrichment. Island Village Montessori School serves families in Sarasota County with applications available online, community partner programs, and a focus on independence, confidence, and joyful learning. The school combines preschool and charter pathways under one Montessori community in Venice. Submit an inquiry through the Special Needs USA listing to ask about Montessori charter enrollment, preschool programs, and grade levels at Island Village Montessori School in Venice.

  • Montessori school
  • Private school
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3

Student Leadership Academy

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No reviews yet

Venice, FL • Grades 6-8

Student Leadership Academy, located on the picturesque Island of Venice, Florida, is an rated public charter middle school dedicated to fostering an enriching academic and social environment for students. Serving a diverse range of learners, the school emphasizes scholarship, leadership skills, and service learning for all its students. With a rigorous curriculum designed to promote community involvement and volunteerism, the academy nurtures not only academic excellence but also essential life skills. Notably, Student Leadership Academy offers convenient bus services from Sarasota to North Port and provides free after-school transportation to local Boys & Girls Clubs, ensuring accessibility for all families. Recognized as a School of Excellence by the State Board of Education in 2021-2022 and again in 2023-2024, the academy stands out for its commitment to strong family partnerships and community engagement. The low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, making it a unique environment where every child can thrive.

  • Middle school
  • Transportation
  • Public school
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Planning guides

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Venice

Which district covers Venice?
Sarasota County Schools serves Venice along with Sarasota and North Port. Venice sits in the southern half of the county with a notably older population, which shapes the local landscape: services oriented toward retirees are abundant here, while pediatric specialists are more concentrated to the north. Expect to travel toward Sarasota for some evaluations and therapies. Sarasota County Schools ESE
How do I request an evaluation?
In writing to the school or district ESE office. Whoever holds parent status for the child is the person who must sign the consent form, so a grandparent or relative raising a child should settle that question with the district before the form is issued rather than after. Sixty calendar days run from the district's receipt of that signed consent, excluding school holidays, breaks, and summer.
Who counts as the parent for IEP purposes?
Broader than many families assume, which is relevant in a community where children are often being raised by grandparents or other relatives. Federal and state definitions include a biological or adoptive parent, a guardian, a person acting in place of a parent such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, and in some cases an appointed surrogate. Establish your standing with the district in writing before an IEP meeting rather than during one, and ask what documentation they require, since districts differ.
Does FES-UA require an IEP?
Not necessarily. Eligibility rests on documentation of a qualifying disability, which can come from an IEP, a Section 504 plan, or a physician's or psychologist's evaluation depending on the condition. Families whose child has never attended public school often assume they are excluded, which is not the case. Confirm current documentation requirements with the administering organization. Step Up For Students
What free support covers south Sarasota County?
CARD-USF serves Sarasota County at no charge, and much of its consultation can be delivered remotely, which spares the drive north. CARD-USF

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