Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Hammond, Indiana (2026)

Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) is at 33 Muenich Court in Hammond. It is a science and technology academy, not a private special-education school. Classes use hands-on, project-based learning, including Project Lead the Way. Staff groups on the official site cover grades 6 through 12. The stated mission is a safe setting where students are known, supported, and challenged. Work is described as rigorous, hands-on, and collaborative, with a focus on college, career, and civic life. Photos on the mission page include a sixth-grade class and PLTW labs. The academy is listed on Indiana GPS. It is not a therapeutic campus and does not operate a young-adult 18-22 program. Athletics are part of student life alongside the STEM coursework.

• School
• Science and technology academy
• Project Lead the Way
• Project-based learning

Hammond Area Career Center is connected to the School City of Hammond and supports students with career-focused learning and district resources. Families can expect a school community that values academics, inclusion, and student opportunity. The district also encourages strong family-school communication throughout the year.

• High school

Morning Star Academy is a Christian school and childcare ministry of Life Point Church in Hammond. The early childhood program has served Northwest Indiana families since fall 2010 and enrolls children from 6 weeks through preschool. The school also posts kindergarten through grade 8 academics. Preschool days include Bible integrated across subjects, age-appropriate academic work, nature walks, monthly fire drills, and two lockdown drills. Kindergarten is a full-day class covering phonics-based reading, math, science, Spanish, sign language, handwriting and cursive, music, and art. Elementary grades 1-6 center on phonics, mathematics, grammar, spelling, science, history, geography, STEM, and penmanship. Grades 7-8 add language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies, Bible, computer skills, and fine arts. The school points families to the Indiana Choice Scholarship, which may cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for eligible students, plus in-house grants. An On My Way Pre-K link is also posted. Classes are described as small-group settings.

• Preschool
• Christian childcare ministry
• Infant through grade 8
• Indiana Choice Scholarship

The Crossing is a transformative educational institution dedicated to empowering students who face challenges in traditional learning environments. Founded in 2003 by Rob Staley, a former principal passionate about making a difference, The Crossing serves a diverse student body, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. With a core mission focused on fostering academic success, job readiness, and faith-based character development, the school offers tailored programs that blend hands-on learning with essential life skills training. Students benefit from an average teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10, allowing for personalized attention that enhances their educational experience. The curriculum includes innovative Career Pathway Programs designed to provide practical education and real-world job training opportunities. Additionally, the Faith-Based Character Education program promotes community and personal growth through daily Family Time and optional God-Talk sessions, encouraging students to explore their faith in a supportive environment. What sets The Crossing apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere where every student feels a sense of belonging. This focus on nurturing relationships extends beyond academics; staff actively engage with students during evenings and weekends, fostering unity and support within the community. Through its unique blend of education, job training, and character development rooted in faith, The Crossing stands out as a beacon of hope for struggling students seeking a fresh start on their journey toward becoming contributing members of society.

• School
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

The Excel Center Hammond is an adult high school of Goodwill Industries of Michiana at 3438 169th Street in Hammond. It is not a private special-education school and is not limited to ages 18-22. Any Indiana resident without a high school diploma may enroll. Students earn an Indiana Core 40 diploma, not a GED. The calendar is year-round with five 8-week terms. Day and evening courses run Monday through Thursday. Fridays are for extra tutoring. Partial-day and full-day morning and afternoon schedules are available. Some locations offer evening classes. College credit, industry certifications, ACT and SAT prep, and financial-aid counseling are part of the program. Life coaches support students balancing school and work. Kids Excel is free drop-in child care for enrolled adult students and uses HighScope. Transportation assistance is offered. Other Michiana Excel Centers are in Elkhart, Gary, and South Bend.

• High school
• Adult Core 40 diploma
• Kids Excel child care
• College credit and certifications