Special Needs Care Network Logo

Best Special Needs Schools in Hammond, Indiana (2026)

Compare 3 special needs schools in Hammond. 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 Hammond, Indiana for free.

Free for families.

Takes about 2 minutes

School listings in Hammond

1

Hammond Academy of Science and Technology

Listed
Hammond, INGrades 6-12

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. Students attend grades 6 through 12. The mission is a safe setting where students are known, supported, and challenged. Coursework is rigorous, hands-on, and collaborative, with a focus on college, career, and civic life. Sixth-grade classes and Project Lead the Way labs are part of the school day. HAST is part of 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
View details

Nearby school options

Compare special-needs schools near Hammond

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

Special-needs schools in East Chicago Compare 3 programs about 4 miles away. Special-needs schools in Michigan City Compare 7 programs about 31 miles away. Special-needs schools in South Bend Compare 5 programs about 63 miles away.
Browse all special-needs schools in Indiana →

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Hammond

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

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 Hammond

All School City of Hammond preschool and pre-K programs are housed at the SCH Early Learning Center at Morton Elementary School. That includes Special Education Preschool for eligible 3 to 5 year olds and Preschool Diagnostics, which evaluates children ages 2 to 5 with suspected developmental delays or other possible disabilities at no cost to families.

The Early Learning Center also houses Head Start and PACT, a no-cost pre-K program for Hammond residents whose children are four by August 1. ELC programming is for Hammond residents only, and applications are accepted year-round. Registration asks for a parent's driver's license or state ID and two proofs of address dated within the past 30 days. Income proof applies to some programs, but not all ELC programming is income-based. Special Education Preschool adds parent education and training.

Local resources checked .

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Hammond

What is Preschool Diagnostics in Hammond?
Preschool Diagnostics is the School City of Hammond service that evaluates children ages 2 to 5 who have suspected developmental delays or other potential disabilities. It runs at the Early Learning Center at Morton Elementary and costs families nothing. If your child is under 3 and already in First Steps, ask that team when to bring in the district.
Does my child need to qualify by income?
Not for every program. The ELC notes that not all of its programming is income-based. Special Education Preschool serves eligible 3 to 5 year olds with identified disabilities, while Head Start and PACT have their own entry rules. All ELC programs are for Hammond residents only, and preschool registration lists children who are 3 or 4 on or before August 1.
What documents does the Early Learning Center ask for?
The registration list includes a parent or guardian's driver's license or state ID, the child's health insurance card, and two current proofs of address dated within the past 30 days, such as a NIPSCO or water bill. Income-based programs also ask for 12 months of income proof or SNAP, TANF, or SSI eligibility. Instructions are posted in Spanish too.
What does Special Education Preschool include besides class time?
The SCH program provides specialized instruction for eligible children ages 3 to 5 with identified disabilities. A parent education and training component helps families work with developmental challenges that show up before elementary school. The IEP sets the services your child receives. Our IEP prep checklist helps you bring focused questions to the first meeting.

Explore More Schools in Indiana

Discover specialized educational institutions across other cities in Indiana.

Browse All Indiana Cities