Best Special Needs Schools in Merrillville, Indiana (2026)

Aquinas Catholic Community School is a Catholic school at 801 W. 73rd Avenue in Merrillville. Its mission is forming disciples of Christ through the practice of faith and the pursuit of knowledge. Principal Maegan Clancy-Veleeparambil leads the campus. Daily values named on the official site are love, pray, try, collaborate, and serve. The school works with parents on academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff can assist Spanish-speaking families. Most Indiana families may qualify for the Indiana School Choice Scholarship, which can cover most or all tuition plus registration, book, and technology fees depending on the family's public school district. The application fee is $25 and is nonrefundable. Admissions include a campus tour, application, review of transcripts or report cards, and a family interview. Families may submit an IEP or 504 plan if one exists. Aquinas welcomes applicants regardless of race, religion, disability, sex, or national origin.

• Community school
• Catholic community school
• Indiana School Choice Scholarship
• Spanish-speaking office support

Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville is a Catholic homeschool enrichment chapter, not a full-time day school. Families keep homeschooling at home and join the chapter for classical memory work, shared units, and peer classes. The Pre-Grammar program is for children about 2.5 to 5 years old and focuses on virtues, attention, exploration, and habits. The Grammar program uses a three-year cycle covering religion, history, geography, math, classical languages, music, and language arts for elementary and intermediate students about ages 6 to 12. Dialectic and Rhetoric classes serve middle and high school students through book discussion, seminars, speech, and writing. For 2026-27, registration is $125 per family through March 30, 2026, then $180 through April 30. The family fee is $275. Supply fees are $99 per Pre-Grammar or Grammar student and $199 per upper-level student. The facility and insurance fee is $175 per family. A nursery option for ages 1 to 2 is $50 per child.

• School
• Catholic homeschool chapter
• Classical memory work
• Sibling-age programs

Merrillville Community School Corporation is dedicated to delivering high-quality educational experiences tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students, including those with special needs. The school serves a wide age range and accommodates students with various diagnoses, ensuring that each child receives the support necessary for their unique learning journey. With a mission centered on providing an inclusive, world-class education, Merrillville fosters an environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. The school employs innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to engage students in meaningful ways, promoting both personal growth and academic achievement. What sets Merrillville apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships. This collaborative approach not only enhances the educational experience but also builds a supportive community that celebrates each child's potential. Through specialized facilities and unique community events, Merrillville Community School Corporation stands as a leader in nurturing success for all its students.

• High school
• various diagnoses
• Public school