Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Des Moines, Iowa (2026)

Carver Community School, part of the Des Moines Public Schools system, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with diverse needs, particularly those aged 3 to 12 who may experience language-based learning disabilities or are classified as twice-exceptional. The school's core mission centers on reimagining education to prepare students for future success through personalized learning pathways that cater to individual strengths and challenges. Carver employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and specialized programs that focus on holistic development, ensuring that every child receives tailored support in both academic and social-emotional areas. A distinctive feature of Carver is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters meaningful connections between educators and students, enhancing the learning experience. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong family partnerships and community involvement, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. With specialized facilities designed for adaptive learning and unique community events that engage families, Carver Community School stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for parents seeking an exceptional educational setting for their children.

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

Horizon Science Academy Des Moines is a dynamic, tuition-free public charter school dedicated to providing an enriching and supportive educational environment for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Opened in August 2023, the school serves a diverse student body, focusing on those with various learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities. The core mission emphasizes nurturing the whole child, ensuring that both academic and emotional well-being are prioritized. With a strong emphasis on STEM education, students engage in hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and enhance critical thinking skills. The school prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, which fosters personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. Additionally, Horizon Science Academy Des Moines actively builds partnerships with families to create a supportive community that extends beyond the classroom. Unique features of the school include its commitment to integrating technology into daily learning and its focus on developing essential skills that prepare students for future educational endeavors. This holistic approach not only equips students with knowledge but also instills confidence and resilience for lifelong success.

• School
• Learning differences
• Public school

Des Moines Public Schools Early Childhood Programs offer a nurturing environment designed to support the growth and development of young children, particularly those with diverse learning needs. Serving children in the preschool age range, the programs are tailored to accommodate various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. The core mission centers on fostering kindergarten readiness through quality educational experiences that adhere to both state and national standards. The approach taken by DMPS emphasizes individualized learning, utilizing evidence-based methodologies that cater to each child's unique needs. With a focus on holistic development, these programs integrate therapeutic interventions and engaging curricula that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. What sets Des Moines Public Schools apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for every child. Additionally, strong partnerships with families are prioritized, creating a supportive community where parents and guardians feel empowered and involved in their child's educational journey. The school also features specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences and regularly hosts community events that foster connection among families and staff.

• Preschool
• developmental challenges
• Learning differences
• Public school

King Elementary School, part of the Des Moines Public Schools, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs. Serving children in early childhood through elementary grades, the school specializes in supporting those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The mission of King Elementary is to reimagine education by preparing students for future success through tailored educational programs and therapeutic methodologies that emphasize both academic achievement and social-emotional development. The school employs innovative teaching strategies that are designed to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and support. With a low student-teacher ratio, educators can focus on building strong relationships with their students, allowing for a more individualized learning experience. King Elementary also fosters robust partnerships with families, understanding that collaboration between home and school is vital to student success. What sets King Elementary apart is its commitment to creating a nurturing community where every child feels valued and empowered. The school celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, reflecting its long-standing dedication to excellence in education. Additionally, King Elementary offers specialized facilities and engaging community events that promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity among its student body. This holistic approach ensures that all students not only thrive academically but also develop the confidence and skills necessary for lifelong learning.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Moore Elementary School, an International Baccalaureate World School located in Des Moines, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around reimagining education to equip every child for future success. With a focus on innovative teaching methodologies and tailored programs, Moore Elementary emphasizes a holistic approach to learning that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional development. What sets this school apart is its commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families and the community, alongside maintaining a low student-teacher ratio that ensures personalized attention for each student. The school also hosts unique community events, such as culture nights and reading competitions like the Battle of the Books, which enrich the educational experience and promote inclusivity among all students.

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

Morris Elementary School, part of the Des Moines Public Schools system, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for young students, particularly those with unique educational needs. Serving children from preschool through elementary grades, the school specializes in supporting students with various challenges, including language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional. The school's mission revolves around reimagining education to better prepare students for the future while ensuring they feel valued and understood. Morris Elementary employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. With a focus on individualized instruction, educators work closely with each child to develop their strengths and address their challenges through engaging curricula and specialized support services. This approach not only enhances academic achievement but also promotes social-emotional growth, ensuring that every child is equipped with the skills necessary for lifelong success. What sets Morris Elementary apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and stronger connections between educators and families. The school emphasizes collaboration with parents and guardians, fostering strong partnerships that enhance the educational experience. Additionally, unique community events and specialized facilities further enrich the learning environment, making Morris Elementary a nurturing space where all children can thrive.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Orchard Place Campus School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive educational environment for students with behavioral and mental health diagnoses, typically ranging from preschool through middle school. The school's core mission revolves around the Circle of Courage philosophy, which fosters a holistic approach to education by focusing on the essential needs of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. This framework not only emphasizes the strengths of each child but also creates a foundation for personal growth and academic success. The dedicated staff at Orchard Place is highly experienced in addressing the unique challenges faced by their students. Teachers engage in ongoing professional development and college coursework, ensuring they remain at the forefront of best practices in special education. The school implements key programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students, promoting both emotional well-being and academic achievement. What sets Orchard Place apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and stronger relationships between educators and students. The school also values strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is vital for student success. Additionally, unique community events, such as the annual Unicorn Day Celebration, foster a sense of belonging and connection among students, families, and staff, making Orchard Place a truly exceptional place for learning and growth.

• High school
• behavioral diagnoses
• mental health diagnoses
• Private school

Ruby Van Meter School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Serving students from preschool through high school, the school's core mission is to empower each child to reach their full potential through tailored educational strategies and therapeutic methodologies. Ruby Van Meter employs innovative programs that integrate specialized instruction with therapeutic support, ensuring that each student's unique challenges are addressed holistically. The school prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and meaningful relationships between educators and students. Additionally, strong partnerships with families are emphasized, creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the educational experience. Unique community events further enrich the school culture, allowing students to engage with peers in a supportive setting. Ruby Van Meter School stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for families seeking an inclusive and effective educational solution for their children.

• School
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional

Samuelson Elementary School, part of the Des Moines Public Schools district, is dedicated to providing an inclusive and nurturing educational environment for young learners. Serving students from preschool through elementary age, the school focuses on those with diverse needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The core mission revolves around reimagining education to equip all students for future success. Samuelson employs a range of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to foster academic growth and emotional well-being. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, the school ensures personalized attention that caters to each child's unique learning style. Additionally, strong partnerships with families are emphasized, creating a supportive community that enhances the educational experience. Unique facilities and engaging community events further distinguish Samuelson Elementary as a place where every child can thrive.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to serving a diverse student population, including those with unique learning needs. With a mission centered on fostering an inclusive environment, DMPS caters to students of all ages, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school district employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs tailored to support each child's individual strengths and challenges. This approach is complemented by a commitment to strong family partnerships, ensuring that parents and guardians are actively engaged in their child's educational journey. What sets DMPS apart is its focus on personalized education delivered through a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for more individualized attention and support. Additionally, the district features specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences and hosts community events that promote collaboration and connection among families. Through these efforts, DMPS not only strives for academic success but also nurtures the holistic development of every child in its care.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school