Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in North Liberty, Iowa (2026)

Champions is dedicated to providing enriching before and after school programs, as well as out-of-school time activities, specifically designed for children in grades K-6 and preschool-aged learners. The core mission of Champions is to create a nurturing environment that supports the diverse needs of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The programs emphasize a holistic approach to education, incorporating engaging curricula that foster social skills, emotional growth, and academic development. Unique features such as low student-teacher ratios ensure personalized attention, while strong family partnerships enhance the educational experience through collaboration and support. Additionally, specialized facilities are designed to promote exploration and creativity, making Champions not just a place for care but a community where children can thrive. With offerings like Champ Camp during the summer months that encourage outdoor adventures and friendships, Champions stands out as a leader in providing comprehensive care and educational opportunities tailored to the unique needs of every child.

• After school program
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

Heritage Christian School, located in North Liberty, Iowa, is dedicated to providing a biblically faithful and academically excellent education for students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Established in 1992 by a group of families seeking a Christ-centered educational environment, the school has grown significantly from its humble beginnings with just 37 students. Heritage Christian School serves a diverse range of learners, including those with various learning needs, ensuring that each child is nurtured in their academic and spiritual growth. The school employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic approaches tailored to foster lifelong learning and personal development. With a strong emphasis on family partnerships, Heritage Christian School creates an inclusive community where parents are actively engaged in their children's education. The school's commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, ensuring that each student's unique needs are met effectively. Unique community events further enrich the educational experience, making Heritage Christian School not just an institution of learning but a supportive environment where children can thrive academically and spiritually.

• Middle school
• Private school

Liberty High School opened in North Liberty in 2017 as the Iowa City Community School District's third traditional high school, serving grades 9 to 12 from North Liberty, Coralville, Iowa City, and surrounding areas. Today we enroll 1,337 students, and classes average 23 students. Our building includes a two-story commons, an auditorium with more than 800 seats, a well-stocked library, an academic wing and a courtyard. Outside, the campus has a stadium and track, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and a soccer field. School culture runs on our BOLTS values: Belonging, Ownership, Leadership, Teamwork, and Safety, backed by PBIS and restorative practices. Students have school counseling, student and family advocates, a mental health and wellness center, AP courses, theatre, National Honor Society, and clubs. Our teams have won state titles in boys swimming, boys soccer, and volleyball.

• Public high school (9-12)
• AP courses
• PBIS
• Restorative practices

Montessori Children's Garden is an independent private school dedicated to nurturing the educational journey of children aged 3 to 6, established in 2003. Embracing the child-centered philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, the school focuses on fostering a love for learning within a supportive community that includes children, teachers, and families. The curriculum is designed to cater to individual learning styles and needs, featuring multi-age classrooms that promote both group and individual activities across various subjects such as art, music, language arts, mathematics, science, geography, and practical life skills. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the school also boasts a unique Nature Explore Classroom that connects students with the environment. Montessori Children's Garden stands out through its commitment to maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios and its team of certified educators who collectively bring over 65 years of experience in implementing the Montessori Method. This approach not only enhances personalized instruction but also fosters strong partnerships with families, creating an enriching atmosphere where every child can thrive.

• Montessori school
• Private school

Montessori Children's Garden is an independent private school dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of children ages 3 to 6, founded in 2003 by experienced educators Sandra Honey and Jane Jones. Embracing the child-centered philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, the school focuses on creating a rich educational environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. With a strong commitment to community, Montessori Children's Garden emphasizes collaboration among children, teachers, and families to cultivate a supportive atmosphere where each child can thrive. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including art, music, language arts, mathematics, science, geography, and international cultures, all delivered through engaging group and individual activities. Unique to the school is its Nature Explore Classroom, which deepens children's connection with nature and enhances their learning experience. The dedicated team of certified lead teachers brings over 65 years of combined expertise in the Montessori Method to ensure that every child receives personalized attention in a multi-age classroom setting. This low student-teacher ratio allows for tailored educational experiences that meet individual needs while fostering social skills and emotional growth. Montessori Children's Garden stands out as a nurturing environment where education goes beyond academics"”it's about building relationships and instilling values that last a lifetime.

• Nursery school
• Private school

Penn Elementary opened in 1961 as the first Iowa City Community School District school built in North Liberty. The building was planned for 300 students, and as the town has grown so has Penn: today about 591 children attend, making us the largest elementary school in the district, with 71 faculty and staff and an average of 25 students per class. Our schoolwide PBIS approach teaches the Penn Powers: I know myself, I manage myself, I make wise choices, I respect others and I work well with others. Our staff includes a school counselor who leads prevention and social-emotional programs, a student and family advocate, two school facilitators and a school nurse. As part of the district, we follow the High Reliability Schools framework and work as a professional learning community. Families who need care before or after school can use the Penn BASP, a licensed nonprofit program run by a parent board in our community room, gym and playground for kindergarten through fifth grade. It offers arts and crafts, music, drama, fitness and games, and accepts Iowa child care assistance.

• Public elementary school
• PBIS
• Professional learning community
• Public school