Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Urbandale, Iowa (2026)

Des Moines Christian School, located in Urbandale, Iowa, is dedicated to providing a holistic educational experience for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including early education programming. The school's core mission is to equip minds and nurture hearts to impact the world for Christ, emphasizing a faith-based approach that recognizes each child as uniquely created by God. This commitment to academic excellence is evident in its comprehensive curriculum that integrates spiritual formation with rigorous educational standards. Des Moines Christian School employs a variety of therapeutic methodologies and programs designed to support diverse learning needs, fostering an environment where students can discover their unique God-given purposes and gifts. What sets this school apart is its strong sense of community, characterized by low student-teacher ratios that promote personalized attention and meaningful family partnerships. The school also offers specialized facilities and innovative STEAM programming, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both academic challenges and personal growth. Through its distinctively Christian framework, Des Moines Christian School cultivates a supportive atmosphere where families feel united in their mission to nurture their children's spiritual and educational development.

• Religious school
• Private school

Koalaty Time Child Development Center and Pre-School began when our founder could not find childcare she trusted for her own children and spent years studying early childhood before opening the center. We care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old in Urbandale and serve families from Des Moines and the northwest suburbs, including West Des Moines, Johnston and Waukee. We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and part-time care is available. Our eighteen classrooms are grouped into four pods, so children move through the program as they develop: infants, toddlers, Inquisitive Twos, Investigative Threes, Prelude to Pre-K and Pre-K. Infants and toddlers learn sign language and enjoy music and sensory play. Preschool programming runs from 8:30 to 11:30 each morning, and our four-year-old classes study Spanish five days a week. Pre-K children work on phonics, sight words, reading, counting to 100, and cooking and baking, and lessons on manners, respect and bullying prevention run through every age. Children can add Drama Tykes, Soccer Shots and Tennis by Life Time. We offer tuition discounts to teachers, military families, law enforcement and firefighters.

• Child development center and preschool
• Kindergarten readiness
• Spanish lessons
• Infant and toddler care

Urbandale Community School District is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering educational environment for all learners, particularly those with unique needs. Serving students from preschool through high school, the district focuses on individuals with various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission, , Reaching All," reflects its commitment to adapting instructional methods to meet the diverse learning styles of each student. Through a comprehensive approach that includes specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies, Urbandale fosters a culture of collaboration among students, staff, and families. The district's emphasis on low student-teacher ratios ensures personalized attention, allowing educators to tailor their teaching strategies effectively. Additionally, Urbandale promotes strong family partnerships and community engagement through unique events, enhancing the overall educational experience. This holistic approach not only advances student achievement but also enriches the lives of all involved, making Urbandale a distinctive choice for families seeking a supportive and nurturing educational setting.

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

Traditions Children's Centers is a premier child care provider in the Des Moines metro area, dedicated to offering high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. With over 30 years of experience, the center's mission is to ensure a nurturing environment that promotes safety, growth, and development. Catering to families with diverse needs, Traditions serves children with various backgrounds and abilities, including those requiring additional support. The center employs dedicated educators who create an engaging atmosphere where children can thrive through play-based learning and structured activities. Unique to Traditions is its commitment to maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, fostering strong family partnerships, and providing transportation services to over 25 elementary schools. This holistic approach not only enhances children's educational experiences but also strengthens community ties through various events designed to involve families in their children's development. Ultimately, Traditions Children's Centers stands out as a compassionate and supportive choice for parents seeking a comprehensive early childhood education experience.

• Preschool
• Transportation
• Private school

Urbandale Community School District is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all learners, particularly those with unique needs. Serving students from preschool through high school, the district focuses on empowering individuals with various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school employs adaptive instructional methods tailored to the diverse learning styles of each student, fostering a sense of ownership and voice in their education. With a commitment to continual improvement guided by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, Urbandale emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement to enhance student achievement across all levels. What sets Urbandale apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships that enrich the educational experience. The district's initiatives aim not only to prepare students for future success in a competitive global workforce but also to cultivate an inclusive culture where every student feels valued and welcomed.

• Elementary school
• Public school