Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Overland Park, Kansas (2026)

Accelerated Schools of Overland Park is a nonprofit private school in Johnson County for students in grades four through twelve. The full-day program accepts applications throughout the year and also offers summer school. Students come from across the Kansas City area with a range of academic needs; the school serves gifted, average, and learning-challenged learners. Instruction moves at an individual pace, and schedules can change when a student needs a different mix of classes. The published student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. Executive function is part of the school day: teachers set clear expectations for completed classwork, give realistic homework, and send daily report cards so students and parents can follow academics and behavior. A licensed counseling team meets with students individually and runs Pathways small groups on mental health topics. Two certified therapy dogs spend time at school, and Friday activity clubs and field trips give students ways to connect outside class. Juniors and seniors can work with the College and Career Program as they plan their next steps. Families can schedule an in-person visit to learn how the approach would fit their student.

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• Private school

Our K–12 special education program serves Shawnee Mission School District students who need intensive support for significant emotional disabilities. Arrowhead combines academic instruction with trauma-informed therapeutic strategies and behavioral and mental health support. We help students practice self-regulation, with reintegration into general education as a goal when appropriate. Families receive support through the school and community partnerships. Our program opened in August 2017 in the former Arrowhead Elementary building.

• Public special education school
• Kindergarten
• 1
• 2

The Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is an innovative educational program designed to prepare high school students for the workforce by immersing them in real-world professional environments. Serving students in secondary education, CAPS focuses on those who are eager to explore high-skill, high-demand careers across various fields such as bioscience, engineering, healthcare, and business technology. The program emphasizes active learning through a unique blend of problem-based, project-based, and design-based methodologies that encourage students to develop critical professional skills while collaborating with industry partners. Since its inception in Blue Valley in 2009, CAPS has established a national reputation for excellence by fostering partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. These collaborations not only shape the curriculum but also provide students with invaluable opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, and mentorship from experienced professionals. With a commitment to personalized learning experiences and a focus on emerging workforce trends, CAPS stands out for its low student-teacher ratio and strong emphasis on community investment. This model not only enhances academic achievement but also equips students with the tools they need to thrive in their future careers.

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• Private school

The Johnson County Montessori School, established in 1965 in Overland Park, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and individualized educational experience for young children. Serving preschool-aged students, the school specializes in fostering a love for learning among those with diverse learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities. The Montessori-trained and certified teachers employ proven methodologies that encourage problem-solving skills and promote independence within a comfortable, home-like environment. The school emphasizes the importance of strong family partnerships, ensuring open communication with parents through various channels to keep them informed about their children's progress and well-being. With spacious classrooms flooded with natural light, modern facilities, and a large nature-filled playground, Johnson County Montessori stands out for its low student-teacher ratio and commitment to holistic development. This unique approach not only cultivates academic readiness but also creates a joyful community where children thrive.

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• Learning differences
• Montessori
• Private school

Our Metcalf Avenue center, near 72nd and Metcalf in Overland Park, is one of three locally owned Premier Learning, Early Childhood Education Center locations serving northeast Johnson County. We provide full-time child care and preschool for children from 6 weeks through 5 years, open 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each weekday, with part-time schedules available for children 3 and up when space allows. Classrooms are grouped by age, from two infant rooms and two toddler rooms to early Pre-K, Pre-K and junior kindergarten. Teachers follow Experience Curriculum, a research-based program delivered monthly with lesson plans, materials and built-in assessments covering 36 foundational skills across eight areas such as language, math, science and creative arts. Each room is set up with house, block, book, art and writing areas, and the day includes circle time, guided lessons, free play, outdoor time, meals and naptime. For 2026-27, full-time monthly tuition ranges from $1,256 for junior kindergarten to $1,804 for infants. Parents receive updates, photos and nap and meal notes through the Brightwheel app, and tours are held monthly for families on our waiting list.

• Child care center and preschool (6 weeks to 5 years)
• Experience Curriculum
• Play-based learning
• Private school

Shawnee Mission’s Early Childhood Education Center offers early childhood special education and a peer model program, where children without special education needs learn alongside peers who do. The Overland Park center also hosts Parents as Teachers play sessions, giving families a place to connect with early learning resources.

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• Public school