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Best Special Needs Schools in Florence, Kentucky (2026)

Compare 3 special needs schools in Florence. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in Florence

Saint Paul Catholic School students playing with a parachute in the school gym in Florence
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Saint Paul Catholic School - Florence

Listed
Florence, KYGrades PreK-8

The first dedicated St. Paul schoolhouse, with two classrooms, was dedicated in 1925 and is still in use. The Benedictine Sisters first staffed our school, which grew to more than 800 children in the 1960s and now serves about 260 students from preschool through junior high in Florence. We were named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2014. For more than 25 years a certified learning disabilities teacher has been on our staff, and we serve students with needs ranging from ADHD to specific learning disabilities. Core subjects are Religion, English, Reading, Spelling, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics, with Physical Education, Music, Art, Social Emotional Learning, Spanish, and Library. We operate under the guidelines of the Diocese of Covington and are accredited by the state of Kentucky. St. Paul Catholic Preschool introduces young children to the school and parish, and the AlphaBEST extended day program covers families before and after school. Our parent teacher organization runs events such as the annual Blue and Gold Bash.

  • Catholic school (PreK-8)
  • ADHD
  • Learning differences
  • Catholic education
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Nearby school options

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Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Florence

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team how a proposed setting will support your child's goals.

How to choose a special needs school

Prepare school-tour questions, compare supports and family communication, and record what each program can show you.

IEP process guide

Bring your IEP, progress evidence, and focused questions to conversations about evaluations, services, or placement.

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Comparing school options in Florence

Florence families in Boone County Schools reach preschool special education through the district's state-funded preschool program. A child who is three or four can qualify with a disability, regardless of income. If your child already has therapy, a diagnosis or an evaluation report, the district says it may be able to speed up the referral. The preschool office answers at 859-283-3251.

Without existing reports, Boone County suggests a preschool screening. If the screening raises a concern, the child usually joins an intervention program for several weeks before a special education evaluation. Four-year-olds can also qualify by income at or below 160 percent of poverty. Kentucky calls its IEP team the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC). Children under three use the Kentucky Early Intervention System, and districts must make the move to preschool smooth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Florence

How can my Florence three-year-old qualify for Boone County preschool?
At three or four, a child qualifies with a disability, and income does not matter. The district needs to document the disability. If your child has therapy notes, a diagnosis or an evaluation report, share them, since that can speed up the referral. Call the preschool office at 859-283-3251.
What happens if my child has no diagnosis yet?
Boone County suggests signing up for a preschool screening. If the screening shows a concern, your child usually spends several weeks in the district's intervention program before a referral for a special education evaluation. You can still ask in writing for an evaluation if you suspect a disability.
What is an ARC in Kentucky?
Kentucky calls the IEP team the Admissions and Release Committee, or ARC. It reviews evaluations, decides eligibility and writes the IEP. You are a member. Kentucky also requires a reevaluation at least every three years unless you and the district agree it is not needed. Our IEP guide explains the meeting.
Where does a Florence baby or toddler get help before age three?
The Kentucky Early Intervention System serves children from birth to three in every county. Anyone can refer, and referrals go to a regional point of entry office. Most families pay nothing. The district must help make the move to preschool smooth. Our early intervention guide covers the steps.

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