Best Special Needs Schools in New Orleans, Louisiana (2026)

Scholars of Tomorrow Enrichment Center opened in 2020 on Behrman Highway in New Orleans, and our founder brings more than 25 years of child care experience. Infant, toddler and preschool rooms serve ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and we offer before and after care for children ages 5 to 8. The center's hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our preschool uses the Frog Street curriculum, with themed lessons in early literacy, math and art, STEM exploration, early numeracy and pre-reading. Literacy and communication skills are a particular focus, and children pick up English and Spanish vocabulary along the way. Enrichment includes baby sign language, music and movement, dance and dramatic play, art and interactive storytelling, with daily routines that give each day a predictable structure. Our educators are licensed and hold CPR and first aid certification. We serve meals and snacks, entry to the building uses biometric scanning, and families get updates through a family communication app.

• Early childhood education center
• Early literacy focus
• English and Spanish vocabulary
• Speech therapy

St. Michael Special School is a Catholic special-education school in New Orleans serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from childhood through adulthood. Students may have mild to moderate disabilities, including autism, ADHD, developmental delay, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, multiple disabilities, and other health impairments. Lower School serves ages 5 to 15 in self-contained classes with academics, music, physical education, technology, and inclusive activities. Upper School serves ages 16 to 21 with core academics, creative arts, culinary science, community-based instruction, vocational training, independent living, and several diploma or completion pathways. Exploration Academy serves qualifying graduates ages 18 to 25 with career exploration, job coaching, self-determination, and independent-living activities. The program also includes speech and language therapy for qualifying elementary students, counseling and guidance, physical education, and access to in-school ABA and occupational therapy through private insurance. St. Michael is accredited by Cognia and approved by the Louisiana Department of Education.

• Private Catholic special-education school
• Autism
• ADHD
• Developmental Disability