Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Opelousas, Louisiana (2026)

Devillier Educational Center offers a specialized homeschool program designed to support students from 2nd grade through 12th grade, particularly those with unique learning needs. The core mission is to provide individualized instruction that fosters academic growth in mathematics and language arts, while seamlessly integrating other subjects into these foundational areas. Classes are structured to meet for two hours each day, Monday through Thursday, ensuring focused and effective learning experiences. The center also recognizes the diverse needs of its students by offering both private and group tutoring sessions, allowing for tailored support in challenging subjects such as physics at the college level. In group sessions, students receive immediate assistance with homework while addressing any gaps in understanding as they arise. Additionally, the center provides comprehensive test preparation for a variety of standardized assessments, including the ACT, SAT, GED, GRE, and more. What sets Devillier Educational Center apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio and fostering strong partnerships with families, creating a supportive community that prioritizes each student's unique educational journey.

• School
• Private school

First Steps Developmental Center in Opelousas, Louisiana, is dedicated to setting a new standard for excellence in early childhood development. Serving infants through preschool-aged children, the center focuses on nurturing those with diverse needs, including language-based learning disabilities. With a passionate team of CDA, CPR, and Ancillary certified educators, First Steps fosters a playful yet educational environment designed to help children thrive. The center emphasizes the importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits while supporting holistic development across social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical domains. Infants receive responsive care that nurtures positive attachment, toddlers engage in activities that enhance their cognitive skills, and preschoolers participate in programs tailored to build confidence and prepare them for kindergarten. What sets First Steps apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios and strong family partnerships, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child’s unique journey. This comprehensive approach not only focuses on academic readiness but also promotes well-rounded growth in a safe and engaging atmosphere.

• Day care center
• Learning differences
• Private school

Helix Artificial Intelligence & Medical Academy (Helix AIM) is an innovative charter school set to open in St. Landry Parish for students in kindergarten through 5th grade starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The school's core mission is to provide a forward-thinking education that prepares young learners for the evolving workforce, particularly in fields related to medical, artificial intelligence, and STEM disciplines. By integrating project-based learning and leadership development into its curriculum, Helix AIM aims to empower students to become future leaders who can positively impact their communities. The educational philosophy at Helix is grounded in the belief that every student has the potential to succeed through hard work and consistency. With a focus on innovative teaching methods, the school fosters connections between academic experiences and real-world job opportunities, ensuring that students are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped with the skills needed for future careers. What sets Helix AIM apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, strong partnerships with families, and a unique emphasis on career pathways that bridge education with community needs. Under the leadership of Jennifer Gordon, a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience, Helix AIM is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of its students and the broader St. Landry community.

• Elementary school
• Charter school
• Private school

Opelousas Catholic School traces its roots to 1855, when St. Landry Catholic Church pastors began classes for boys in the church rectory. In 1970 the Diocese of Lafayette combined the Academy of the Immaculate Conception and Holy Ghost School into one integrated Catholic school, and our first class graduated in 1972. Our building on Prudhomme Street dates to 1953, and a renovation of all classrooms and a new St. Agnes Chapel were completed in 2009. We serve students from PreK through high school and teach them to know, love and serve God through worship, prayer and service. Faith formation and student and family ministry are part of school life, along with athletics in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, spirit groups, a library media center and student council. Aftercare is available for PreK through 8th grade until 5:30 p.m. for $10 per day. New kindergarten students and first-time OCS students coming from public school may qualify for ACE and ARETE scholarships.

• Catholic school (PreK-12)
• Catholic education
• Financial aid
• Private school

St. Landry Charter School is a dedicated Type 2 Public Charter School in Louisiana, committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students from Pre-K4 through 7th grade. The school's core mission centers on recognizing the unique potential of each child, particularly those with diverse learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. St. Landry Charter School employs a variety of teaching strategies tailored to match individual learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that includes essential subjects such as Computer Science, Fine Arts, Humanities, Science, Mathematics, and Languages. These programs are designed not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire creativity and critical thinking among students. Co-curricular activities further enrich the educational experience; students can engage in athletics, performing arts, and in-house publications, fostering both teamwork and self-expression. What sets St. Landry Charter School apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships that enhance the learning journey. The school also emphasizes community involvement through unique events like the Splish Splash Fun Day, creating a vibrant school culture that celebrates achievement and encourages lifelong learning. This holistic approach ensures that every child at St. Landry Charter School is equipped not just for academic success but for their overall development as confident individuals ready to face future challenges.

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

Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas, Louisiana, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The academy's core mission is to empower every child by fostering their unique strengths while addressing their individual challenges. With a focus on personalized education, the school employs innovative teaching methods and therapeutic approaches tailored to each student's specific requirements. This includes specialized programs that integrate academic instruction with social-emotional support, ensuring that students not only thrive academically but also develop essential life skills. What sets Westminster Christian Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and fosters strong partnerships with families. Additionally, the school offers specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences and hosts unique community events that promote inclusivity and engagement among students, parents, and staff.

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