Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Portland, Maine (2026)

Our school carries the name of Amanda C. Rowe, who served Portland Public Schools for 30 years as a health teacher and school nurse. Amanda C. Rowe Elementary serves about 468 students from pre-K through 5th grade on Orono Road, and our families speak 19 languages. Every student takes visual arts, performing arts and library alongside literacy, math and science. Our teacher-librarians run First Chapter Friday read-alouds, and 4th graders take field trips such as Mackworth Island. We are a Title I school, with literacy and math interventionists, English language teachers and special education staff who join parent conferences. Social-emotional learning follows the Second Step program, and our counselor and social workers lead social groups. As a PBIS school, we hand out Mile Tiles for meeting expectations, and each filled board earns a schoolwide celebration. Portland Recreation runs a Before and After the Bell program in our building for kindergarten through 5th grade, with homework help, games, crafts and snacks. Our PTO organizes events such as the Walk-a-thon, RoweFest, community dinners and student clubs.

• Public elementary school (PreK-5)
• PBIS
• Second Step social-emotional learning
• Visual and performing arts

Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, located in Portland, Maine, stands as the state's only public charter high school dedicated exclusively to STEM education for students in grades 9 through 12. The school's core mission is to foster student ownership of learning through a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. At Baxter Academy, students engage with complex, real-world problems, collaborating with professionals from diverse fields such as engineering, the arts, and architecture. This hands-on approach not only cultivates critical thinking and creativity but also allows students to earn transferable college credits at no cost, enhancing their educational journey. The educational philosophy at Baxter Academy encourages students to select projects that ignite their passions, enabling them to innovate and persevere through challenges. This environment nurtures curiosity and creativity, equipping students with essential skills that are highly sought after in the workforce. The school's commitment to developing these competencies has garnered recognition from industry leaders, highlighting the relevance of its curriculum in preparing students for future success. What sets Baxter Academy apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, ensuring that parents are integral to the educational experience. Unique community events further enrich the school culture, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally.

• High school
• Public school

We see children as individuals with different developmental levels and learning styles. Our approach uses hands-on, multi-sensory experiences, with opportunities to learn individually, in small and large groups, and through indoor and outdoor free play. We work with families, staff, and therapists to shape each child’s experience.

• Preschool
• Private school

Deering High School is one of three public high schools in Portland, Maine, with nearly 900 students in grades 9 to 12 and about 100 teachers and professional staff. Our student body is among the most diverse in the state, and every student belongs to an advisory group that meets daily and focuses on social-emotional well-being and community. Students choose their academic level in each subject and are never locked into one track. We offer 30 honors courses and 18 Advanced Placement courses, and all 10th graders take Global Issues, a course built on the Model United Nations curriculum. Students can earn college credit through a dual enrollment calculus course with the University of Southern Maine and through tuition-free courses in the University of Maine system and Maine's community colleges. Seniors can earn the Seal of Biliteracy and a STEM endorsement, and every senior completes an independent capstone project. Outside class, Deering fields more than 25 athletic teams and offers more than 40 co-curricular activities. School counselors are assigned by grade level and help with course planning, 504 and IEP scheduling needs, and college and career readiness.

• Public high school
• Advanced Placement
• Early college
• Student advisory program

Ocean Avenue Elementary School opened in 2011 and in July 2016 became Maine's first International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme. Today about 345 kindergarten through 5th grade students attend, speaking 12 languages among them. Every grade works through six concept-based, transdisciplinary IB Units of Inquiry, and students practice the IB Learner Profile across the school. Our building has 21 classrooms, including two district-wide, self-contained special education programs run by Portland Public Schools. We use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports with three schoolwide rules: we are responsible, we are respectful, we are safe. Students take visual arts, performing arts and library, where they read for the Maine Student Book Award and Chickadee Award contests. The building is LEED certified, with plenty of natural light, a roof garden, wind- and sun-powered kinetic sculptures, and 1940 murals of Maine's marine and farming traditions reinstalled from the old Nathan Clifford school. Families and volunteers keep a school garden of pumpkins, corn, kale and pollinator flowers. After school, students have joined clubs such as chess, ukulele, mountain biking, hip hop and Civil Rights Leadership, plus Girls on the Run and intramural basketball.

• Public elementary school (K-5), IB World School
• IB Primary Years Programme
• PBIS
• Visual and performing arts

Portland Adult Education (PAE) stands as a beacon of opportunity and support for adult learners, serving a diverse student body that includes individuals from over 88 countries. With a core mission focused on empowering adults through education, PAE caters to a broad range of needs, offering programs tailored for those seeking to enhance their academic skills, acquire workforce training, or engage in personal enrichment. The school provides specialized instruction for students with varying backgrounds and challenges, including those learning English as a second language and individuals pursuing professional development. PAE employs innovative teaching methodologies that prioritize individualized learning experiences, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need to thrive. The low student-teacher ratio fosters meaningful connections between educators and learners, enhancing the educational journey and promoting an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Furthermore, PAE actively collaborates with families and the community to create an environment conducive to growth and success. What sets Portland Adult Education apart is its commitment to building strong partnerships within the community and providing rich cultural experiences that celebrate diversity. Events such as not only raise funds but also cultivate a sense of belonging among students and families. With dedicated staff members who are passionate about helping adults achieve their goals, Portland Adult Education remains a vital resource for individuals looking to transform their lives through education.

• Adult education school
• Speech therapy

Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) is dedicated to empowering students through a hands-on, career-focused education designed for those who thrive outside traditional learning environments. Serving high school students, particularly those with diverse learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, PATHS fosters an inclusive atmosphere where every student can flourish. The school's core mission is to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers by offering specialized programs that integrate technical education with therapeutic methodologies tailored to individual learning styles. At PATHS, students engage in a variety of innovative programs that emphasize experiential learning and real-world applications. The curriculum is enriched with opportunities in fields such as the arts, technology, and outdoor education, allowing students to explore their interests while developing essential skills. The school's commitment to a low student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention, enabling educators to provide targeted support and guidance. Additionally, strong partnerships with families are integral to the school's approach, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances student success. What sets PATHS apart is not only its focus on career and technical education but also its dedication to creating a nurturing community. The school hosts unique events that celebrate student achievements and promote engagement among families, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of support for students with special needs. With specialized facilities and a commitment to inclusivity, PATHS stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for students seeking a tailored educational experience.

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

Portland High School stands as a beacon of support and education for students aged 14 to 20, particularly those facing challenges such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptionalities. The school's core mission is to foster an inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. With a commitment to personalized learning, Portland High employs a range of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body. These include specialized academic support, mental health services, and community engagement initiatives that empower students to reach their full potential. What sets Portland High apart is its dedication to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring that each student receives the attention and resources necessary for success. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is key to fostering a supportive educational experience. Additionally, Portland High features specialized facilities designed to enhance learning and well-being, along with unique community events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. This holistic approach not only nurtures academic achievement but also cultivates a sense of belonging and community among students and their families.

• High school
• Learning differences
• twice-exceptionalities
• Private school

Reiche Elementary School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Serving children from kindergarten through fifth grade, the school's core mission revolves around empowering every child to achieve their full potential through tailored educational experiences. Reiche Elementary employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and specialized programs designed to meet the unique learning styles of its students, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. What sets Reiche apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates personalized attention and stronger relationships between educators and students. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is essential for student success. Additionally, Reiche Elementary features specialized facilities that cater to various learning needs and hosts unique community events that foster a sense of belonging among students and families alike. Through these efforts, Reiche Elementary stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for children with special needs in the community.

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

The Children's Nursery School, located in the heart of Portland, Maine, has proudly served families for over 50 years as a NAEYC accredited cooperative preschool. This nurturing environment is designed for young children, welcoming new students on a rolling basis and offering spots for the upcoming school year. The school's core mission centers around fostering emotional development through a play-based curriculum that emphasizes exploration, creativity, and connections to nature and community. Families are at the heart of this cooperative model, not only participating in the administration of the school but also serving as vital resources for teachers. This strong partnership between educators and parents enhances the learning experience and creates a supportive community where diversity is celebrated and differences are honored. With its focus on social-emotional health and active family involvement, The Children's Nursery School stands out as a unique educational setting that prioritizes holistic development and collaborative learning.

• Preschool
• Private school