Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in Beverly, Massachusetts (2026)

Hopeful Journeys Educational Center, our Beverly school on Tozer Road, educates children and young adults ages 3 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities who need a highly structured, individualized setting all day. Everything we teach is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis, and we run a 216-day school year so skills stay consistent. Referrals come from districts, parents, agencies and clinicians. Teaching methods include discrete trial training, task analysis, video modeling, errorless learning, data-driven behavior plans, feeding programs and social skills training. We draw on the Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia, tied to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, plus direct instruction programs such as Edmark, Reading Milestones and Touch Math. Speech-language pathologists and BCBAs build communication goals using speech, sign language or assistive technology, and our occupational and physical therapists set motor goals. Our building holds three PE rooms, an art and music room, computer labs, a library, a teen clubhouse and four outdoor play areas. Working-age students train in our vocational kitchen, school store and recycling program, and at local businesses such as a pizzeria, a thrift shop and an animal rescue.

• Private special education day school (ages 3-22)
• Autism
• Developmental disabilities
• ABA support

New England Academy is a private special education day school in Beverly for students in grades 7 through 12 who have an identified social or emotional disability, such as anxiety, depression or high-functioning autism. Our students have average to superior intelligence and plan to continue to college, and they do not show externalizing or acting-out behaviors. Classes run at an 8:1 student to teacher ratio, and students take college or honors level courses in the core subjects. Every student is assigned a counselor who meets with them regularly, coordinates with teachers and family, and helps with anxiety management, social skills, peer issues, test anxiety and study strategies. NEA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Our two-story Beverly campus has science labs, a library, a gymnasium with an indoor running track, a fitness room, dance, art and music recording studios, a college resource center and an athletic field. Wednesday afternoons are set aside for activities such as soccer, robotics, film making, band, yoga and community service. Most students are placed by their school district, and we also accept private pay.

• Private special education day school (grades 7-12)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Autism

Northshore Education Consortium is the largest provider of special education programs for children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities on the North Shore. The organization is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive, focusing on individualized education plans that cater to the unique needs of each student. The Consortium offers a range of specialized programs and services designed to support children with various challenges. Key offerings include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. These therapeutic methodologies are tailored to help children develop essential life skills, improve communication, and enhance their overall well-being. Additionally, the Consortium provides vocational training programs that prepare students for future employment opportunities, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for independence. What sets Northshore Education Consortium apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The campus environment is designed to be nurturing and engaging, featuring specialized technology to aid learning and development. Furthermore, the Consortium offers summer programs that promote community integration and socialization, providing students with enriching experiences outside the traditional school year.

• Special education school
• Behavioral disabilities
• Developmental disabilities
• Emotional disabilities

The Children's Center for Communication | Beverly School for the Deaf (CCCBSD) is a specialized educational institution dedicated to supporting the unique learning and communication needs of students from birth through age 22. With a core mission to empower children with diverse abilities, CCCBSD provides a nurturing environment that fosters growth, development, and independence for students with hearing impairments and other communication challenges. Key offerings at CCCBSD include a comprehensive range of academic programs tailored to individual needs, such as preschool, elementary, middle, and high school education. The curriculum is designed to align with state frameworks while being modified to suit each student's learning style. Notable services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups, all aimed at enhancing communication and social interaction. The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program (PIP) offers early intervention services, while district-wide consulting and outreach services extend support to families and communities. Additionally, CCCBSD provides summer and after-school enrichment programs, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) instruction for various groups. What sets CCCBSD apart is its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. The campus is designed with 'Deaf Space' principles and universal design, ensuring that all facilities are conducive to the needs of students. The school maintains a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and tailored instruction. With a dedicated clinical staff that includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and assistive technologists, CCCBSD is equipped to provide comprehensive support. The school year spans 204 days, promoting continuous learning and skill acquisition, while vocational training and community integration initiatives prepare students for successful transitions into adulthood.

• Special education school
• Communication challenges
• Hearing-impaired
• Private school