Best Special Needs Schools in Hanover, Massachusetts (2026)

Cardinal Cushing Centers operates approved private special education programs at its Hanover campus for students ages 6-22 with mild to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as behavioral, emotional, mental health, and physical challenges. The Hanover campus offers both day and 365-day residential options alongside a vocational focus for older students, while the Braintree campus houses St. Coletta Day School serving younger students ages 4-14. Placement occurs through school district referrals and IEPs on a rolling admissions basis. Students receive individualized academic instruction in small classes, occupational, physical, and speech-language therapies, assistive technology, behavioral supports, counseling, and 24-hour nursing where needed. For students ages 18-22, transition and vocational programs include career awareness, job coaching, work experiences at on-campus MarketPlace shops, culinary arts, industrial arts, and community employment opportunities. The organization, founded in 1947, also provides adult services but maintains dedicated school programming for school-age students funded primarily through district placements.

• Private special education day and residential school
• Intellectual disability
• Developmental disabilities
• Autism