Top 9 Best Special Needs Schools in Peabody, Massachusetts (2026)

Captain Samuel Brown Elementary School is a Peabody Public Schools campus on Lynn Street. We provide elementary education as part of the district, and families can find school updates, registration information and campus contacts through our school page. Our office is available to connect families with the right school or district resource.

• Elementary school
• Public school

Peabody families can enroll children at public Center Elementary School from preschool through grade 5 at 18 Irving Street. In 2026–27, the integrated preschool offers morning and afternoon half-day sessions, plus a limited full-day option for four-year-olds.

• Elementary school
• Public school

J. Henry Higgins Middle School is the middle school for Peabody Public Schools, serving sixth through eighth grade at 85 Perkins Street in Peabody, Massachusetts. Students here are the Hawks. Our student support structure includes a Student Resource and Support Center, opened in 2025, and a Behavioral Assessment Team, and we are adding a Student Requiring Assistance team that brings staff together to identify students who need extra academic or behavioral help. Students on IEPs have a dedicated Higgins IEP chairperson for grades 6 to 8 through the district special education office, and English learners receive district ELL services. Music is a big part of life at Higgins. Our band program includes a jazz ensemble, and the band room stays open after school twice a week for students who need practice space. Runners can join the Higgins Hawks cross country and spring track teams. We also have a school library, an active PTO, and summer math and reading assignments, and eighth graders can apply to the career and technical programs at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.

• Public middle school (grades 6 to 8)
• Band and jazz ensemble
• Public school

Founded in 1975, Northshore Education Consortium was one of the first regional collaboratives in Massachusetts. Today we are the largest provider of intensive special education services on the North Shore for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. Each student is referred by their home district's special education department, and each member district, Peabody among them, has a representative on our board. Northshore Academy Lower School serves grades K to 6 with a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic milieu and weekly social skills groups. Northshore Academy Upper School serves grades 7 to 12 with licensed counselors, behavior specialists and Collaborative Problem Solving. Topsfield Vocational Academy offers woodworking, culinary arts with ServSafe certification and a screen print shop, and Northshore Phoenix High School supports students affected by substance use. For ages 18 to 22, our SOAR and EMBARK programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities run on the Salem State University campus. Twelve occupational therapists, twelve physical therapists and eight speech-language pathologists work inside our classrooms, and 16 registered nurses support students with complex medical needs, including tube feedings, tracheotomy care and seizure management.

• Special education collaborative (public day programs)
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Developmental disabilities
• Intellectual disability

Peabody Veterans Memorial High School runs six state-approved Career and Technical Education programs inside a traditional high school: Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary and Baking Arts, Medical Assisting, Electronic Engineering and Early Childhood Education, plus an Innovation Pathway in Business and Finance. Rising ninth graders who live in Peabody apply by lottery, rotate through every program in the Exploratory semester, and then spend three years in a concentration working toward industry certifications, including OSHA 10. Articulation agreements with local colleges let CTE students start on a college pathway while still in high school. Our Student Health Center inside the building offers sports physicals, immunizations, lab work, behavioral health counseling, nutrition counseling and substance use support at no cost to students. The guidance department hosts a fall college fair in our field house, and students can join Air Force JROTC, student council and community service, and test for the Seal of Biliteracy. Students with disabilities are supported by grade-level IEP chairpersons, and the district runs specialized high school programs, including TLC and Milestones, for students who need them. English learner and credit recovery options are also available.

• Public high school (9-12) with Career and Technical Education
• Career and technical education
• Industry certifications
• Public school

Shore Educational Collaborative, located in Massachusetts, is dedicated to educating, enriching, and inspiring children and adults with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. Serving a diverse student body aged 3 to 22, the school specializes in supporting individuals with various needs, including language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional. Shore's educational approach is rooted in inclusive practices that incorporate tailored programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to foster academic achievement and personal growth. With a commitment to low student-teacher ratios, the school ensures individualized attention that enhances learning experiences and cultivates meaningful relationships between staff, students, and families. Unique community events further enrich the educational journey, creating a vibrant atmosphere where students feel accepted and valued. Shore Educational Collaborative stands out not only for its comprehensive support services but also for its strong partnerships with families and its dedication to fostering a sense of belonging within a multicultural environment.

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

Peabody Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those aged 3-22 who experience language-based learning disabilities and are twice-exceptional. The school's core mission revolves around empowering these students through tailored educational programs that emphasize both academic achievement and emotional well-being. Utilizing innovative teaching methodologies, Peabody Public Schools integrates therapeutic approaches into its curriculum, ensuring that each child's unique strengths are recognized and nurtured. The commitment to a low student-teacher ratio enhances personalized attention, allowing educators to build meaningful relationships with their students and families. Additionally, the school actively promotes strong partnerships with parents through community events such as Family Fest, which not only fosters a sense of belonging but also supports the overall mission of enhancing public education in Peabody. This holistic approach to education, combined with specialized facilities and resources, positions Peabody Public Schools as a leader in creating an enriching environment for special needs students.

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

Saint John the Baptist School in Peabody, MA, has a rich history of providing quality Catholic education since its founding in 1893 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. This institution is committed to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to become lifelong learners and leaders, nurturing their academic, spiritual, and social growth. The school serves a diverse student body with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive. With a fully staffed STEM program for PreK through 6th grade and an impressive 100% graduation rate, Saint John the Baptist School emphasizes innovative learning methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of its students. What sets this school apart is its strong emphasis on moral values and community engagement, alongside a low student-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships. These differentiators create a supportive atmosphere that fosters both educational excellence and character development.

• Middle school
• Private school

Peabody Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports a diverse range of learners, including those with special needs. Serving students from preschool through high school, the district focuses on children with various challenges, such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school employs a comprehensive approach that integrates specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to meet the unique needs of each student. This includes tailored learning strategies that promote academic success and emotional well-being. One of the distinguishing features of Peabody Public Schools is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support for every child. Additionally, the district emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing their vital role in the educational process. With specialized facilities and community events aimed at enhancing engagement and support, Peabody Public Schools stands out as a nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically and socially.

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