Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Southfield, Michigan (2026)

At Stevenson Elementary, we combine a STEM-focused curriculum with hands-on science, creative problem-solving, and learning across science, technology, engineering, and math. We offer after-school tutoring and enrichment, including art and technology clubs and Battle of the Books. Students can take on leadership through Student Council, recycling, and service projects. Our school dog, Stevie, also joins our pet therapy program. We work with families and community partners, including the Southfield Public Library, to extend learning beyond the classroom.

• Elementary school
• Public school

The A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School, located in Southfield, Michigan, is a tuition-free charter school dedicated to serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, with a focus on preserving Armenian language and culture. This educational institution prides itself on creating a safe and nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated, allowing students to explore their individual identities while receiving a balanced and rigorous curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, computer science, art, music, and physical education. The school's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its high rankings by U.S. News & World Report as a top-performing STEAM-focused and college-prep school. Students engage in a variety of enriching extracurricular activities that encompass academics for both English-speaking and English as a Second Language learners, as well as arts and sports programs such as dance, basketball, soccer, and robotics. What sets the Manoogian School apart is its emphasis on fostering personal connections among faculty, students, and families within a low student-teacher ratio. This approach not only enhances academic success but also cultivates strong partnerships with families to ensure each student's growth and well-being.

• High school
• Public school

Bradford Academy is a tuition-free educational institution located in Southfield, Michigan, dedicated to fostering character, excellence, creativity, and service among its students. Serving families in the Northwest region of Wayne County and the southwest region of Oakland County, the school accommodates children from PreK through 12th grade, all on a single campus with transportation options available for all students. The academy is particularly known for its safe and nurturing environment, where highly qualified teachers prioritize the educational and emotional well-being of each student. Bradford Academy employs a comprehensive approach to education that includes a robust Character Education Program and assessments tailored to individual learning styles. Beyond traditional academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletic training for younger students, competitive teams for older students, robotics, and opportunities for involvement in the Junior National and National Honor Society. What sets Bradford Academy apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, fostering a collaborative community that enhances the educational experience. With specialized facilities and a focus on nurturing each student's unique talents, Bradford Academy stands out as a leader in providing a holistic and inclusive educational environment.

• High school
• Transportation
• Public school

Bussey Center's inclusive early-childhood program promotes a peaceful environment and values integrity, compassion, and respect. The Southfield center supports children, families, and staff through listening, observation, and home-school collaboration.

• Preschool
• Public school

Crescent Academy, established in September 2004, is a nurturing educational institution dedicated to serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade, with a strong focus on those who may face various learning challenges. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating core academic subjects such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies with enriching programs in Music, Art, Physical Education, S.T.E.M., and Gifted & Talented initiatives. Crescent Academy is particularly committed to fostering character development through its Character Education Program, which aligns with its mission to nurture the whole child and prepare them for impactful lives in their communities. Monthly assemblies celebrate key character traits like responsibility, kindness, and honesty, reinforcing the values that guide students both inside and outside the classroom. With a diverse student body predominantly composed of African American students and a significant percentage qualifying for free and reduced lunch, Crescent Academy stands out for its commitment to equity and accessibility in education. The school's low student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention for each child while strong partnerships with families enhance the supportive learning environment. Unique facilities such as a new Makerspace further enrich the educational experience, making Crescent Academy a distinctive choice for parents seeking an inclusive and empowering educational setting for their children.

• School
• Private school

For Kids' Sake Montessori is dedicated to providing a rich and nurturing educational environment for children aged six weeks to six years in Southfield, MI. This esteemed facility operates under the principles of the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes mutual respect and a belief in each child's potential. The school serves a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. With a team of certified Montessori educators who are specially trained in the philosophy and curriculum, classrooms are designed to foster creativity, cooperation, independent thinking, self-discipline, and respect for oneself and others. The approach prioritizes hands-on learning experiences that cultivate natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. By allowing children the freedom to explore their interests within a supportive framework, For Kids' Sake Montessori nurtures not only academic growth but also physical and spiritual development. Unique aspects of the school include its low student-teacher ratio, which ensures personalized attention, as well as strong family partnerships that enhance community involvement and support. This commitment to creating an inclusive environment makes For Kids' Sake Montessori stand out as an exceptional choice for early childhood education.

• Montessori school
• developmental challenges
• Learning differences
• Montessori

Franklin Academy is the preschool and childcare program inside the Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield, and our students have full use of the club's facilities. We care for children from 8 weeks old through pre-K, enroll throughout the year, and offer half-day and full-day schedules. Mornings are spent in the classroom building literacy, math and social skills through a play-based, theme-based curriculum. Afternoons bring enrichment classes taught by professionals in each field: tennis, gymnastics, creative movement, yoga, art, music, science and intro to sports. Children are grouped by age, from the Roly Poly infant room through our Dragonfly kindergarten readiness class for 4 and 5 year olds. Extended care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for working families. Care continues year-round: in summer we switch to camp, with more outdoor time and in-house field trips. Children under 6 stay at the academy, where everyone over 3 swims daily in the zero-entry pool, and older children attend camp at the Athletic Club, which also runs school break camps.

• Private preschool and childcare center (infant to pre-K)
• Athletic club enrichment
• Kindergarten readiness
• Play-based learning

Michigan Health Institute is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience for aspiring nursing assistants, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility for all students, including those with learning disabilities and special educational needs. The institute offers a comprehensive four-week Nurse Assistant program that combines lectures, hands-on lab work, and clinical preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped with essential skills in communication, infection control, safety, resident rights, and promoting independence. Founded by two passionate nurses who are also sisters, the institute emphasizes community healthcare education and strives to create a supportive environment through personalized assistance with job placement and tutoring. What sets Michigan Health Institute apart is its commitment to individualized support for students, including help with the Prometric Application process and specialized accommodations. With a family-owned approach and a mission that prioritizes the needs of every learner, this institution stands out as a nurturing space for those eager to excel in the healthcare field.

• Technical school
• Learning differences
• special educational needs

PACE Academy, officially known as the Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center of Excellence, is dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Serving elementary and middle school students, the academy's core mission is to provide meaningful educational opportunities that foster personal growth and prepare children to become productive citizens in a dynamic world. The school creates a safe and stimulating environment where each child can recognize and achieve their fullest potential. PACE Academy employs innovative teaching methodologies that emphasize hands-on learning experiences, ensuring that students engage with math, reading, and critical thinking skills in an enjoyable manner. The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a noteworthy component of the school's offerings, providing a free Pre-K program for eligible four-year-olds that helps children develop essential social skills alongside academic readiness. What sets PACE Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction to meet each student's unique needs. Additionally, the school fosters strong partnerships with families, ensuring collaborative support throughout each child's educational journey. With specialized facilities designed to accommodate various learning styles and community events that promote inclusivity and engagement, PACE Academy stands out as a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically and socially.

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

Kennedy Learning Center is a Southfield Public Schools campus on Mt. Vernon that serves students with special needs. Each student follows an individualized program that is functional and planned around future needs at home, at school and in the community, and teachers, social workers, caregivers and parents work together on every plan. We run two programs. In our Severely Cognitively Impaired (SCI) program, students practice independent living in a full kitchen and with a washer and dryer, and adaptive music and art round out the day. Our Next Step program moves students through tiers toward independence, starting with workplace and social skills and advancing to job skills built through partnerships with Forgotten Harvest, Southwest Food Excellence and Bottomless Toychest. Students also work in roles at our student-run Knight's Kingdom Store. Outside the classroom, students play on Southfield's Special Olympics Unified Basketball Team, which pairs athletes with and without disabilities, join the Men of Tomorrow and Women on the Rise mentorship programs, and grew our community garden from seed.

• Public special education center
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Life skills