Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Bloomington, Minnesota (2026)

Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran School is one Christian school on two campuses, our Bloomington campus on Bloomington Ferry Road and the Living Hope campus in Shakopee, and this year we celebrate 75 years. We teach children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Pre-K mixes play-based, student-led and teacher-directed lessons with movement and music, and families choose between two three-day schedules. The arts start early. All students perform in a play each year, with separate productions for kindergarten, grades 1 to 4 and grades 5 to 8. Piano lessons are available from grade 2, band from grade 5, and an auditioned choir sings four-part harmony at events around the Twin Cities. Students in grades 5 to 8 compete in forensics speech meets and Math Bowl, and grades 3 to 8 in the spelling bee. Our Eagles teams play in the Twin Cities Lutheran Grade School Athletic League for grades 5 to 8: soccer, cross-country, basketball, bowling and track for boys, and volleyball, cross-country, basketball, cheerleading, bowling and track for girls. Recess intramurals are open to everyone. Before and after school care runs at both campuses for $6 an hour.

• Lutheran school (PreK-8)
• Christian education
• Fine arts
• Private school

Bloomington Public Schools (BPS) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students, including those with special needs. The core mission of BPS is to empower each learner to thrive and achieve their dreams, ensuring that every child receives a quality education tailored to their unique abilities and challenges. BPS offers a variety of specialized programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its student population. Key offerings include: - **Special Education Services:** Comprehensive support for students with disabilities, ensuring access to a tailored curriculum. - **Gifted & Talented Programs:** Advanced learning opportunities for academically and creatively gifted students, promoting continued growth and challenge. - **Computer Science Education:** Immersive computer science programs at multiple schools, equipping students with essential skills for the digital age. - **Artful Learning:** A unique approach at Hillcrest Community School that integrates the arts into academic learning, enhancing engagement and understanding. - **Early Childhood Special Education:** Targeted support for young learners with developmental delays, fostering early intervention and growth. What sets Bloomington Public Schools apart is its commitment to a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support. The schools are equipped with specialized technology and resources to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, BPS emphasizes community integration and offers summer programs that provide enrichment opportunities for students of all ages, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

• Special education school
• Developmental delays
• Public school

Choice Academy gives Bloomington Public Schools students ages 17–21 another route to a high school diploma. Some students enter after falling behind on credits; others return to school after leaving or need an alternative setting that fits their circumstances. The full-time, in-person program centers on credit recovery and individual graduation goals. Each student works from a Student Learning Plan that identifies the credits still needed to graduate. Students move through coursework at their own pace, using online lessons and paper materials when requested, while educators and advisors help them monitor progress. Choice Academy also connects graduation planning with career skills, so students can leave with a plan for what comes next. The program operates at 8800 Queen Avenue South, Suite 318, in Bloomington, with a school calendar that can differ from the district calendar. Families can contact the Choice Academy secretary for intake information.

• High school
• Public school

John F. Kennedy High School is home of the Eagles, one of the high schools of Bloomington Public Schools, on Nicollet Avenue in Bloomington. We set high expectations for students in grades 9 to 12 and back them with school-wide support aimed at college and other post-secondary goals. Kennedy is one of the district sites that offers AVID, a program that builds a college-going culture, and AVID and SPARCSS are also available as elective classes for students who want extra support along a college pathway. District Gifted and Talented programming runs through 10th grade. Students who qualify receive special education through an IEP in the least restrictive environment, with transition and work experience services, and students with a disability who do not qualify for special education can receive accommodations through a 504 plan. Outside class, our Activities Department runs athletics, fine arts and extracurriculars, including the Kennedy Theatre Company musical and a weekly student news show. The school houses an Activity Center shared with the community. Breakfast and lunch are free to every student each school day under Minnesota's Free School Meals Program.

• Public high school
• AVID college readiness
• Public school

Ramalynn Academy, located in Bloomington, MN, has been a beacon of excellence in education since its establishment in 1985. This private Montessori institution caters to students from preschool through 8th grade, including those with diverse learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission emphasizes respect, tolerance, and compassion while celebrating the unique abilities of each child. By employing the Montessori philosophy, Ramalynn Academy offers a personalized learning experience that allows children aged 3 to 14 to progress at their own pace, often achieving academic results that exceed state and national averages. The curriculum not only focuses on academic growth but also nurtures leadership and critical thinking skills essential for success in an ever-changing world. Ramalynn's commitment to whole child learning ensures that social-emotional development is prioritized alongside cognitive skills, fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges. What sets Ramalynn Academy apart is its low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships, which create an inclusive environment where self-directed learning thrives. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular programs and summer camps that enrich students' experiences beyond the classroom. Overall, Ramalynn Academy stands out as a nurturing community dedicated to empowering children through a holistic educational approach.

• Private educational institution
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Montessori