Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Burnsville, Minnesota (2026)

American Montessori is a distinguished educational institution located in Burnsville and Apple Valley, Minnesota, dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of children from infancy through kindergarten. With a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment, the school caters to a diverse range of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The core mission revolves around fostering independence, curiosity, and a love for learning through the Montessori method, which emphasizes hands-on experiences and individualized learning paths. The school offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups, including infant care, toddler programs, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten. Each program is designed to encourage active exploration and cognitive development while integrating educational lessons with engaging activities. American Montessori prides itself on its team of AMI/AMS certified teachers who bring over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. This expertise ensures that each child receives personalized attention in small class sizes that promote meaningful interactions between students and educators. What truly sets American Montessori apart is its strong emphasis on community and cultural diversity. The school not only embraces American heritage but also instills an appreciation for various cultures among its students, preparing them to become compassionate global citizens. The focus on family partnerships further enhances the educational experience by creating a supportive network for parents and guardians. With specialized facilities designed for optimal learning and development, along with a legacy of over 500 successful alumni who have thrived in their academic pursuits, American Montessori continues to be a trusted choice for families seeking quality education in a nurturing environment.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 is dedicated to creating inclusive and barrier-free educational pathways for all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. Serving a wide age range, the district focuses on students with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, ensuring that each child is supported in their unique learning journey. The district employs innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies that emphasize lifelong learning, fostering curiosity and personal growth from elementary through high school. With a commitment to empowering students, the district offers tailored experiences that promote self-discovery and belonging, particularly during the critical middle school years. What sets District 191 apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which enhances individualized attention, alongside robust family partnerships that create a supportive community. Additionally, the district's specialized facilities and community events, such as All-Star Day celebrations, highlight each student's unique talents and identities, reinforcing a culture of inclusion and respect.

Nicollet Middle School in Burnsville (District 191) provides an inclusive learning environment for students in grades 6-8. We offer on-site mental health services and specialized inclusion initiatives like the Ambassadors for Respect program. Our Burnsville campus focuses on helping middle schoolers develop self-advocacy skills through community-based projects and social-emotional support.

Seven Hills Preparatory Academy is a distinguished K-8 public charter school located in Richfield and Burnsville, Minnesota, dedicated to providing a rigorous and inclusive Classical education. The school serves a diverse student body, focusing on fostering engagement and lifelong learning among children with various needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. Through its commitment to the Classical Education model, Seven Hills employs the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence alongside a curriculum rich in liberal arts, ensuring that each child receives a comprehensive educational experience tailored to their individual strengths. A hallmark of the academy is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and support, fostering strong partnerships with families that enhance each child's educational journey. Recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School Award Winner, Seven Hills stands out not only for its academic excellence but also for its nurturing environment and community-focused events that celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports the diverse needs of its students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The district's mission centers on creating barrier-free pathways for lifelong learning, ensuring that every child can explore their potential in a nurturing atmosphere. With tailored programs across elementary, middle, and high school levels, students engage in dynamic learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and encourage self-discovery. The district emphasizes strong family partnerships and community connections, providing unique opportunities such as school-based mental health services and specialized events like All-Star Day celebrations that highlight each child's individuality. With a commitment to low student-teacher ratios and innovative therapeutic methodologies, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 stands out as a supportive and empowering educational community where every student is valued and inspired to thrive.

Gideon Pond Elementary School is dedicated to nurturing the potential in every child, particularly those in preschool through fifth grade who may face unique challenges such as language-based learning disabilities or twice-exceptional needs. The school's mission revolves around sparking curiosity and wonder through engaging learning experiences, supported by a caring staff committed to creating a nurturing environment. Key programs emphasize rich educational pathways that allow students to explore various career fields while fostering their individual talents and interests. The school stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support for each learner, while also promoting strong family partnerships that enhance the educational experience. Additionally, community events like All-Star Day celebrations highlight the unique identities and talents of every student, reinforcing a culture of belonging and support within the school community.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports all learners, particularly those with diverse needs. Serving students from early childhood through high school, the district focuses on creating barrier-free pathways for individuals with various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional. The district's core mission emphasizes lifelong learning, encouraging students to explore their potential through innovative programs and services designed to inspire curiosity and personal growth. The district employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and educational approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. With programs that promote healthy expression and self-discovery, students are empowered to engage meaningfully with their education. The middle school years are particularly focused on fostering a sense of belonging, while high school students are encouraged to envision their futures and pursue their aspirations through a variety of opportunities. What sets Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, which ensures personalized attention and support for each learner. The district also prioritizes strong partnerships with families and the community, enhancing educational experiences through collaborative initiatives. Unique events, such as All-Star Day celebrations, highlight the individual talents and identities of students, reinforcing a culture of inclusion and support. With dedicated mental health services available in every school, the district ensures that students receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Vista View Elementary School is dedicated to nurturing the curiosity and potential of students from Preschool through Grade 5, particularly those with unique learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around creating an engaging and supportive environment where every child can explore a world of possibilities through rich, hands-on learning experiences. Vista View employs innovative educational methodologies, including the Pathways program, which fosters discovery across various career fields while emphasizing social-emotional well-being. A hallmark of the school is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention and tailored support for each student. Furthermore, strong partnerships with families are cultivated through community events and initiatives that promote inclusivity and engagement, reinforcing a sense of belonging for all students. With specialized facilities designed to enhance learning and a focus on holistic development, Vista View stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young learners navigating their educational journeys.

STEP Academy is a K-12 charter school located in St. Paul and Burnsville, Minnesota, dedicated to empowering students with unique learning needs to lead productive lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Serving a diverse student body, the academy focuses on those with language-based learning disabilities and other exceptionalities, ensuring that each learner is recognized as an individual with distinct qualities. The school's mission is grounded in creating a safe, nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence in reading, writing, and math while also providing enriching experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). At STEP Academy, students engage in innovative programs designed to foster college and career readiness through the College and Career Readiness (CCR) initiative. This includes strategies that emphasize writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. With an impressive 100% graduation rate over the past five years and over 75% of juniors and seniors enrolled in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), the academy equips students with the skills necessary for success beyond high school. What sets STEP Academy apart is its commitment to individualized attention within a supportive community framework. The average class size allows for personalized interaction between teachers and students, ensuring that every student receives the guidance they need to thrive. The integration of technology is also a hallmark of the academy; each student has access to their own Chromebook to enhance learning opportunities. Additionally, STEP Academy emphasizes family partnerships through collaborative initiatives that foster shared ownership of the educational experience. With its focus on underserved populations within STEM fields, STEP Academy stands as a beacon of hope for families seeking a tailored educational journey for their children.

Southview Christian School, located in Burnsville, Minnesota, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and holistic educational environment for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. With a core mission centered on integrating faith and learning, the school serves children with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The educational approach at Southview emphasizes a whole child philosophy, focusing on spiritual, academic, physical, and social development. This is achieved through tailored programs and therapeutic methodologies that cater to individual learning styles, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. What sets Southview apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, fostering strong partnerships with families, and offering specialized facilities designed to enhance the learning experience. The school also hosts unique community events that promote inclusivity and engagement, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a supportive and faith-based educational setting for their children.