Top 7 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.

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

Burnsville High School is the last stop on One91 Pathways, the career-connected program of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. Our students in grades 9 to 12 choose from 14 pathways in four career fields: Arts, Communications and Information Systems; Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Design, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies; and Health Sciences and Human Services. Students can earn college credit and career certifications such as EMT, and some finish an Associate of Arts degree before graduation. We also offer AVID and English learner classes. Ninth graders start in our 9th Grade Academy with Link Crew peer mentors. Special education follows the district's full continuum: IEP services in our building, and district focus programs for autism spectrum disorders, developmental cognitive disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders when the IEP team decides. Students with remaining IEP goals can continue in the BEST Transition program for ages 18 to 21. Blaze athletes compete in more than 30 sports, including adapted soccer, floor hockey and softball. Our drumline, Theatre Guild, Quiz Bowl and Student Council keep students busy after class, and every student eats breakfast and lunch free.

• Public high school (9-12)
• Learning differences
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Speech therapy

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.

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

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.

• Education center
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Our Burnsville campus is the K-5 elementary home of Seven Hills Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free public charter school founded in 2006. Across our Burnsville and Richfield campuses we enroll more than 1,100 students with a team of over 130 administrators, teachers, specialists and staff. We teach through the Classical education model with the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence. History links the subjects together, students read classic literature and original texts for Socratic discussion, writing runs through every subject, and Latin is taught in all grades. Children memorize prose and facts, give oral presentations, and study art and music theory alongside performance. Students who need help in reading or math are identified through quarterly assessments and placed in Tier 2 small groups or Tier 3 one-on-one work with literacy and math specialists, supported in part by Title I. Our special education program serves students with disabilities through IEPs, and we support English learners who speak more than 50 languages. Students wear uniforms, and the CARES values guide behavior.

• Public charter school (K-5 campus)
• Classical education
• Core Knowledge curriculum
• Latin instruction

Southview Christian School is the Seventh-day Adventist school connected to Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burnsville. We teach children from K4 through 8th grade in three groupings: Lower Grades for K4 to 2nd grade, Middle Grades for 3rd to 5th, and Upper Grades for 6th to 8th. As Protestant Christians, we treat the Bible as the guide for belief and behavior, and faith shows up across subjects, not only in a single Bible class. Health is part of the curriculum too, with daily exercise and lessons on sleep, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices. Students also practice serving others through service in the community. We belong to the Adventist education system supported by the North American Division.

• Seventh-day Adventist Christian school (K4-8)
• Christian education
• Multi-grade classrooms
• Health education

STEP Academy is a K–12 public charter school with a campus in Burnsville. Our program combines core academics with STEM and college and career readiness. We offer individualized programs, use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and collaborate with families. STEP also provides additional staff, training, and curriculum for students learning English.

• School
• Charter school
• Private school