Best Special Needs Schools in Eagan, Minnesota (2026)

Burnsville Alternative High School is the alternative high school of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, on Diffley Road in Eagan. Students under 21 qualify under state criteria, for example being behind on credits, being a parent, experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges, or learning English, and each new student meets with a counselor to review their transcript before enrolling. Every student builds a Continuous Learning Plan with their advisory teacher, covering credits, course planning, a graduation timeline and personal goals, and it is reviewed each quarter with families and staff. Students can complete one Edgenuity credit recovery course per quarter during the school day, use summer school, or take after-school credit recovery at Burnsville High School. AVID strategies such as Cornell notes are used across classes. Our Student Support Team includes a school social worker, a school psychologist, behavior analysts, nurses, counselors, and Spanish, Somali and American Indian cultural liaisons. Licensed EL teachers support English learners, and special education follows the district's full continuum, with IEPs and access to Intermediate District 917 services. Each student receives a district Chromebook, and high schoolers can opt in to bus transportation.

• Public alternative high school
• Alternative education
• Credit recovery
• AVID

The Area Learning Center opened in the fall of 1987 as District 196's alternative high school for students ages 14 to 21. With about 180 students and 20 staff, our small size lets staff build strong working relationships with students, and our administration team meets with each new student and family before they start. Our school year runs on 12 terms, with instruction designed around individual learning styles and social and emotional needs. Students can recover credit for a class failed at a home high school, design an independent study course at 16 or older, earn work-based learning credit if they work about 10 hours a week, or take college courses through Postsecondary Enrollment Options. Our special education program provides primarily Level 1 and Level 2 services, and our team meets with a student's current case manager to plan an IEP transition before classes begin. Transportation is available for students who live within District 196 boundaries.

• Public alternative high school
• Alternative education
• Small school
• Public school

The Gardner School is a premier preschool dedicated to providing an academically-focused experience for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. With a mission centered on nurturing each child's emerging sense of self, the school offers a curriculum that blends intellectual growth with creative play and socialization in a safe, supportive environment. The programs are thoughtfully designed to encourage independence while fostering curiosity and exploration, making learning an enjoyable journey for every child. Families can feel confident in the high standards of health and safety maintained by qualified and caring teachers who prioritize their students' well-being. The Gardner School stands out for its commitment to building strong family partnerships, low student-teacher ratios, and specialized facilities that cater to the developmental needs of young learners. This unique blend of personalized attention and community engagement creates an environment where children thrive, making The Gardner School not just a place to learn, but a nurturing community where families feel connected and supported.

• Preschool
• Private school