Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in Rochester, Minnesota (2026)

Kingdom Kids Preschool and Summer Camp in Rochester, MN, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children aged 2 to 5 years through a quality education grounded in Christian values. The school's core mission is to initiate a lifelong love for Jesus while teaching foundational skills that are essential for academic success. With a range of programs tailored to meet diverse needs, including full-day and half-day preschool options, enrichment classes, and extended care services such as early drop-off and late pick-up, Kingdom Kids ensures that every child receives personalized attention. The nurturing environment fosters not only educational growth but also emotional and spiritual development. Unique features of Kingdom Kids include a low student-teacher ratio that allows for individualized instruction and strong partnerships with families, ensuring open communication and support throughout the educational journey. The commitment to creating a safe, engaging atmosphere is reflected in the joyful feedback from parents who appreciate the exceptional care their children receive and the positive impact on their learning experiences. This dedication makes Kingdom Kids a standout choice for families seeking a holistic approach to early childhood education.

• Preschool
• Private school

Half of every class at Listos Preschool and Childcare is taught in Spanish and half in English. The program is open to children from any language background, and we balance each classroom between Spanish and English speakers so children make friends and practice both languages with one another. Our school is located at Peace Church on 2nd Avenue NE in Rochester, and children must be at least 3 by September 1 to apply. Families choose from three 2026-27 options. Full-day care runs 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. year-round except holidays for $325 per week. The school-year part-day class meets 9 a.m. to noon for $510 per month, with optional breakfast and lunch add-ons, and the extended day runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $1,150 per month including lunch and nap time. Seats are filled through an enrollment lottery each spring, and applying costs nothing. Income-eligible families can use School Readiness funds, Early Learning Scholarships or the Child Care Assistance Program. Our curriculum carries no political or religious ideology, and families of all beliefs are welcome.

• Bilingual preschool and childcare
• Speech therapy
• Bilingual education
• Financial aid

O2B Kids is a nurturing educational environment dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children aged 0 to 13, including those with diverse learning needs. Established in 1998, the school's core mission is to partner with families to help children become happy, successful individuals. O2B Kids offers innovative, nationally accredited preschool and afterschool programs designed to promote academic readiness, social skills, and emotional resilience. The curriculum is enriched with a variety of engaging activities that support language development and cognitive skills, recognizing the critical importance of early childhood experiences in shaping a child's future success. What sets O2B Kids apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention for each child. Additionally, the school fosters strong family partnerships and community involvement through unique events and fundraisers that enhance the educational experience while giving back to public schools. With specialized facilities and a focus on holistic development, O2B Kids creates a vibrant atmosphere where children can thrive and explore their potential.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school

O2B Kids Penny Lane is a licensed child care and preschool center in northeast Rochester, just off Penny Lane near 37th Street NE and East River Road. We care for infants, toddlers and Pre-K children and are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a schedule built around working parents. Our location is part of O2B Kids, which has run preschool and afterschool programs since 1998 and has its locations nationally accredited or working toward accreditation. Our classrooms are set up as learning centers for art, circle time, drama, literacy, math, music and movement, and physical fitness, and children learn through play while we prepare them for kindergarten. Teamwork, communication and social skills are part of daily lessons. Safety is built into the routine: secure check-in and check-out, staff background checks, and teachers certified in CPR and first aid. Parents receive daily photos and achievement badges through Honeycomb, our parent communication app. Families in neighborhoods such as Glendale, Elton Hills, Viking Park and Emerald Hills use our center.

• Child care center and preschool (infant to Pre-K)
• Play-based learning
• Kindergarten readiness
• Private school

Rochester Arts & Sciences Academy (RASA) is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment tailored to the unique needs of all students, including those with accelerated and double accelerated learning capabilities. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, RASA emphasizes developing active learners who are not only well-rounded individuals but also engaged global citizens. The school supports a diverse range of learners, fostering curiosity and encouraging lifelong inquiry through its innovative curriculum. With a focus on individualized instruction, RASA's compassionate faculty is committed to inspiring academic excellence while nurturing each child's talents. The school stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships that enhance the educational experience. This supportive community environment is further enriched by specialized facilities and unique events that promote collaboration among students, families, and educators, making RASA a distinctive choice for parents seeking an exceptional educational journey for their children.

• School
• Private school

Rochester Beacon Academy is a public charter school that has kept students in grades 6 through 12 under one roof since we opened. We started with grades 6 to 10, added a grade each year, and graduated our first class of nine students on June 1, 2018. Our special education program provides individual education, services and supports to qualifying students in grades 6 to 12 in the least restrictive environment. We offer special education electives that target IEP goals directly, including Life Skills, Social Emotional Learning, and Practical Academic and Community Education. SOAR (Students Obtaining Advocacy and Responsibility) is our transition program for students ages 18 to 22. It focuses on work experience, social skills, home living and community participation, with partnerships with local employers. Students take the MCA, NWEA and ACT on site, and juniors and seniors can pursue PSEO college courses. We serve breakfast and lunch and provide transportation.

• Public charter school (6-12)
• Special education electives
• Transition support
• Grades 6-12 in one building

Rochester Math & Science Academy (RMSA) is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children, particularly those with unique learning needs, through innovative educational practices. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, RMSA specializes in supporting individuals with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional. The academy employs a comprehensive approach that integrates STEM-focused curricula with therapeutic methodologies tailored to each student's strengths and challenges. This commitment to personalized education is further enhanced by a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring that every child receives the attention and support they require to thrive. Additionally, RMSA emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing the vital role that home and community play in a child's educational journey. Unique community events and specialized facilities further distinguish the academy, creating an inclusive environment where students can flourish academically and socially.

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