Best Special Needs Schools in St Michael, Minnesota (2026)

Big Woods Elementary teaches grades 1 to 4 for St. Michael-Albertville Schools (District 885), about thirty minutes west of Minneapolis. Families stay close to classrooms through grandparent and special guest lunches, an active PTO and a school store. Student support is staffed inside the building. Four special education teachers and two speech teachers work with students on IEPs, a reading specialist supports early readers, and we take part in Minnesota Reading Corps, which adds trained literacy tutors for students working toward reading well by the end of third grade. Our school social worker leads social emotional learning and behavior support, and a CanvasHealth school-based therapist is on site five days a week so children can get mental health care without leaving school. English learners receive language support as well. Fourth graders perform in an evening music concert, students donate winter gear through the Giving Tree each December, and district meals include Farm to School days with food from local farmers plus a weekend meals program.

• Public elementary school (grades 1-4)
• Reading intervention
• On-site mental health care
• Public school

Happee Hollee's Preschool & Childcare, located in the heart of St. Michael, Minnesota, is dedicated to nurturing the unique potential of children aged three and older, particularly those with diverse learning needs. The school's mission revolves around creating a warm, loving environment where every child feels valued and supported. With a small group size of just 12 students, Happee Hollee ensures individualized attention that fosters close friendships and enhances social development. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed using elements from Creative Curriculum, Reggio-Emilia, and Montessori methods, promoting child-directed and play-based learning that emphasizes the importance of exploration in reaching developmental milestones. Each week features engaging themes that enrich children's learning experiences across various domains, including literacy, art, music, and sensory exploration. Unique learning centers provide opportunities for dramatic play, science experiments, math activities, and more within a literacy-rich environment filled with over 1,000 books. The school also embraces cultural diversity through its Passport program, allowing children to to different countries monthly while learning languages such as English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. What sets Happee Hollee apart is its commitment to eco-friendly practices as the first family childcare in Minnesota certified as Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC), alongside providing nutritious organic meals. The facility boasts a spacious fenced yard equipped with climbing structures and nature exploration areas. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and a strong emphasis on family partnerships through service-learning projects and community events, Happee Hollee's Preschool & Childcare stands out as a nurturing haven where children can thrive academically and socially while developing essential life skills.

• Preschool
• Private school

St. Michael-Albertville High School is the high school for District 885, home of the Knights, serving St. Michael, Albertville and nearby communities about thirty minutes west of Minneapolis. Students get the course options of a large district in a small-town setting, with a full slate of athletics and activities. Academic recognition includes the National Honor Society, academic letters and academic awards. Through Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), students in 10th through 12th grade can earn college credit at eligible colleges, and counselors meet with families to plan applications. Our counseling office also supports NCAA eligibility, college representative visits, scholarships and post-secondary assessments. Knights Academy, our alternative learning program, gives students a fresh start toward a high school diploma through hands-on learning and active participation. Through a partnership with NW Family Counseling and Wright County United Way, Knights Academy students attend weekly counseling classes.

• Public high school (9-12)
• Public school