Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Woodbury, Minnesota (2026)

Brookview is the newest school in Stillwater Area Public Schools, drawing elementary students from Woodbury, Afton and Lake Elmo. The building was designed around collaboration, with flexible shared spaces where students and staff work together. Students learn coding, problem solving and math through LEGO robotics and Dash and Dot robots, and community experts join classes on real-world projects. Like every school in our district, we organize learning around the 4Cs: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Each day starts with a Responsive Classroom morning meeting, and core instruction covers literacy, math, science, social studies, art, physical education, media and general music. Band, orchestra and choir open up in 5th grade. Intervention teachers provide reading and math support, and our English Learner program and summer Targeted Services help students who need extra time. Students with IEPs receive special education in their neighborhood school whenever possible, at no cost to families. Fee-based preschool for four-year-olds is offered through Community Education.

• Public elementary school
• Robotics and coding
• Responsive Classroom
• Project-based learning

Defiant Jiu-Jitsu, located in Woodbury, Minnesota, is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school dedicated to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for students of all ages and skill levels. The school's core mission is to provide individualized training that not only develops martial arts skills but also promotes character growth and personal confidence. Catering to a diverse range of students, including children aged 5-15 and adults 16 and older, Defiant Jiu-Jitsu embraces those with varying fitness goals, from self-defense to competitive aspirations. The school employs a hands-on instructional approach that integrates various therapeutic methodologies, allowing each student to progress at their own pace while enjoying the journey of learning Jiu-Jitsu. Programs include both Gi and No-Gi classes, emphasizing technical precision in traditional Jiu-Jitsu as well as the dynamic nature of grappling. Additionally, personalized training sessions are available for those seeking tailored fitness plans or injury prevention strategies. What truly sets Defiant Jiu-Jitsu apart is its commitment to building a strong community through camaraderie and support among students and instructors. With a low student-teacher ratio, students receive focused attention that fosters meaningful relationships and encourages personal growth. The school also proudly serves as a We Defy Foundation Training Facility, offering combat veterans with military-connected disabilities a supportive space to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This unique partnership reflects the school's dedication to inclusivity and community engagement, making Defiant Jiu-Jitsu not just a place to train but also a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive both on and off the mat.

• Martial arts school
• military-connected disabilities
• Private school

East Ridge High School, situated in Woodbury, Minnesota, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for over 2,000 students in grades 9-12. The school's core mission revolves around empowering students, including those with diverse learning needs, to achieve their fullest potential. With a focus on a comprehensive curriculum, East Ridge offers a range of advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement classes and college-level opportunities through partnerships with the University of Minnesota. Additionally, students can delve into specialized programs such as biomedical sciences and engineering through Project Lead the Way, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The school employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and personalized learning approaches to cater to the unique needs of its students. By maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, educators can provide individualized attention, fostering strong relationships that enhance learning outcomes. East Ridge High School also emphasizes the importance of family partnerships, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is vital for student success. What sets East Ridge apart is not only its commitment to academic excellence but also its vibrant community engagement. The school hosts various events, including storytelling sessions and food drives, which strengthen connections among students, families, and the wider community. This holistic approach ensures that every student feels valued and supported, making East Ridge High School a nurturing environment for all learners.

• High school
• Private school

New Life Academy, located in Woodbury, MN, is a private Christian school serving students from Preschool through Grade 12. The academy is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where each child is known, loved, and valued, with the core mission of preparing students to become faith-filled leaders ready for the future. Catering to a diverse range of learners, including those with unique educational needs, New Life Academy employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs designed to support varied learning styles and challenges. The school stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention that enhances educational outcomes. Additionally, strong partnerships with families and an array of extracurricular activities, further enrich the student experience. Recognized as one of the top K-12 private schools in Minnesota and celebrated for its excellence in education and community engagement, New Life Academy exemplifies a commitment to holistic development within a Christ-centered framework.

• Private educational institution
• Private school

Valley Crossing Elementary is organized into three K-5 neighborhoods with multiage classrooms, so students build close relationships with teachers and classmates across grade levels. We serve kindergarten through fifth grade in Woodbury as part of South Washington County Schools. Families can choose our Multiage Magnet Program, and Gateway gifted services give advanced learners added challenge. Responsive Classroom practices, including Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, shape each day, and social-emotional learning sits alongside academics. Students can join Student Council and the Peace Garden Club, and an active PTA supports the school. Special education follows the district's continuum of services, covering academics, social and emotional wellbeing, behavior, nursing, communication, and assistive technology, with the goal of serving students in their neighborhood school whenever possible. English language support is available for multilingual learners, and the district offers before-school programs and bus transportation.

• Public elementary school
• Multiage classrooms
• Responsive Classroom
• Public school

Woodbury High School, part of the SoWashCo Schools district, serves students in grades 9-12, focusing on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners, including those with diverse learning needs. The school's core mission is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that emphasizes college preparation through a diverse curriculum of over 150 courses, including Advanced Placement and specialized programs like Project Lead the Way. Additionally, Woodbury High School offers a unique pathway for students in the K-12 Spanish Immersion Program, enabling them to earn a bilingual diploma seal, which enhances their academic and cultural competencies. The school employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and personalized learning approaches to cater to the individual needs of students, ensuring that each learner can thrive academically and socially. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, Woodbury High School fosters strong partnerships with families, creating a collaborative community that supports student growth and development. Unique community events and initiatives further enrich the school experience, making Woodbury High School not just an educational institution, but a nurturing environment where students can discover their potential and build lasting connections.

• High school
• Public school

Woodbury Middle School is a National AVID Demonstration School, and the AVID approach to organization and study habits runs through our classes for grades 6 to 8. We are part of SoWashCo Schools and host the district's middle school Spanish Immersion program, which continues the Nuevas Fronteras elementary pathway. Minnesota has also named us a School of Character. We organize students into houses to ease the move from elementary school, and every student has a daily advisory period. Our STEM lab supports science and engineering coursework, and students join athletics, music, theater, robotics, and service-learning clubs. Affinity groups include a Black Student Union and a Gender and Sexuality Alliance. We offer English Learner support, Talent Development for advanced learners, and special education services. Students with IEPs can receive resource room instruction in small groups, along with related services such as speech and language, occupational and physical therapy, adapted physical education, and deaf and hard of hearing or vision services. The district also runs center-based programs for students who need a self-contained setting.

• Public middle school (6-8)
• AVID National Demonstration School
• Spanish immersion
• STEM

e² Young Engineers in Twin Cities, East Metro Minnesota, is a dynamic educational program designed to ignite a passion for learning in children aged 4 and up. The core mission of e² Young Engineers is to provide enriching experiences that blend education with entertainment, focusing on the fields of Robotics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through a carefully crafted curriculum that includes after-school and preschool enrichment classes, summer camps, and special events, children engage with motorized building blocks specifically developed for hands-on learning. This innovative approach fosters logical thinking and creativity while allowing students to explore their inventive potential in a supportive environment. What sets e² Young Engineers apart is its commitment to individualized attention within small group settings, ensuring that each child receives the guidance they need to thrive. The program employs an EDUTAINMENT model that captivates young minds and reinforces conceptual knowledge through practical application. With a strong emphasis on building foundational skills early in life, e² Young Engineers prepares children for future academic success while nurturing their innate curiosity. The passionate team behind the program brings personal insights as parents themselves, enhancing the connection with families seeking quality STEM education for their children.

• Education center
• Private school