Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in Kirkwood, Missouri (2026)

Eliot Chapel Nursery School is a small, play-based half-day preschool in Kirkwood for children ages 2 1/2 to 5. Every class is led by two lead teachers, and children play outdoors each day on our playground and in our garden. Our youngest group, the 2/3s, has 10 children and meets two or three mornings a week from 9:00 to 11:30; children in this class may still be working on toilet training. The multi-age class brings together 16 to 18 children ages 3 to 5, and the 4/5s class builds independence and responsibility before kindergarten. A typical morning includes art materials, blocks, dramatic play, sensory and science activities, read-alouds and snack. Families who need a longer day can add Lunch Bunch, offered Monday through Thursday between 10:30 and 1:30 at $10 an hour, where children bring their lunch and practice table manners before the kindergarten lunchroom. A two-week summer camp runs Tuesday through Thursday mornings for current families. Our Directors Scholarship and Enrichment Fund, named for the school's first three directors, provides tuition aid and enrichment each year.

• Play-based half-day preschool
• Play-based learning
• Multi-age classroom
• Two lead teachers per class

First Presbyterian Children's Center, located in the heart of Kirkwood, Missouri, is a nurturing preschool and kids day out program dedicated to children ages 2-5. As an extension of First Presbyterian Church, the center's core mission is to provide a safe and engaging environment where young learners can thrive. With a focus on individualized attention, experienced teachers create a fun and educational atmosphere that fosters both social and academic growth. The center operates five days a week from September through May, offering part-time programs that emphasize readiness for kindergarten while celebrating each child's unique strengths and interests. The approach at First Presbyterian Children's Center combines play-based learning with structured educational activities, ensuring that children not only develop essential skills but also build confidence and self-esteem. The dedicated staff takes the time to understand each child's needs and family dynamics, creating strong partnerships that support both children and parents throughout their educational journey. What sets First Presbyterian Children's Center apart is its intimate community feel, characterized by low student-teacher ratios that allow for meaningful connections between educators and students. Parents consistently express gratitude for the warm environment where their children feel loved and secure while preparing for future academic endeavors. This emphasis on family involvement, along with specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences, makes the center a cherished choice for families seeking a supportive preschool experience.

• Preschool
• Private school

Kirkwood offered the first four-year high school program in St. Louis County in 1896, and our current campus on Essex Avenue opened in 1955 as the first building where Black and white students attended high school together. In 2022 we were one of eight Missouri schools named a National Blue Ribbon School. The 43-acre campus includes the Keating Performance Center, the Walker Science Center, two competitive gyms, a fitness center, a dance studio and the Walker Natatorium, where swimming is part of physical education. Juniors and seniors can apply to our Early College Program and spend both years taking full-time classes at St. Louis Community College, earning a diploma and possibly an associate degree. Through our partnership with the Special School District of St. Louis County, special education teachers, social workers, speech-language pathologists, ABA, occupational and physical therapists serve students with IEPs inside our building. Pioneer Pathways offers alternative settings through the Innovation Center and Discovery Center, and June summer school covers credit recovery.

• Public high school
• National Blue Ribbon School
• Early college
• Public school

School of Rock is a transformative music education institution dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of students across a wide age range, from toddlers to adults. The school's core mission is to empower individuals by providing a supportive and engaging environment where they can flourish as musicians. With a unique focus on performance-based learning, School of Rock employs its patented method that combines one-on-one lessons with group band practices, ensuring that students not only develop technical skills but also gain confidence and camaraderie through collaboration. This innovative approach allows learners of all skill levels to immerse themselves in real-world musical experiences, fostering both personal growth and musical proficiency. What sets School of Rock apart is its commitment to creating a vibrant community centered around music, characterized by low student-teacher ratios and strong family partnerships. Through regular performances in real rock venues, students not only showcase their talents but also build lifelong skills in communication and teamwork, making the journey of learning music an enriching experience beyond the classroom.

• Music school
• Private school