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Best Special Needs Schools in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey (2026)

Compare 2 special needs schools in Mountain Lakes. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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1

Lake Drive School For the Deaf

Special education school

Listed

Mountain Lakes, NJ

Lake Drive School is dedicated to fostering a community of self-empowered learners, specifically serving deaf and hard of hearing children. With a mission rooted in mutual respect and trust, the school aims to help each student realize their unique academic, communicative, social, and personal potential. Established in 1969, Lake Drive has a rich history of excellence in deaf education, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of its students. The program emphasizes accessible education through specialized methodologies and tailored programs that address the diverse challenges faced by its learners. What sets Lake Drive apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support. Additionally, strong partnerships with families and a focus on community engagement further enhance the educational experience, making Lake Drive a unique and nurturing environment for every child.

Support: Deaf, Hard of hearing

2

The Craig School of New Jersey

Independent day school for students with learning disabilities

Listed

Mountain Lakes, NJ

The Craig School is an independent school established in 1980 that specializes in working with students who have learning disabilities in grades 2 through 12. We serve students of at least average to above-average ability who struggle with decoding, reading comprehension, and written expression, giving them the tools to build strong academic foundations and become active, independent learners. Our program features proven, research-based strategies including Orton-Gillingham structured literacy intervention, multi-sensory learning, and an integrated organizational and skill-development system. A comprehensive, whole-child approach helps students develop a clear sense of who they are as individuals and as learners, supported by related services from occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social clinicians. The Craig School operates a Lower and Middle School campus in Mountain Lakes and a High School campus in Montville, New Jersey. Programs extend through college counseling, transition programs, and tutoring services, and the school offers a limited need-based financial aid program alongside flexible tuition payment plans.

Support: dyslexia, language_based_learning_disability, learning_disability, Grades 2 through 12

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Mountain Lakes

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team about placement and funding.

NJ DDD Supports Program guide

Understand DDD budget tiers and out-of-district (APSSD) placement before contacting schools.

How to choose a special needs school

A practical comparison checklist for tours, admissions calls, and program fit.

IEP process guide

Use this when the school conversation involves evaluations, eligibility, or placement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Mountain Lakes

What special needs school options do Mountain Lakes families usually compare?
Mountain Lakes School District manages child study team evaluations and in-district special education for resident students. This page lists Lake Drive School For the Deaf and The Craig School of New Jersey, which families often tour when exploring specialized private settings. Morris County neighbors including Denville, Parsippany, and Boonton each run separate teams, so verify which district holds your child's enrollment before submitting a referral.
How do Mountain Lakes parents start a child study team evaluation?
Deliver a written referral to Mountain Lakes special services when learning, communication, or developmental concerns suggest a possible disability. Parental consent is required before evaluations begin under New Jersey and federal rules. District team information is at Mountain Lakes Special Services, with parent safeguards on NJDOE Parental Rights and Engagement.
How might a Mountain Lakes student attend private special education with district support?
Public funding for a private day school requires an IEP determination that FAPE cannot be delivered in a less restrictive public setting. New Jersey has no K-12 special-needs ESA or voucher. Families who enroll privately at Lake Drive School For the Deaf or The Craig School of New Jersey typically cover costs unless an IEP team approves a funded out-of-district placement.
How can I compare deaf education and dyslexia programs near Mountain Lakes?
Lake Drive School For the Deaf focuses on deaf and hard of hearing learners, while The Craig School of New Jersey emphasizes structured literacy for students with learning disabilities. Ask each program about communication approach, related services on site, and how progress is shared with your home district. Compare the schools listed on this page using one checklist before you discuss placement with your child study team.
What transportation questions should Mountain Lakes families resolve for out-of-district placement?
Ask whether an IEP includes transportation to a private or out-of-district program and how routes are scheduled when a student attends a campus outside Mountain Lakes. Confirm who coordinates between the home district and the receiving school when services change midyear. Pair district guidance with SPAN Parent Training and Information before signing an IEP that includes a new placement.

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