Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Westfield, New Jersey (2026)

Apple Montessori Schools & Camps - Westfield is a newly built campus on South Avenue East serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years in infant, toddler and preschool/kindergarten classrooms. The building has spacious classrooms, a multipurpose room that doubles as an indoor gym, certified outdoor classrooms and a saltwater swimming pool. Apple Montessori Schools was founded in 1972 and is accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. In our preschool and kindergarten rooms, the day splits into thirds: individual work with Montessori materials in math, science, language arts, history and geography; group enrichment in art, music and technology; and outdoor and gross-motor play. Our phonics-based reading program has most students reading by age 4, and the curriculum adds foreign language, yoga, character development and TinkRworks STEAM. Infants learn baby signs and enjoy tummy time and baby yoga, and toddlers build practical life skills like dressing and washing dishes. We are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for families who need extended care. Parents can view live classroom video, and summer campers swim in our on-site pool with Red Cross certified instructors.

• Montessori preschool and kindergarten
• Montessori
• Phonics-based reading
• STEAM enrichment

Christopher Academy stands as New Jersey's original Montessori school, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in children aged three to twelve. With a mission rooted in the Montessori philosophy, the school creates a peaceful and nurturing environment where each child's unique instincts and skills can flourish. The academy serves a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, through carefully designed multi-age classrooms that promote social interaction and personal growth. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial experiences, mathematics, language development, and cultural awareness, all delivered by Montessori-certified teachers who guide children through individualized learning paths. Christopher Academy is fully accredited by both the American Montessori Society and the National Council for Private School Accreditation, ensuring adherence to high educational standards. What sets Christopher Academy apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios that foster meaningful connections and personalized attention for every child. The strong emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration and the active involvement of the Christopher Academy Parent Association (CAPA) further enriches the school community. This holistic approach not only supports academic success but also nurtures emotional and social development, making Christopher Academy a distinguished choice for families seeking an exceptional educational experience for their children.

• Montessori school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Montessori

The Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, including those with autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, and language-based learning disabilities. Serving students from various age groups, UCESC emphasizes a holistic approach to education that prioritizes student well-being, safety, and academic success. The commission's core mission revolves around creating a nurturing atmosphere where every learner can thrive, facilitated by strong community partnerships and a focus on mental health and support services. UCESC employs a range of specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of its students. These include transition services designed to prepare students for life beyond school, as well as alternative high school options for those requiring a different educational pathway. The commission also extends its services to students in hospital settings, ensuring continuity of education for those facing health challenges. What sets UCESC apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and meaningful connections between educators and students. Additionally, the organization prioritizes family partnerships, recognizing that collaboration with parents and guardians is essential for student success. With extensive transportation services available throughout Union County, UCESC ensures accessibility for all students, further enhancing its role as a vital resource in the community.

• High school
• Autism
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Learning differences

Lightbridge Academy of Westfield is a locally owned early education and child care center on Central Avenue in Westfield, New Jersey, part of the Lightbridge Academy network founded in 1997. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on most mornings our owner is the one who opens the building. Our classrooms run from infant and toddler rooms through preschool, pre-K and private kindergarten, so children can stay with us from 6 weeks old through kindergarten, and we add summer camp and back-up care. Our Seedlings curriculum is theme-based and draws on several early childhood thinkers, including Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, Howard Gardner and Loris Malaguzzi, with play-based learning and both group and individual instruction. Children also learn Spanish vocabulary through Spanish Sprouts, use American Sign Language through Signing Sprouts, practice yoga and mindfulness, explore STREAM projects, and build writing skills with Learning Without Tears. Every staff member is CPR and first aid certified, the building has secure entry, and parents can watch their child's classroom live through ParentView and get photos and daily updates in our app. Our infant teachers are trained to support nursing mothers returning to work.

• Private early learning center and preschool
• Infant and toddler care
• Spanish enrichment
• Speech therapy

Precious People Early Learning Center is dedicated to fostering a love for learning in children from toddler age through kindergarten, as well as offering engaging summer camp programs. Located in the heart of Westfield, New Jersey, this nurturing environment serves families from surrounding communities, including Cranford, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Plainfield. With a commitment to individualized attention, Precious People maintains low student-teacher ratios that ensure each child receives the support they need to thrive. The center's approach emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that cater to children's unique social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. From their thoughtfully designed preschool programs, including the 'Chipmunks' early preschool, 'Squirrels' preschool, and 'Bunnies' kindergarten classes, to the enriching 'Fun in the Sun' summer camp, every aspect of Precious People is geared toward creating a safe and stimulating atmosphere where children can blossom. What truly sets Precious People apart is its strong focus on building partnerships with families and its dedication to creating a community where both children and parents feel valued and supported.

• Preschool
• Private school