Best Special Needs Schools in Cheektowaga, New York (2026)

Erie 1 BOCES is dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape for students with diverse needs, serving over 4,000 learners annually across more than 300 school districts. The organization focuses on providing tailored support for a variety of diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. Through its innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies, Erie 1 BOCES emphasizes a holistic approach to education that nurtures both academic and personal growth. Key features of the school include a low student-teacher ratio that fosters individualized attention, strong partnerships with families to ensure collaborative support, and specialized facilities designed to meet unique learning requirements. Additionally, Erie 1 BOCES enriches the community through engaging events that celebrate student achievements and creativity, setting it apart as a leader in inclusive education.

• Educational institution
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

Green Acres and Maryvale give us two educational settings for children and young adults with disabilities at The Arc Erie County New York. Our Green Acres preschool serves eligible children ages three to five in self-contained or inclusion classrooms. We work with each child's Committee on Preschool Special Education to plan educational and therapeutic services around developmental needs. Before placement, our preschool evaluation program can provide a multidisciplinary evaluation. Families and their local district committee use the results to determine eligibility. Within Green Acres, we use the Greenspan Floortime approach, placing relationships and child-led experiences at the center of preschool learning. Neurotypical peers ages three to five can also join our enrolled students in classrooms. Art, music, physical education and play give children opportunities to practice sharing, taking turns and joining activities. Our accessible school participates in the New York State School Food program for breakfast and lunch. Maryvale serves school-age students from five to twenty-two. We teach through the Unique Curriculum and adapt lessons to different ability levels. Appropriately certified or licensed professionals provide related services under each student's individualized education program.

• School
• disabilities
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional