Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Oceanside, New York (2026)

Florence A. Smith Elementary, known as School #2, is one of the elementary schools of the Oceanside School District on Long Island. Our motto is "We Aspire to Inspire," and the story of the hummingbird reminds students that no act of kindness or effort is too small. Our community is diverse, and we provide integrated English as a New Language (ENL) and special education programs so that learners with different needs work and learn together. Teachers offer extra help through the year, and students use our school library. Before and after the school day, families can use our breakfast program and the district's C.A.R.E.S. offerings, and students join clubs. Our PTA is active, and school traditions include Color War, a Chalk Walk with student messages of kindness, and school spirit days. District bus transportation and nurse services are available.

• Public elementary school
• Integrated special education
• Integrated ENL
• Public school

"From Tiny Acorns to Mighty Oaks" sums up Oaks Elementary School #3 in Oceanside, where we teach students in grades 1 through 6. Every student receives a Chromebook, and all Oceanside students can get breakfast and lunch at no cost. Beyond classroom teachers, our staff includes a social worker, a school psychologist, a health and wellness counselor, an ENL teacher, a teaching and learning coach, and specialists in art, music, physical education and our Project Extra makerspace. Our CARES program runs after school daily in the building, and we plan field trips and assemblies with the PTA and the district's other elementary schools.

• Public elementary school (grades 1-6)
• Makerspace
• Public school

The Oceanside School District stands as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to fostering the growth and achievement of over 5,500 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a commitment to inclusivity, the district serves a diverse population, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The district's core mission revolves around creating an enriching learning environment that empowers each child to reach their full potential. The approach taken by the district is holistic, integrating innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to support various learning styles and needs. This includes specialized curriculum adaptations, individualized education plans, and access to resources that promote both academic success and emotional well-being. What sets Oceanside apart is its unwavering dedication to low student-teacher ratios, enabling personalized attention that fosters strong relationships between educators and families. Additionally, the district boasts unique community events that enhance student engagement and cultivate a sense of belonging among families. By prioritizing both educational achievement and community partnership, Oceanside School District exemplifies a nurturing environment where all students can thrive.

• High school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

North Oceanside Road Elementary, known in our district as School #5, is a public elementary school in the Oceanside School District on Long Island. Our standards-based curriculum rests on a strong literacy foundation, and students learn to think critically, solve problems and share ideas clearly in speech and writing. Academically talented students in grades 4 to 6 can join Project Extra, the district's gifted and enrichment program, which builds over three years and runs apart from the regular curriculum. Students are invited based on third grade assessments. Students use the district Nature Center and our library, join clubs and attend extra help sessions. Before and after school care runs through the C.A.R.E.S. program, and our PTA supports school activities. Our school values ask students to focus on learning, include others and voice ideas respectfully.

• Public elementary school
• Gifted and talented
• Literacy focus
• Public school

Families know us as School 4, "The Small School with a Big Heart." South Oceanside Road Elementary School is the smallest school in the Oceanside district, with fewer than 300 students in grades 1 to 6. We open our doors to all kinds of learners: general education students, students who need academic support or IEP services, and students who need a special class setting. Our staff includes special education teachers, speech therapists, a school psychologist, a social worker, and ENL and instructional support teachers. Grades 1 and 2 learn to read with Fountas & Pinnell Classroom and Fundations phonics, grades 3 to 6 use the Teachers College Reading Units of Study, and every grade writes with the Teachers College writing units and works on Chromebooks in class. Students also have art, music, FLES world language, library, and health and wellness. Before and after school, children join Mathletes, Student Council, Art Club, Journalism, Kindness Club, K-Kids, KidOYO and OSD Be Well, and our 5th and 6th graders put on a drama production each spring. Breakfast is served free in our cafeteria every morning.

• Public elementary school (grades 1-6)
• Small school
• Special class setting
• Public school

The H Academy, located in Oceanside, New York, is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of every Pre-K student, ensuring they reach their personal best. Tailored for preschoolers, including those with diverse learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, the academy emphasizes individualized instruction within small class sizes. This nurturing environment is designed to prepare each child for a successful transition into kindergarten, focusing not only on academic readiness but also on emotional, physical, and social development. The curriculum is grounded in 'The Creative Curriculum,' which aligns with New York State Common Core Standards and Next Generation Learning Standards. This innovative approach promotes hands-on learning experiences that enhance confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills while encouraging positive outcomes. The H Academy prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio, with qualified teachers and trained assistants in every classroom. With a commitment to strong family partnerships and specialized facilities that cater to young learners' needs, the academy creates a supportive community atmosphere enriched by unique events that engage families and foster connections.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school