Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Rockville Centre, New York (2026)

Education First Academy is a dedicated institution focused on providing quality education to children and youths in underserved communities in southeastern Liberia. Serving students from Pre-K through Grade 9, the academy supports a diverse range of learners, particularly those facing educational barriers due to socioeconomic challenges. The school's core mission revolves around engaging, inspiring, and empowering its students through tailored educational programs that foster academic growth and personal development. The approach at Education First Academy emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, equipping students with essential skills to navigate the online world responsibly and effectively. This program is complemented by hands-on learning experiences in science and arts and crafts, ensuring a well-rounded education that caters to various interests and abilities. With an enrollment increase from 40 students in 2012 to 400 in 2023, the academy demonstrates its commitment to expanding access to quality education. What sets Education First Academy apart is its strong focus on community involvement and family partnerships, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. The low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, fostering meaningful relationships that enhance learning outcomes. The school also hosts unique community events aimed at raising awareness and funds for continued development, including an annual fundraiser gala dedicated to constructing new facilities. Through these efforts, Education First Academy not only educates but also builds a vibrant community around the shared goal of nurturing Liberia's future leaders.

• Secondary school
• Private school

Floyd B. Watson Elementary School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around promoting excellence, equity, and holistic development, ensuring that each child is empowered to embrace a love for learning. With a focus on individualized educational programs, Watson Elementary employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and partnerships with organizations like Northwell Behavioral Health Center to enhance access to mental health resources. This commitment is reflected in their low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction that meets each student's unique needs. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong family partnerships and community engagement through events like TED Ed Night, creating a collaborative atmosphere that enriches the educational experience. With specialized facilities designed to support various learning styles, Floyd B. Watson Elementary stands out as a nurturing haven where every child can thrive academically and socially.

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

Francis F. Wilson Elementary School opened on September 9, 1931, with eight classrooms, two multipurpose rooms and an auditorium. By 1936 the building had already filled up, and a second story added eight more classrooms. Today we are one of five elementary schools in the Rockville Centre School District, serving kindergarten through grade 5 on Buckingham Road. Our school carries the name of Professor Francis French Wilson, who organized the Rockville Centre schools and won the district its recognition from the New York State Board of Regents. Our colors are green and white, and students still sing an alma mater written in 1963. Families can use the district lunch program and bus transportation. A district partnership with Northwell's behavioral health center widens children's access to mental health care, and our Virtual Calming Room gives students a place to take a break and reset when emotions run high. Fifth graders also take part in a maturation program during their final year with us.

• Public elementary school
• Public school

The Rockville Centre Union Free School District is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students, particularly those with unique learning needs. With a mission centered on empowering children to become independent problem solvers, the district serves a diverse student body, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Through innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies, the district emphasizes holistic development and academic success, ensuring that each child is equipped to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Notably, the district benefits from strong partnerships with organizations like Northwell Behavioral Health Center, enhancing access to vital mental health resources. The commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, while community events foster strong family engagement and support. This unique blend of tailored educational practices and community involvement sets the Rockville Centre Union Free School District apart as a leader in special education.

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

South Side Middle School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students, particularly those with unique learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission emphasizes excellence, equity, and the holistic development of each child, inspiring a love for learning and empowering students to realize their potential. South Side Middle School employs innovative educational programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. These approaches are complemented by a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support. Strong partnerships with families enhance the educational experience, while specialized facilities provide resources that cater to various learning styles. Unique community events further enrich the school culture, making South Side Middle School a distinctive choice for parents seeking an empathetic and effective educational setting for their children.

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

St. Mark's Nursery School is a nonprofit cooperative owned and run by the families whose children attend. Parents work in the classroom on a rotating basis, coming in about four times a year for their child's special day, and every family serves on a committee. We are registered with the New York State Education Department and licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services. Our youngest children, from 16 months, come with a grown-up to a Friday class of sensory play and story time. Two-year-olds can choose a TWOs Separation class or a Transition class that starts with caregivers and becomes a drop-off program midyear. Our threes meet three or four mornings a week, with no more than 10 children per class, studying units such as seasons and plants. Our fours meet Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch in class, plus an optional fifth-day enrichment class and other extended day options. We share a building with Congregation B'nai Sholom Beth David in Rockville Centre. Traditions include a pajama Milk and Cookies Night and a Moving Up ceremony before kindergarten.

• Cooperative nursery school
• Parent cooperative
• Play-based learning
• Small class sizes

The Art Studio is a vibrant educational environment dedicated to fostering creativity and self-expression among students of all artistic backgrounds, particularly those aged 5 to 17. With a core mission focused on connecting art, education, and community, the studio provides a nurturing space where students can explore various artistic techniques while developing their unique styles. The program emphasizes both technical skills and historical context, ensuring that each student not only learns the fundamentals of art but also gains a deeper appreciation for its significance. Unique offerings include specialized classes for different age groups, such as Fashion and Sewing workshops for younger children and advanced programs for teens and adults. The Art Studio stands out with its commitment to building strong community ties through events like the Art Walk RVC, alongside maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that encourages collaboration and connection among participants. This holistic approach to art education not only enriches students' lives but also promotes a sense of belonging within the larger community.

• Art school
• Private school

The Learning Academy of St. Mark's in Rockville Centre, NY, is a specialized early childhood and elementary special education learning center dedicated to children with speech-language delays, learning differences, sensory processing challenges, and mild developmental delays. The school provides small-group academic instruction with low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring highly individualized attention. Certified special education teachers and licensed therapists embed speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills coaching directly into daily academic routines. The campus offers structured early literacy instruction, multisensory math labs, sensory modulation spaces, and outdoor play areas designed to nurture academic, social, and emotional growth.

• Preschool
• Speech therapy
• Learning differences
• Sensory support