Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Burlington, North Carolina (2026)

We give students age 10 and up in Alamance County and nearby areas a place to learn an instrument, meet other students, and play in a band. Our Beginning and Advanced Band groups meet Mondays and Thursdays. Monthly lessons cost $100.

• Music school

Burlington Christian Academy (BCA) in Burlington, North Carolina, is an accredited private Christian college-preparatory day school established in 1978 that serves students from preschool through 12th grade (ages 3–18) across Alamance and Guilford counties. Dual-accredited by ACSI and Cognia, BCA integrates academic excellence with biblical worldview formation, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, fine arts, and championship athletics with an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Through its acclaimed Discovery Academic Support Program, certified educational therapists provide specialized educational therapy (NILD), Orton-Gillingham multisensory reading remediation, classroom testing accommodations, and executive functioning coaching for students with documented learning differences and ADHD.

• Religious school
• College Preparatory Excellence (Pre-K - 12)
• Discovery Academic Support (NILD Therapy)
• Dyslexia

Children ages two through five work with Montessori materials in our Burlington classrooms. They choose hands-on activities, build independence at their own pace, and spend time outdoors each day with friends. Our teachers guide individual lessons as children grow ready for them. Schedule a tour to see the classroom, ask about the daily routine, and discuss openings for your child's age.

• Montessori school
• Montessori
• Sensory support
• Practical Life & Independence Formation

Clover Garden School opened in 2001 as a K-8 charter with about 275 students, added a grade each year, and graduated its first class of six seniors in 2006. Today this public charter school in northern Alamance County serves more than 960 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from seven counties, including Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Orange and Wake. Admission is by lottery, with priority for siblings of current students. Our Exceptional Children staff provide special education services, and an MTSS team plans academic and behavior interventions. School-based mental health therapists from Kintegra Health and Emery's Counseling meet with students during the day, and that counseling can be billed to a family's insurance. A school resource officer is on campus daily. Students can join dance, visual art, band, theatre and middle and high school athletics, and the Marching Grizzlies perform at regional band competitions. The Grizzly Den offers before care from 6:30 a.m. and after care until 6:00 p.m. for grades K to 5, and families can use bus routes and order cafeteria lunches.

• Public charter school (K-12)
• K-12 on one campus
• Lottery admission
• Public school

At Freedom Christian Academy in Burlington, we bring Christian teaching into students’ academic and school life. Our current staff directory lists elementary and middle-grade classrooms, along with an online high-school program through Liberty University Online Academy for grades 8–12. We also have a Student Success Coordinator whose published role focuses on discipleship for online high-school students. We do not publish a dedicated special education program; please contact us before applying to discuss your child’s learning or accommodation needs and current grade availability.

• Christian school

Lee Brothers Academy is a distinguished martial arts school dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 4 and older, including those with diverse learning needs. The academy specializes in teaching Taekwondo and Hapkido, emphasizing effective self-defense techniques while prioritizing the individual growth of each student. With expert instructors, including Grandmaster Sangho Lee and his brothers, who collectively bring unparalleled expertise and over 30 years of experience, the academy stands out for its commitment to quality instruction tailored to the unique needs of its students. The programs offered at Lee Brothers Academy encompass not only martial arts training but also after-school care and summer camps, designed to engage children in a fun and structured manner. The school's approach integrates leadership development and cultural enrichment, allowing students to learn about Korean language and traditions alongside their martial arts training. This holistic methodology ensures that each child not only gains physical skills but also builds confidence, discipline, and respect. What truly differentiates Lee Brothers Academy is its low student-teacher ratio that fosters strong relationships between instructors and students, enabling personalized attention. Additionally, the academy's global perspective is reinforced by its connections with international training opportunities in countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Canada. This exposure enriches the learning experience, making it more comprehensive than typical martial arts programs. By cultivating a family atmosphere where parents can engage actively alongside their children in classes or community events, Lee Brothers Academy creates a supportive network that enhances both personal growth and family bonds through martial arts.

• Martial arts school
• Learning differences

Lee's White Tiger Burlington stands out as a premier martial arts school dedicated to fostering personal growth and development for students of all ages. With a mission centered around empowering individuals, the school caters to children, teens, and adults, providing tailored programs that accommodate various skill levels and needs. The preschool martial arts program focuses on developing gross motor skills and personal character in a fun environment, while the kids' classes emphasize self-defense alongside essential life skills such as discipline, respect, and focus. For teens, the curriculum offers a dynamic alternative to screen time, promoting physical activity and social interaction in a supportive setting. Adults can also benefit from engaging martial arts training that combines fitness with self-defense techniques in a vibrant community atmosphere. Lee's White Tiger is distinguished by its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention that enhances learning outcomes. The school actively promotes family involvement through family martial arts classes and community events that create lasting bonds among participants. This commitment to inclusivity and holistic development makes Lee's White Tiger Burlington an exceptional choice for families seeking meaningful martial arts experiences.

• Martial arts school
• Private school

Our Burlington school combines Christian education with Montessori learning. At Providence, we plan learning around each child's interests, development and growing independence. Students have opportunities to make choices, take responsibility and contribute to their school community. Our adolescent program includes internships as part of career exploration and learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor experiences on our 40-acre property connect students with the natural world. Faith, family participation and relationships are part of daily school life.

• Montessori school