Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Hickory, North Carolina (2026)

Catawba Ridge Child Development Center has cared for Hickory children since 1985. We started small and moved to our current campus in 1988, which now holds 19 classrooms. The building could serve more than 250 children, but we keep enrollment under 200 so child-to-staff ratios stay low. We serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years. Infants have their own nursery, toddlers (12 to 24 months) build vocabulary through storytelling and rhymes, and preschool and Pre-K classes for ages 2 to 4 introduce early literacy, math, visual arts, music and dramatic play. School-age children, ages 5 to 12, come before and after classes for a quiet homework space, group games and outdoor recreation, with pickup from St. Stephens, Snow Creek and Viewmont elementary schools. The same ages can join our summer camp. Every lead teacher holds at least an associate degree in early childhood development, and teachers complete 20 or more hours of training each year. We hold a 4-star rating from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and more than 30 years of Superior Sanitation Classification. We serve USDA-approved meals daily and accept DSS vouchers.

• Private child care center and preschool
• Play-based learning
• Low child-to-staff ratios
• Private school

At Hickory Career & Arts Magnet, students can shape their high school studies around the arts and career interests. Our academies include culinary arts, music, theater, dance and visual arts. Students may also attend classes and participate in sports at Hickory High.

• High school

We serve children from Pre-K through second grade at Southwest Primary in Hickory. Our dual language immersion program gives students opportunities to build bilingual skills in English and Spanish. Teachers use instruction that invites children to learn, solve problems and participate in their school community. We work with families on classroom routines and learning, helping students build foundations before continuing to Longview Elementary.

• Elementary school
• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• 1

Tabernacle Christian School has served Hickory families since 1970. We are a private Christian school for students from PK3 through grade 12, working with families to connect education with biblical teaching. Teachers and administrators emphasize character alongside learning, including courage, kindness, service, stewardship and gratitude. Our school is a ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church and serves families in Catawba County and surrounding communities.

• High school
• PK3
• PK4
• Kindergarten

Our Viewmont Elementary program serves Pre-K through grade five in Hickory. We offer English-Spanish dual language immersion, giving students opportunities to develop bilingual communication alongside academic learning. STEAM classes add hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. We encourage children to explore ideas, think critically and use creativity as they learn.

• Elementary school
• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• 1

At William H. Johnston SDA School in Hickory, Christian faith is part of academic learning and daily school life. We use the Bible as the foundation for our beliefs and conduct, with attention to students' academic, physical, spiritual and social development. Our program includes learning about healthy habits, exercise and service to others. Teachers and students practice cooperation and care in the classroom and community. We are part of the Seventh-day Adventist educational tradition.

• Private school