Top 9 Best Special Needs Schools in Jacksonville, North Carolina (2026)

At Excel 8 in Jacksonville, we serve children ages 2–12 with preschool, pre-K, school-age before- and after-school care, and summer camp. Our Exploration Preschool gives 3- and 4-year-olds a 2.5-hour, play-based session with small-group activities in literacy, math, science, art, movement, and storytelling. Children can take part in breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, and we provide transportation to several local schools. Contact our team to discuss your child’s routines and support needs.

• Preschool

Grace Classical School is dedicated to providing a classical education rooted in a Christian worldview, serving students from various backgrounds and learning needs. The school emphasizes the integration of God's Word into all aspects of its curriculum, fostering an environment where students can develop a lifelong love for learning. Utilizing the classical Trivium, Grace Classical School employs time-honored teaching methods that align with the natural developmental stages of children, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Students attend classes two days a week, allowing for flexibility while maintaining structure and accountability in their academic pursuits. This unique university-style schedule not only supports families but also complements home education practices. What sets Grace Classical apart is its commitment to partnering with parents in their children's education, offering a rigorous yet cost-effective approach that aims to cultivate wise and discerning individuals prepared to navigate the world through the lens of faith.

• School
• Private school

Jacksonville Christian Academy (JCA) is dedicated to providing a nurturing and academically rigorous environment for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a strong emphasis on conservative Christian values. The school's mission is rooted in the belief that education is a divine mandate, and as such, the Holy Bible serves as the foundation of its curriculum. This approach ensures that students not only receive a high-quality education but also develop a moral compass aligned with Christian teachings. JCA offers a comprehensive educational experience that includes a variety of subjects, all taught through a biblical lens, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. The school employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and programs designed to support diverse learning needs, ensuring that each child can thrive academically and socially. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, JCA provides personalized attention that allows educators to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of every student. This individualized approach is complemented by strong partnerships with families, creating a supportive community that encourages collaboration and open communication. What sets Jacksonville Christian Academy apart is its unwavering dedication to academic excellence within a faith-based framework, combined with specialized facilities and community events that promote engagement and belonging. This holistic approach not only prepares students for academic success but also nurtures their character and faith, making JCA a distinctive choice for families seeking a comprehensive educational experience grounded in Christian values.

• High school
• Private school

Milestones Academy in Jacksonville, North Carolina, serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school combines individualized instruction with a focus on each student's academic potential and development. Teachers shape learning around student needs and use classroom experiences and global learning opportunities to build knowledge and prepare students for the next stage of school. Milestones Academy belongs to the Onslow County education community and operates alongside Milestones Preschool, a separate program for children ages three through five. The academy emphasizes whole-student growth and works to help each learner reach their academic potential. Milestones Preschool prepares younger children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten, while the Academy serves the K-8 grades. Families should contact the school to confirm current grade placement, admission criteria, and available supports.

• Preschool
• Developmental delays
• ADHD
• Dyslexia

Our Milestones preschool serves children ages 3–5, with learning that prepares them socially, emotionally and academically for kindergarten. Small classrooms and attention to the whole child guide our teaching. Milestones also operates a separate kindergarten-through-grade-eight Academy program with global learning opportunities. Families and teachers work together as children build skills, explore interests and move into the next stage of learning.

• Preschool

Seaside Academy in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a specialized private day academy providing individualized education and behavioral accommodations for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade with learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, and mild neurodevelopmental challenges. Operating in Onslow County, Seaside Academy features small classes (average 6:1 ratio) where certified educators customize curriculum pacing, visual aids, and testing accommodations to fit each student's needs. The school integrates solid core academics with character building, digital literacy, and executive functioning routines, preparing students for standard high school diplomas and post-secondary independence in an encouraging community.

• Preschool
• developmental challenges
• Learning differences
• ADHD

Southwest High School serves an average of 720 students in grades 9 to 12, drawing families from inside Jacksonville and from rural Onslow County. We are one of seven high schools in Onslow County Schools, our student body is multi-ethnic, and we keep a Military Support Services section for the many families who move often. We run a concentrated block schedule: students take four 90-minute courses each semester and can earn eight credits a year. Courses are offered at up to three levels, from remedial reading and math support to Honors and Advanced Placement. Students can take college classes through Coastal Carolina Community College's Career and College Promise, online courses through NCVPS, or specialized courses at the OCS Regional Skills Center. Our CTE program offers industry credentials such as NCCER carpentry, OSHA 10-Hour, ServSafe and Code.org computer science, and we host JROTC and AVID. Our Exceptional Children department includes EC teachers, an EC program coach, teacher assistants, a speech provider and a district physical therapist. Outside class, students join FFA, FCA, Student Council, National Honor Society, theater, journalism, chorus, Battle of the Books, driver education and Stallion athletics.

• Public high school
• Career and technical education
• Advanced Placement courses
• Block schedule

Sturgeon City – Environmental Education Center, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for the environment through innovative education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The center serves a diverse audience, including families with young children and teens, providing engaging programs designed to nurture curiosity and environmental stewardship. With offerings like Sturgeon City Sprouts for toddlers and specialized homeschool classes for older students, the center ensures that learning is accessible and enjoyable for all ages. At the heart of Sturgeon City’s mission is a commitment to transformative education that integrates environmental awareness with STEAM principles. The programs are thoughtfully designed to encourage hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Unique initiatives such as Kids Night Out provide parents with a chance to unwind while their children explore exciting educational activities in a safe environment. What sets Sturgeon City apart is its emphasis on community involvement and its ability to create meaningful partnerships with families. The center's low student-to-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, fostering strong relationships between educators and students. Additionally, the facility offers versatile spaces for events and gatherings, making it a hub for community engagement. Through its various programs and events, Sturgeon City aims not only to educate but also to cultivate future leaders who are equipped to address the challenges facing our planet.

• Non-profit organization
• Private school

ZECA School of Arts and Technology in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is an accredited, tuition-free public charter elementary school dedicated to providing an innovative, inclusive STEAM and arts-integrated education for students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Serving Onslow County families, ZECA provides a supportive, small-school learning environment designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with learning differences, ADHD, and speech-language needs. Certified educators integrate project-based learning, visual arts, digital technology, and comprehensive special education / 504 accommodations, fostering creativity, academic competence, and lifelong curiosity.

• Elementary school
• Diverse & Non-Traditional Learners
• ADHD
• Arts Integration & STEAM