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

Our Winston-Salem school combines specialized education with a child development center for learners with autism and related needs. In small-group and individualized instruction, we work on communication, play, social interaction, self-help and academic skills. The center also provides clinic-based services, so families can explore the school and clinical programs separately.

• private
• Autism
• Speech therapy
• Behavioral Challenges

Autistic students in Winston-Salem can attend ABC of NC for both school and therapy. The Education Center is a licensed, accredited non-public school with small-group classes and K-12 support shaped around each child's communication, social, and academic skills. Center-based applied behavior analysis covers communication, play and social skills, and adaptive living skills. Counseling is available for autistic and neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families. Classes and resources are also open to parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists. 89% of clients meet their IEP goals at school.

• private
• Autism
• Neurodivergence
• Communication Differences

iCan House is a dedicated nonprofit organization that has been serving the neurodiverse community for over 15 years, providing a nurturing environment where individuals and their families feel a sense of belonging. Focused on supporting children and young adults with various diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and more, iCan House offers programs tailored to enhance social skills and promote personal growth. The iClub program exemplifies this approach, encouraging participants to engage in social interactions while developing essential life skills in a supportive and judgment-free atmosphere. What sets iCan House apart is its commitment to low student-to-teacher ratios, fostering strong family partnerships, and creating unique community events that celebrate neurodiversity. This inclusive space not only empowers individuals to thrive but also helps them forge meaningful connections, ensuring they are seen and valued within their communities.

• Education center
• ADHD
• Autism
• Dyslexia

At Piedmont Forest School, children learn through creative, child-led play in nature. We offer year-round programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, homeschoolers and afterschool children, as well as summer camp. For 2026–27, our program is moving to Little Creek Park in Winston-Salem. Our new full-day private school program serves ages 5–12 and uses the Little Creek Neighborhood Center alongside outdoor learning. We accept ESA+ scholarships for eligible families.

• Forest school / ESA+ vendor
• Students with disabilities or IEPs
• Infant
• Toddler

We provide therapeutic care and early education for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs in Winston-Salem. Our infant and toddler program serves children from birth through 36 months, and our school programs include pre-K. Nursing care and specialized staff support children during the day. Our therapies include physical, occupational, speech-language and horticulture therapy. Alongside children’s programs, we offer family support, education and community connections for families of children with special needs from birth through age 21.

• Special education school (therapeutic day program)
• Developmental Disabilities
• Special Healthcare Needs
• Birth-to-21 continuum

We teach twice-exceptional learners in Winston-Salem: students who are gifted and also have learning differences. At Westlawn, individualized curriculum and ability-based instruction are paired with social-emotional support. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1. We focus on mastery and adapt work to students' strengths and learning needs. School life also includes clubs, classes and afterschool care provided by our teachers and staff. Separate summer and pop-up camps offer hands-on projects and social activities beyond the academic year.

• Private special education school
• Twice-exceptional
• ADHD
• Learning differences