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

ABC of NC Child Development Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an accredited, non-profit specialized educational institution and comprehensive clinic serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from early childhood through age 21 across the Triad region. Operating on a state-of-the-art 26-acre campus, ABC of NC combines evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodologies with multisensory classroom instruction, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and certified special education instructors maintain low student-to-staff ratios (1:1 to 3:1) to develop functional communication, emotional regulation, daily living autonomy, and academic skills. The center provides full-day school programs, early intervention, outpatient therapy, and vocational transition mentorship.

• private
• Autism
• Speech therapy
• Behavioral Challenges

ABC of NC in Winston-Salem provides autism-focused education and therapy services. The organization describes a licensed, accredited non-public school with small group classes and K-12 support, plus center-based ABA therapy, counseling, communication and social-skill work, adaptive living skills, and parent resources.

• 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

Piedmont Forest School in Winston-Salem offers nature-based education for infants through K-8, including preschool, kindergarten, homeschool support, after-school care, and summer camp. North Carolina families using ESA+ often review this program when looking for an outdoor learning option that may accept scholarship funds for eligible children with disabilities or IEPs. Submit an inquiry through Special Needs USA to ask about age groups, enrollment, schedules, and ESA+ participation.

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

The Centers for Exceptional Children (CFEC) has served Winston-Salem and Forsyth County families for 70 years, educating and supporting children with special needs from birth through age 21. Programs span an infants-and-toddlers early intervention track through therapeutic day programming, backed by a family support network and on-site therapies. Funding support includes DSS childcare vouchers and Smart Start of Forsyth County family scholarships.

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

Westlawn School serves twice-exceptional (2e) learners in Winston-Salem, K-12, with individualized curriculums and a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school combines ability-based instruction with social-emotional support, aiming to help students who struggled in past academic settings re-engage and grow. Extended care, clubs, and camp programs run alongside the academic day.

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