Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Eugene, Oregon (2026)

Angel's Daycare & Preschool is a certified in-home childcare facility dedicated to fostering a nurturing and familiar environment for young children. With a mission centered on the safety, well-being, and holistic development of each child, this daycare serves infants and toddlers through preschool age, ensuring that every child feels secure and valued. The programs are designed to encourage social interaction and emotional growth, allowing children to thrive alongside their peers. What sets Angel's Daycare & Preschool apart is its commitment to maintaining a warm atmosphere that feels like home, coupled with strong family partnerships that enhance the learning experience. This unique approach not only supports children's developmental needs but also builds a community where families can connect and share in their children's growth journey.

• Preschool
• Private school

Baker Charter Schools, encompassing Baker Web Academy and Baker Early College, are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students across Oregon. Founded in 2008 and sponsored by the Baker School District, these public charter schools cater to a diverse range of learners, including those with unique educational needs. Baker Web Academy offers a free, home-based online schooling option for K-12 students, emphasizing personalized education through a flexible curriculum and dedicated advisors. Meanwhile, Baker Early College allows high school students to attend local community college campuses full-time at no cost, enabling them to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This innovative approach not only fosters academic achievement but also promotes independence and responsibility among students. What sets Baker Charter Schools apart is their commitment to individualized learning experiences, supported by Oregon-certified teachers who are passionate about guiding each student's educational journey. With a focus on strong family partnerships and community involvement, these schools create an inclusive environment that nurtures the potential of every child.

• Charter school
• Public school

Main Street Montessori Association, also known as Children's Choice Montessori, has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon for over 30 years. This not-for-profit institution is dedicated to providing a nurturing Montessori environment for toddlers through kindergarten students, focusing on fostering independence and a love for learning. The school serves children with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional. Children's Choice Montessori employs innovative educational methodologies that emphasize self-directed learning and social-emotional development. Through engaging activities that blend work and play, students thrive in a supportive atmosphere where creativity is encouraged, and individual quirks are embraced. The low student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention, allowing each child to progress at their own pace while building essential life skills. What sets Children's Choice Montessori apart is its commitment to strong family partnerships and community involvement. Parents consistently express appreciation for the staff's dedication to fostering their children's growth in meaningful ways. The school's emphasis on open communication keeps families informed about their children's experiences and achievements, creating a collaborative environment that enriches the educational journey.

• Montessori school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

Congregational Preschool is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners, specifically catering to children aged two to four. With a core mission centered on exploration and respect, the preschool offers a developmental program that encourages each child to pursue their individual interests while progressing at their own pace. The skilled teachers design educational activities that not only entice young minds but also foster skill development across various domains. Families appreciate the non-sectarian approach of Congregational Preschool, ensuring that children are immersed in a supportive community without religious instruction. What sets this preschool apart is its commitment to creating a child-directed, teacher-inspired educational atmosphere, complemented by low student-teacher ratios and strong family partnerships. This unique blend of personalized attention and community involvement makes Congregational Preschool a cherished choice for parents seeking a safe and loving environment for their children.

• Preschool
• Private school

Early Childhood CARES, affiliated with the University of Oregon, is dedicated to providing essential early intervention and special education services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children in Lane County. Serving over 1,600 children each year who may experience developmental delays or disabilities, the program focuses on a wide age range and diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and autism. The approach at Early Childhood CARES emphasizes individualized support through a variety of services such as parent consultation, parent-toddler groups, specialized preschools, and targeted therapy options including speech, physical, and occupational therapy. What sets Early Childhood CARES apart is its team of licensed professionals who bring expertise in early childhood special education and related fields, ensuring that each child receives tailored care. Additionally, the program fosters strong partnerships with families and local preschools to create a supportive community environment that enhances each child's development. With its commitment to quality education and therapeutic support in specialized facilities, Early Childhood CARES stands out as a vital resource for families navigating the challenges of early childhood development.

• Public educational institution
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Disabilities

Families have been bringing children to Eugene Montessori School since 1962, and many of today's parents sat in our classrooms themselves. We are a private Montessori preschool and kindergarten for children ages 3 through 6 on Oakmont Way in Eugene. Our multi-age classrooms let children choose their work, at a table or on a rug, alone or in small groups. Each day includes practical life and sensorial activities along with language, math, science, geography, world cultures, history, art and writing. All of our teachers are trained in the Montessori Method, and an assistant works in every classroom to keep the number of children per adult low. Music and physical education are taught by specialists on our regular staff, and outdoor time is part of every day. The program runs five days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with half-day sessions available. A morning snack and a hot lunch are included, and families come together for a winter program in December and a parent and child night in the spring.

• Montessori preschool and kindergarten
• Montessori
• Multi-age classrooms
• Private school

Eugene Waldorf School, established in 1980, is dedicated to providing an inspired education for children from preschool through eighth grade, focusing on their holistic development. The school serves a diverse range of students, including those with unique learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. At the heart of its mission is the commitment to educate the whole child by engaging their body, mind, and spirit. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to integrate arts, humanities, and sciences, allowing children to explore subjects like art, music, math, language, movement, and play in a joyful and immersive environment. This approach not only fosters a love of learning but also strengthens creativity and deepens understanding while cultivating a sense of community among students. With a low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships, Eugene Waldorf School stands out for its nurturing atmosphere and specialized facilities that support individual growth. The school's unique community events further enhance the educational experience, making it a place where each child can thrive in their journey towards becoming responsible and engaged members of society.

• Waldorf school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

Family School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around fostering each child's unique strengths while addressing their individual challenges, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Family School employs innovative programs that incorporate multi-grade classrooms and therapeutic methodologies, promoting peer mediation and collaborative learning experiences. The school's commitment to family involvement enhances the educational journey, creating strong partnerships between educators and families. With a focus on low student-teacher ratios, specialized facilities, and community events that celebrate diversity, Family School stands out as a beacon of support for families seeking an empathetic and effective educational experience for their children.

• Elementary school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school

Far Horizons Montessori School, located in Eugene, Oregon, has been a cornerstone of Montessori education for over 60 years, dedicated to nurturing the unique potential of each child from ages 2.5 to 12. The school's core mission is to foster self-directed learning through an empathetic and supportive environment that emphasizes kindness, cooperation, and respect. With a strong commitment to the Montessori Method, Far Horizons provides tailored educational experiences for children with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both primary and elementary programs, focusing on project-based learning that encourages creativity and critical thinking. Students are engaged in hands-on activities that promote exploration and discovery, complemented by ample outdoor experiences such as nature walks and field trips utilizing city transportation. What truly sets Far Horizons apart is its low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and fostering strong partnerships with families. This collaborative approach not only enhances the educational journey but also creates a vibrant community where every child can thrive academically and socially.

• Montessori school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Montessori

Lane School is a public special education program run by Lane Education Service District on its Westmoreland Campus in Eugene. We serve students in kindergarten through 8th grade from across Lane County who need intensive support for social, emotional or behavioral needs. Students come to us by referral from their home district, and placement is an IEP team decision. Classes are small and highly structured. Each elementary classroom has a lead teacher and two instructional assistants, and each middle school classroom has a lead teacher and one assistant. Instruction is grouped by skill, and a research-based social-emotional curriculum teaches problem solving, calming tools and how the brain responds to stress. We use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, trauma-informed care and Collaborative Problem Solving, along with a level system and individual behavior plans. Behavior consultants on campus handle daily check-ins and crisis response, and all staff train annually in the Mandt System. Most students attend for two to three years. Our transition team then works with the home district on a support plan for the student's return to a less restrictive setting.

• Public special education day program (K-8)
• Emotional/behavioral support
• PBIS
• Trauma-informed care