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

Ambleside of the Willamette Valley is a K-12 school dedicated to nurturing the whole child, particularly those with unique learning needs. The school's core mission centers on recognizing each student as an individual, created in the image of God, and fostering their growth through a curriculum that harmoniously blends character formation with rigorous academics. Catering to students with various profiles, including language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, Ambleside emphasizes a holistic approach to education. The school's programs are designed to cultivate essential habits of mind and body, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also develop moral integrity and emotional resilience. A key differentiator of Ambleside is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong family partnerships. This collaborative environment fosters meaningful relationships among students, teachers, and families, creating a supportive community that enhances each child's educational journey. Through its unique blend of love, respect, and joy in the learning atmosphere, Ambleside inspires students to explore the good, true, and beautiful aspects of life while preparing them for lifelong success.

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

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, particularly those facing language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional challenges. The school's core mission revolves around providing tailored educational programs that cater to the unique strengths and challenges of each student, ensuring they thrive academically and socially. With a focus on individualized learning plans, the district incorporates innovative therapeutic methodologies that promote both cognitive and emotional development. What sets Newberg-Dundee apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention that enhances learning outcomes. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing the vital role that home support plays in student success. Specialized facilities and a range of community events further enrich the educational experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore their interests and talents. Through these efforts, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools exemplifies a compassionate approach to education, empowering every child to reach their full potential.

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

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The district's core mission emphasizes the importance of individualized education, ensuring that each student receives tailored support that aligns with their unique strengths and challenges. The approach combines innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs designed to promote academic success and emotional well-being. With a focus on low student-teacher ratios, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools enhances personalized attention, allowing educators to build meaningful relationships with students and families alike. The district also hosts community events that encourage family engagement, creating a collaborative atmosphere where parents feel empowered to participate in their children's learning journey. This commitment to partnership, alongside specialized facilities and dedicated staff like Dr. Dana Christie, the newly appointed Director of Special Programs, distinguishes Newberg-Dundee as a nurturing place for students to thrive both academically and socially.

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

Mabel Rush Elementary serves about 378 students in kindergarten through 5th grade and is one of six elementary schools in Newberg-Dundee Public Schools. Our building on Deborah Road went up between 1959 and 1961, was last renovated in 2012, and holds 16 K-5 classrooms. We have 30 licensed teachers and 30 classified staff members, plus two school counselors. Students use our school library and take music, and our character education program centers on two ideas: safety, which means taking care of ourselves and others, and respect, which means treating others the way you want to be treated. Our mascot is MARU, the Mabel Rush Lion, and students take part in school traditions like the Lion Walk. Bus service for Mabel Rush families is provided through First Student, and we serve school meals each day. Families can read our newsletter or listen to it as a podcast.

• Public elementary school (K-5)
• Character education
• Public school

Manna Spanish Immersion Preschool in Newberg, Oregon, is dedicated to nurturing globally conscious learners through a unique blend of Spanish immersion and Christian values. Serving children aged 3 to 5, the school focuses on fostering bilingualism and cultural appreciation while instilling a strong moral compass rooted in kindness and empathy. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing children to engage actively in hands-on activities within a Spanish-speaking environment, which not only enhances their language acquisition but also promotes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. Manna stands out with its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention that caters to each child's unique learning style. Furthermore, the school encourages strong family partnerships and community involvement, enriching the educational experience and reinforcing the values taught in the classroom. With an emphasis on character development and global citizenship, Manna empowers its students to become compassionate leaders who are well-prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.

• Preschool
• Private school

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The district's core mission revolves around providing tailored educational experiences that empower each child to thrive academically and socially. With a robust array of programs and therapeutic methodologies, the schools emphasize individualized instruction, incorporating specialized strategies that cater to the unique strengths and challenges of each student. A hallmark of Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which facilitates personalized attention and fosters strong partnerships with families. This collaborative approach extends beyond the classroom, as the district hosts unique community events that engage students, parents, and local organizations, further enriching the educational experience. Under the leadership of Dr. Dana Christie, who brings extensive expertise in special education, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools continues to enhance its offerings, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed in a nurturing environment.

• Middle school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The district's core mission emphasizes personalized education, ensuring that every child receives tailored support to thrive academically and socially. Key programs within the district incorporate a variety of therapeutic methodologies designed to enhance learning outcomes, including specialized instruction, collaborative teaching models, and access to mental health resources. What sets Newberg-Dundee apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and stronger connections between educators and families. Additionally, the district actively promotes family partnerships through community events and initiatives that encourage parental involvement, creating a holistic support network for students. With specialized facilities equipped to address various needs, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools stands out as a nurturing space where every student can achieve their fullest potential.

• High school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

A later Wednesday start is part of our school schedule at Newberg High School; on school days, classes run to mid-afternoon. We serve ninth- through twelfth-graders from Newberg, Dundee and surrounding rural areas on the Douglas Avenue campus. The campus has served the community since 1963, with its most recent expansion and remodel in 2023. Administrators, a dean of students and counselors work with defined student groups. We provide academic counseling, school activities and planning for life after high school. Families can find faculty, review visitor information, explore the resource room and participate as volunteers through our school resources. Those arrangements give families ways to follow schoolwork and take part in campus life. Newberg-Dundee Public Schools' Special Programs Department provides the wider district supports we draw on. Its work includes special education, Section 504, counseling, health services and other learning supports. The team works with students, families and staff on academic, social and emotional needs and barriers to instruction. Families can also use district resources about autism, dyslexia and other learning needs. The relevant support depends on each student's circumstances, alongside the high school's academic and activity program.

• High school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Public school

Open Bible Learning Center is a nurturing preschool and extended day care facility dedicated to supporting the developmental needs of children aged 2½ to 5 years. With over 30 years of experience in the Newberg community, the center's core mission is to provide a safe and engaging environment where young learners can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively. The preschool program emphasizes a play-based curriculum that fosters essential skills in language arts, social-emotional development, and cognitive growth, allowing each child to progress at their own pace while enjoying the learning process. For those preparing for kindergarten, the Pre-K program offers a well-rounded educational experience through integrated centers focusing on math, science, language arts, music, creative arts, and biblical teachings. This holistic approach ensures that children receive a strong foundation for their future schooling. The dedicated staff at Open Bible Learning Center consists of highly trained professionals who are passionate about early childhood education, with ongoing training and certification in CPR and First Aid. The center stands out due to its commitment to low student-teacher ratios and strong partnerships with families, creating a supportive community that values each child's individuality and potential.

• Preschool
• Private school

Red Bucket Christian Preschool is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to fostering the social, academic, and spiritual growth of young children in a nurturing and secure environment. Serving preschool and pre-kindergarten students, the school is committed to meeting each child's developmental needs, particularly those with unique learning profiles. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of every child, emphasizing their individual self-worth and place within both God's family and the broader community. With a focus on encouragement and gentle guidance, teachers at Red Bucket cultivate confidence through exploration and positive reinforcement, allowing children to engage with their curiosity in an inviting atmosphere that blends academics, fellowship, and play. What sets Red Bucket apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and strong family partnerships. This approach not only enhances learning but also builds a supportive community where children are prepared for future educational success in a loving environment.

• Preschool
• Private school