Best Special Needs Schools in Woonsocket, Rhode Island (2026)

Action Based Enterprises School in Woonsocket is a RIDE-accredited special education school for students ages 6 to 21 who need support with complex behavioral and social needs. Action Based Enterprises has served Rhode Island families since 2002, and our 141 Main Street building is also home to the Hillside Alternative Program. Students come to us through their local school department. The district starts the referral, then our staff, the family, and district representatives review the student's IEP together and decide whether the placement is the right fit. Once enrolled, each student follows individualized instruction aligned to IEP goals and Rhode Island learning standards, with behavioral support built into every part of the school day. Our teachers use hands-on demonstration learning across the core academic subjects, and students work on self-regulation, communication, technology skills, and early exposure to career and vocational pathways. Action Based Enterprises is a nonprofit, and we also run adult community and employment programs for people with developmental disabilities.

• Private special education day school
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Behavioral support
• Demonstration learning

Beacon Charter Schools is dedicated to nurturing the unique talents and potential of students in grades 6 through 12, particularly those with diverse learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around fostering a supportive environment where creativity and academic excellence thrive together. With a strong emphasis on the arts, students engage in a variety of programs designed to cultivate their artistic abilities while receiving a solid foundation in core academic subjects. The Founders Academy at Beacon serves as an essential entry point for students, allowing them to explore rich arts programs that seamlessly integrate with their academic growth. As students transition into Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, they benefit from a college preparatory curriculum that includes hands-on experiences in specialized areas such as Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, and Culinary Arts. What sets Beacon apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which fosters individualized attention and strong family partnerships. This unique approach not only enhances the educational experience but also strengthens community ties through engaging events that celebrate student achievements and creativity.

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