Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Columbia, South Carolina (2026)

Arrows Academy blends faith-based classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with parent-led homeschooling. Teachers assign at-home work while parents remain the primary educators; families still register under South Carolina homeschool law. High-school students must join the academy's Option 3 accountability group, while elementary and middle-school students may opt in.

• High school

Ben Lippen School is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that nurtures students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade, aiming to glorify God while equipping them spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. This institution serves a diverse range of learners, including those with unique needs and varying learning styles, fostering an environment where each child can thrive. The school's curriculum integrates core subjects with enriching activities in music, art, Spanish, and physical education to create a well-rounded educational experience. Throughout middle school, students are encouraged to develop healthy relationships and leadership skills through various service opportunities and interest clubs. As they transition into high school, the college preparatory program emphasizes personalized guidance for exploring post-graduation goals alongside a strong biblical foundation. What sets Ben Lippen apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios that foster individualized attention and support, strong partnerships with families to enhance the discipleship process, and a vibrant community that celebrates faith through numerous events. The school's holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow in character and spirit as they prepare to impact the world positively.

• School
• Private school

Ben Lippen School is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that empowers students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With a mission to glorify God and impact the world through a biblical worldview, the school serves a diverse student body, including those with unique learning needs. The curriculum integrates core subjects with enriching programs in music, arts, Spanish, and physical education, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. As students progress through middle and high school, they are encouraged to develop leadership skills and engage in community service while receiving personalized guidance for their future aspirations. What sets Ben Lippen apart is its commitment to fostering strong family partnerships and creating a supportive environment characterized by low student-teacher ratios. The school not only focuses on academic excellence but also emphasizes character development through its signature programs that encourage creativity in the arts and sportsmanship in athletics. Through various community events and spiritual life activities, Ben Lippen nurtures a vibrant community where students can grow in faith and purpose.

• School
• Private school

At Carolina School for Inquiry in Columbia, children learn by asking questions, exploring ideas, and showing respect for themselves and the people around them. Our school welcomes a diverse group of students and places kindness and active inquiry at the center of its mission. Teachers encourage children to take part in their own learning, share their thinking, and grow in confidence as they work with classmates. Founding Director Dr. Victoria Dixon-Mokeba leads the school with an emphasis on curiosity, reading, and putting knowledge into action. This year’s “Books and Boots on the Ground for Academic Excellence” theme connects classroom learning with work students can do in the wider world. Families can use our school site to find current forms, event notices, breakfast and lunch information, and school updates. Parents can also contact the office to ask about enrollment and the school day. Carolina School for Inquiry is at 7405-A Fairfield Road.

• Public educational institution
• Charter school

Art, music and play start early at Hammond, and students can stay through grade 12 on our Columbia campus. Lower-school children build confidence through classroom work, art, music and play. Middle-school students take on new academic and extracurricular challenges, while upper-school students deepen their interests and prepare for what comes after graduation. Our campus also offers athletics, the arts and service learning across grade levels. A visit can help you explore the division your child would enter and the learning support we can provide.

• Private school

Our West Columbia classrooms serve students in grades 2 to 12 with diagnosed learning differences or disabilities. We teach the core courses required by South Carolina and break coursework into manageable steps so students can learn at their own pace. Teachers use students’ strengths and interests to shape instruction, hands-on materials, and educational field trips. At our West Columbia campus, students also learn alongside peers at Grace Christian School.

• Special education school
• Learning differences
• Grades 2-12

Jubilee Academy grew out of Heartworks Ministry, which our founder started in 1998 after leaving inner-city teaching to mentor Columbia children and their families full time. That after-school and summer work led to a year-round, full-time independent Christian school, which completed its first academic year in 2007 serving families from the Waites Road community. The school is named for the year of jubilee in Leviticus 25, and we earned SCISA accreditation in 2009. Our curriculum follows the Montessori Method with Bible instruction at its center. We serve infants and toddlers in Nido and Toddler Community classrooms, children ages 3 to 6 in Primary, and Elementary and Upper Elementary students ages 6 to 12. Primary children work with Sensorial, Practical Life, math, language and geography materials, and older students move on to long division, geometry, sentence diagramming and research. Gardening is part of every age level. We run year-round. Our extended day program adds athletics, arts and crafts, music and drama, and summer brings camp, hands-on learning and a developing farm program. Parents join in Practical Life activities and observe in the classroom regularly.

• Christian Montessori school (infant to elementary)
• Montessori
• Year-round school
• Gardening

Kids Garden is a nurturing and innovative learning center dedicated to children aged 1 to 12, offering a unique blend of drop-in childcare and structured educational programs. The school's core mission is to provide a safe, engaging environment where children can explore, create, and grow through hands-on, screen-free activities inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia methodologies. With a focus on holistic development, Kids Garden fosters positive socialization, fine motor skills, and effective communication through a diverse curriculum that emphasizes creative arts and experiential learning. What sets Kids Garden apart is its commitment to eco-friendly practices, low student-to-teacher ratios, and strong partnerships with families. The center features a secure environment filled with natural light, living plants, and thoughtfully curated materials that stimulate young minds. With flexible scheduling options, including pay-as-you-go preschool and after-school enrichment programs, Kids Garden stands as an exceptional choice for parents seeking a supportive community where their children can flourish in creativity and curiosity.

• Preschool
• Montessori
• Private school
• Reggio Emilia

Sandhills School is at 1500 Hallbrook Drive in southeast Columbia, off Garners Ferry Road. It opened in 1975 as Sandhills Academy and became Sandhills School in 2003. The program serves grades 1 through 12. It is an Orton-Gillingham Academy accredited instructional program and teacher-training center. The schoolwide ratio is 3:1. Homerooms average 7 students, and lower- and middle-school language training groups average 2. The 20-acre campus has three academic buildings, an arts and recreation center, a soccer field, a playground, walking trails, and a pond. The school day runs 8:15 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Aftercare runs until 5:30 p.m. Students come from about a 45-mile radius around Columbia.

• Private day school
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia

Savannah Oaks Academy is a private secondary school dedicated to fostering a dynamic, college and career-focused education for students in grades 6 through 12. This institution serves a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, ensuring that each individual receives the tailored support they need to thrive. The academy employs a hybrid learning model that combines engaging in-person classes with independent digital coursework, promoting self-discipline and critical thinking skills essential for future success. With smaller class sizes, Savannah Oaks Academy prioritizes personalized attention, allowing educators to nurture deeper understanding and engagement among students. Additionally, the school offers robust career readiness programs that include dual enrollment opportunities and specialized electives such as Sports Medicine and Criminal Justice. These programs not only equip students with real-world skills but also provide leadership experiences through initiatives like the Student Ambassador Program. What sets Savannah Oaks Academy apart is its commitment to creating an inclusive community where education meets opportunity, empowering students to embrace challenges and inspire their futures.

• School house
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Private school