Find Top Programs in Texas
Discover Texas schools and centers with individualized instruction, low student-teacher ratios, and integrated social-emotional support. Browse programs across 115 cities with 365 total programs.
Let us help you find the right fit
Our team can match your child with schools in Texas.
Featured providers
Trusted partners in Texas
Highlighted schools and ABA therapy centers serving families across Texas.
Cities with Schools in Texas
Explore schools across 115 cities in Texas. Use search to quickly find schools in your area.
Popular Cities
Cities with the most schoolsAll Cities A-Z
115 cities totalCities Starting with A
6 citiesCities Starting with B
9 citiesCities Starting with C
5 citiesCities Starting with D
3 citiesCities Starting with E
2 citiesCities Starting with F
7 citiesCities Starting with G
7 citiesCities Starting with H
6 citiesCities Starting with K
3 citiesCities Starting with L
10 citiesLa Porte
1Lake Jackson
3Lakeway
1Lancaster
2League City
4Leander
5Lewisville
2Little Elm
4Live Oak
1Lufkin
1Cities Starting with M
9 citiesCities Starting with N
2 citiesCities Starting with O
1 cityCities Starting with P
7 citiesCities Starting with R
7 citiesCities Starting with S
14 citiesSaginaw
1San Angelo
1San Antonio
12San Benito
1Schertz
2Seabrook
1Selma
1Sherman
6South Houston
1Southlake
1Spring
5Stafford
2Stephenville
1Sugar Land
5Cities Starting with T
5 citiesCities Starting with U
2 citiesCities Starting with V
2 citiesSpecial Education in Texas: What Parents Need to Know
Texas uses school-day deadlines and an ARD committee rather than the IEP-team label used in many states. The new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program began with the 2026-27 school year and gives students with disabilities priority and a larger award, up to $30,000, at participating private schools.
We currently list 365 specialized schools and programs across 115 communities in Texas.
Evaluation and IEP timing in Texas
The Full and Individual Initial Evaluation report is generally due within 45 school days after the district receives signed consent. The ARD committee must meet within 30 calendar days after the written report to determine eligibility and develop the IEP, with special end-of-year rules.
- The district generally has 15 school days to respond to a written evaluation request
- The FIIE report is due within 45 school days after consent
- The first ARD meeting is due within 30 calendar days after the report
How specialized placements are funded in Texas
Texas Education Freedom Accounts, run by the Texas Comptroller, launched for 2026-27 and pay approved private-school tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other education expenses. A student at a participating private school receives $10,474 for 2026-27. A student with a disability can receive up to $30,000, based on the funding the home district would receive to serve the child's IEP, but the IEP must be on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period. Homeschooled students receive $2,000. The first application window ran February 4 through March 31, 2026, and applications far exceeded available funding, so not every eligible applicant received an award.
- 2026-27 TEFA award: $10,474 at a participating private school, up to $30,000 for a student with a disability, $2,000 for homeschool
- The disability amount depends on a current IEP filed with TEA before the application window closes, so keep the public-school evaluation current
- Students with disabilities receive statutory priority, but awards depend on available funding
- An account-funded private school is distinct from a district ARD placement and does not carry the IEP with it
Types of Special Needs Schools in Texas
Not every placement type exists in every state. These are the settings families actually find in Texas.
Nonpublic schools and TEFA-approved providers
Texas districts may place students at nonpublic schools through an ARD decision, while TEFA separately allows family-selected approved providers.
Best for: Students whose funding route, IEP, or support needs match this state-specific placement category
District and regional public programs
Texas districts may serve students in neighborhood schools, separate classrooms, regional cooperatives, or public separate schools depending on the IEP.
Best for: Students who can receive FAPE within the public-school continuum
Autism and therapeutic day schools
These programs combine academics with behavioral, communication, sensory, or clinical support. Approval and public-payment status must be checked separately.
Best for: Students who need coordinated instruction and therapeutic support throughout the school day
Independent schools for learning differences
These schools commonly focus on dyslexia, language-based learning disabilities, ADHD, executive function, or small-group instruction.
Best for: Students who need specialized teaching but not an intensive therapeutic placement
Texas Special Needs School Questions
How long does a special education evaluation take in Texas?
The Full and Individual Initial Evaluation report is generally due within 45 school days after the district receives signed consent. The ARD committee must meet within 30 calendar days after the written report to determine eligibility and develop the IEP, with special end-of-year rules.
What funding can families use for a specialized school in Texas?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts, run by the Texas Comptroller, launched for 2026-27 and pay approved private-school tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other education expenses. A student at a participating private school receives $10,474 for 2026-27. A student with a disability can receive up to $30,000, based on the funding the home district would receive to serve the child's IEP, but the IEP must be on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period. Homeschooled students receive $2,000. The first application window ran February 4 through March 31, 2026, and applications far exceeded available funding, so not every eligible applicant received an award.
Can a Texas district pay for a private special education placement?
Yes, when the IEP team determines that the district cannot provide FAPE in its own programs. The public agency then remains responsible for the placement and IEP. A family-selected private enrollment or scholarship is a different legal and funding route.
What types of specialized schools operate in Texas?
The state-specific options described on this page include Nonpublic schools and TEFA-approved providers, District and regional public programs, Autism and therapeutic day schools, Independent schools for learning differences. Approval, tuition responsibility, and admission rules differ by setting, so confirm both the school's status and who is responsible for payment before enrolling.
Where should I start for a child under three in Texas?
Texas Early Childhood Intervention is the state's birth-to-three starting point. Local ECI contractors serve eligible children from birth to 36 months and coordinate the transition to school-district services.
Can TEFA pay for an autism school or a school for executive function and learning differences in Texas?
Yes, if the school participates in Texas Education Freedom Accounts. For 2026-27 a student at a participating private school receives $10,474, and a student with a disability can receive up to $30,000 when a current IEP is on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period. That makes the public-school evaluation and IEP worth completing even if you plan to go private. Ask each school whether it participates in TEFA, which therapies it provides on campus, and how it supports attention, organization, and planning, because a TEFA-funded private school does not have to follow your child's IEP.
Texas Guides & Resources
Next steps for families comparing schools, requesting an evaluation, or working out how to pay for a placement.
Texas Education Freedom Account guide
Disability priority, funding rules, covered expenses, and the 2026-27 rollout.
Read more →ABA therapy in Texas
Compare therapy access and school support as separate parts of a child's plan.
Read more →How to request a special education evaluation
Start the written record before tracking Texas's evaluation timeline.
Read more →Complete IEP guide
Prepare for eligibility, services, placement, and annual review decisions.
Read more →504 plan vs IEP
Compare the protections and services available through each plan.
Read more →Choosing a special needs school
Questions to ask when comparing programs in Texas.
Read more →Early intervention guide
Understand birth-to-three services and the transition into Texas schools.
Read more →IEP meeting prep checklist
Organize records, questions, and priorities before the team meets.
Read more →Autism rates by state
Compare federal autism-identification data for Texas.
Read more →Sources for this page
- Texas evaluation and special education guidance
- Texas placement or education funding guidance
- Texas Early Childhood Intervention official program information
State rules change. This page was last reviewed against primary sources on October 8, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your school district or the relevant state agency before making a decision.
Texas guides
Funding and services guides for Texas families
Find Your Perfect Match
With 365 schools and centers across 115 cities in Texas, we'll help you find the right educational environment for your child's unique needs.