Top 6 Best Special Needs Schools in Amarillo, Texas (2026)

Acton Academy Amarillo is a private school in Amarillo, opened in 2020, serving children from PreK through 5th grade. Learning is self-paced and learner-driven, drawing on Montessori practice and Socratic discussion, with hands-on projects and real-world challenges rather than lecture and rote work. Studios are flexible and mixed-age, so younger and older children collaborate, and character development sits alongside core academic skills. A LEAP studio is offered for four-year-olds, and families can choose a full-time studio, a hybrid three-day option, or a Fridays-only option.

• School
• Private school

Advo Companies, Inc. is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs through a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet their unique requirements. Serving a diverse population, including adults with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, Advo focuses on providing meaningful support from pre-vocational training to residential care. The organization employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and programs designed to foster independence, skill development, and personal growth. What sets Advo apart is its low student-to-staff ratio, which ensures personalized attention and care for each individual. Additionally, strong partnerships with families create a collaborative environment that enhances the overall experience for clients. With specialized facilities and community events that promote engagement and inclusion, Advo Companies stands out as a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complexities of special needs advocacy.

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

Amarillo Montessori Academy, proudly serving the Amarillo community since 1968, is dedicated to providing a well-rounded private education for children aged six weeks to fifth grade, with a particular focus on nurturing the unique potential of each student. The school's core mission revolves around empowering children through a conscious approach to learning that emphasizes individual needs and interests. Utilizing the Montessori method, educators create engaging and developmentally appropriate classrooms that foster self-discovery and a lifelong love of learning. Beyond academics, Amarillo Montessori prioritizes emotional and social development, offering a rich curriculum that includes Spanish, music, art, yoga, and community learning experiences. The school stands out for its commitment to building strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is vital for student success. With an inclusive environment and specialized facilities designed to support diverse learners, Amarillo Montessori Academy is more than just a school; it is a vibrant community where children thrive both academically and personally.

• Montessori school
• Montessori
• Private school

Preparing snacks, washing hands and using the bathroom are everyday skills children practice in our Lane Day School toddler program. Art, science, mathematics and outdoor activities accompany that work. In our Nido room, infants receive support with tummy time, early language, eating skills, consistent rest routines and outdoor play. Our primary program offers practical life, care of the environment, grace and courtesy, sensorial learning, language, mathematics, science and geography. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is part of the program too. Teachers guide children toward activities that match their developmental stage while leaving time for self-directed Montessori work. Children share communal lunch tables and use an outdoor classroom as well as indoor spaces with natural light. We provide afternoon rest time and an after-school option for toddler and primary ages. Berkley Lane DeBord opened our Amarillo school in 2019 after teaching Montessori in Chicago. She holds a master's degree in education and completed primary-level training at Montessori Northwest. Her experience informs the Montessori education we bring to young children through these classrooms. Enrollment depends on classroom availability. We currently have no openings, and our waitlist is closed.

• School
• Learning differences
• Montessori
• Private school

We help Amarillo middle school students grow through a broad academic program and the daily connections that make school feel manageable. Students can turn to school counselors and take part in athletics alongside their classroom learning.

• Middle school
• Public school

Willow Vista Early Child Academy is dedicated to fostering an innovative and comprehensive educational environment tailored for young learners with diverse needs. Serving children in early childhood, the academy specializes in supporting students with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, ensuring each child receives personalized attention to thrive. The school employs a range of therapeutic methodologies and key programs designed to promote academic growth and social-emotional development, creating a nurturing space where children can explore their potential. What sets Willow Vista apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized instruction and strong family partnerships that enhance the educational experience. The academy also features specialized facilities and hosts unique community events that engage families, promoting a sense of belonging and support for all students.

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