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Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in Orem, Utah (2026)

Compare 7 special needs schools in Orem. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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School listings in Orem

Exterior of Silver Peak School in Orem
3

Silver Peak School - Orem

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Orem, UT • Ages 3-5

Silver Peak School is at 525 North 400 East in Orem, on the former Sharon Elementary campus. Alpine School District opened it in August 2026 for students with severe disabilities in preschool through grade 12. The building has a sensory room, a full-size gym and stage, and an adaptive playground. On-site related services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, vision, hearing, and orientation and mobility. Kindergarten through grade 12 runs 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Morning preschool runs 9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Timpanogos Transition and Education Center occupies a separate side of the same campus.

  • Public special-purpose school
  • Severe disabilities
  • Sensory support
  • Preschool through grade 12
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4

Telos

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Orem, UT • Ages 14-26 • 1:4 staff to student in classes that use teacher aides ratio

Telos operates several residential programs plus outpatient services in Orem, Utah. Residential options include Telos Academy (adolescent boys ages 14 to 17, medium structure, with high school academics), Geneva (adolescent boys needing higher structure and supervision), Carter House (adolescent boys with primary or co-occurring substance use, a Seven Challenges certified program), Vineyard (an in-network insurance option for adolescent and young adult males), and Telos U (a co-ed program for young adults ages 18 to 26 combining structured living with therapy and life-skills education). Outpatient services include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Academics are provided through an on-campus, Cognia-accredited high school. Teachers are licensed and credentialed in their content areas, class sizes are 6 to 9 students, and classes that use teacher aides run at a 1:4 staff-to-student ratio. The school uses PowerSchool for parent monitoring and offers a 12-week SAT and ACT preparation course. Teachers coordinate with the treatment team so therapeutic support continues through the school day. Telos states that its programs operate under Utah state licensing and national accreditation, that it has been accredited by the Joint Commission with Gold status since 2004, and that it belongs to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. The average length of stay in residential programs is about 10 months, except Vineyard, where treatment typically lasts 60 to 90 days.

  • Residential treatment center and therapeutic boarding school with an on-campus accredited high school
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
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5

The Kreative Space: Expressions of Neurodiversity

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Orem, UT • Ages 18-22

The Kreative Space is a dedicated job training program designed specifically for autistic and neurodivergent young adults, providing them with essential skills and opportunities to thrive in the workforce. This initiative serves individuals typically aged 18 and older who may face challenges related to autism spectrum disorders or other neurodiverse conditions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through creative arts and vocational experiences, allowing participants to explore their talents while gaining practical job skills. What sets The Kreative Space apart is its commitment to fostering independence and self-expression among its artists. By engaging in various artistic projects, including handcrafted products like pens and soaps, participants not only build their professional capabilities but also contribute to a supportive community that values their unique perspectives. The low student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention, enhancing the learning experience while promoting strong partnerships with families. Additionally, community events showcase the talents of these young adults, further empowering them and raising awareness about neurodiversity. Overall, The Kreative Space stands out as a nurturing environment that champions the potential of every individual it serves.

  • Vocational school
  • Autism
  • Neurodivergent
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6

Timpanogos Transition and Education Center - Orem

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Orem, UT • Ages 18-22

The Timpanogos Transition and Education Center is at 525 North 400 East in Orem. It opened in August 2026 on the south side of the former Sharon Elementary campus, separate from Silver Peak School. TTEC serves students ages 18-22. The first year began with about 90 students and five classroom teachers. Students practice life skills, community participation, and employment. The building includes an apartment-style space for independent living practice. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision, hearing, and speech are available on campus. School hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

  • Public transition program
  • Transition support
  • Independent living practice apartment
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Planning guides

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Orem

Which district will hold my child's IEP in Orem after the Alpine split?
Orem is currently served by Alpine School District, but Utah County voters approved dividing Alpine into three districts, and Orem is slated to fall under the new Timpanogos district when the split takes effect in July 2027. New school boards were elected in late 2025 and took office in January 2026, and they are still setting boundaries and dividing staff and assets. Ask your school which LEA will hold your child's IEP through the transition and how continuity of services will be protected.
How do I request a special education evaluation in Orem?
Send a written, dated request to your principal and the district special education office describing specific concerns with examples across academics, communication, and behavior. Under USBE Special Education Rules (SER II.D.1), the district must complete evaluation testing within 45 school days of receiving written parental consent. Crucially, under federal policy (OSEP Memo 11-07), the district cannot delay testing by requiring general-education MTSS or RTI tiers first. For official state guidance on eligibility, IEP development, and procedural safeguards, see USBE Special Education Services.
What should Orem families document during the district transition?
Any reorganization creates risk that hard-won supports get lost in the handoff. Keep your own copies of the current IEP, recent evaluations, progress data, and any behavior plan, and make sure successful accommodations are written specifically enough to survive a change in staff or district. Vague language like extra support is easy to drop; concrete service minutes and described strategies are not.
Where can Orem parents get free help preparing for an IEP meeting?
The Utah Parent Center offers free parent consultants and IEP coaches statewide. During a period of district reorganization, an advocate who knows Utah's process can help you confirm that a new team is actually implementing the plan your child already had.
Can a Utah scholarship help pay for private school in Orem?
Utah families can explore two distinct state scholarship programs: the universal Utah Fits All Scholarship (providing up to $8,000 per student through an ESA for private school tuition, therapies, and approved materials) and the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS, for students with a qualifying public-school IEP attending approved private special education schools). The two scholarships cannot be held simultaneously. Confirm participating Utah County schools and current application dates on the state's official special needs scholarship grants page and the Utah Fits All portal.

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