How many special needs schools are in Alexandria, Virginia?

Alexandria has 2 specialized schools for children with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and developmental differences. These schools offer individualized programs with small class sizes and specialized support services.

How do I choose a special needs school in Alexandria, Virginia?

The right school in Alexandria depends on your child's diagnosis, learning style, and support needs. Compare the 2 schools on this page for expertise with your child's profile, student-teacher ratio, on-site therapies, transportation, and family communication. Schedule visits, ask how the school handles IEP coordination with your district, and read parent reviews before deciding.

Do Alexandria special needs schools offer transportation?

Transportation availability varies by school in Alexandria. Some private schools provide bus services, while others require parent transportation. Many schools work with families to find solutions including carpooling arrangements and nearby pickup locations.

What types of special needs programs are available in Alexandria?

Alexandria schools offer programs for autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral challenges, developmental delays, and multiple disabilities. Services typically include specialized academic instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support.

Best Special Needs Schools in Alexandria, Virginia (2026)

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Alternative Paths Training School Alexandria

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Alexandria, VA • Grades PreK-12

Alternative Paths Training School (APTS) is a year-round special education day school dedicated to providing a highly structured and supportive environment for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities, including emotional and learning disabilities. The core mission of APTS is to facilitate the growth and development of each student, ensuring they receive the tailored educational and therapeutic support necessary to thrive. APTS offers a range of specialized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of its students. Key offerings include: - Intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to address self-injurious and aggressive behaviors. - Individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to the specific learning styles and needs of each student. - Speech and language therapy to enhance communication skills. - Occupational therapy focused on improving daily living skills and sensory integration. - Social skills groups aimed at fostering peer interactions and building relationships. - Vocational training opportunities to prepare students for future employment. What sets APTS apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. The school features a nurturing campus environment equipped with specialized technology and resources to enhance learning. Additionally, APTS emphasizes community integration and offers summer programs that provide continued support and engagement for students outside the traditional school year.

Special education school
Autism
developmental disabilities
emotional disabilities

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Rivermont School – Alexandria

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Alexandria, VA • Grades K-12

Rivermont School Alexandria is a VAISEF-accredited day school serving students ages 5 through 22 with autism, emotional disability, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, developmental delay, other health impairments, and traumatic brain injury. Part of the nationwide Rivermont Schools (New Story Schools) network, the Alexandria campus provides intensive special education in Northern Virginia. Students are placed through IEP processes.

Private special education school
Autism
emotional disabilities
Intellectual disability

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Nearby school options

Compare special-needs schools near Alexandria

Families often compare nearby cities when commute, availability, services, or age fit differ.

Special-needs schools in Falls Church Compare 6 programs about 7 miles away. Special-needs schools in Annandale Compare 3 programs about 7 miles away. Special-needs schools in Reston Compare 5 programs about 14 miles away.

Browse all special-needs schools in Virginia →

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Alexandria

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team how a proposed setting will support your child's goals.

Virginia FIS Waiver guide

Check FIS Waiver eligibility, the priority-based waitlist, and CSB application steps before contacting schools.

How to choose a special needs school

Prepare school-tour questions, compare supports and family communication, and record what each program can show you.

IEP process guide

Bring your IEP, progress evidence, and focused questions to conversations about evaluations, services, or placement.

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Find ABA therapy centers in Alexandria, Virginia. Many families use both specialized schools and therapy services to support their child's development.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Alexandria

What special education landscape surrounds Alexandria?

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves city residents, while nearby Fairfax County and Arlington County run separate systems with different program names and transportation rules. Private day options listed on this page include Alternative Paths Training School Alexandria and Rivermont School - Alexandria. Confirm whether your child is an ACPS student before relying on another jurisdiction's referral process.

How do Alexandria families request a special education evaluation?

Send a signed written request to your child's school and the ACPS Office of Specialized Instruction describing concerns and asking for an evaluation. Evaluations proceed only after parental consent. ACPS outlines specialized instruction and process information at ACPS Office of Specialized Instruction. Keep copies of everything you submit.

How is private special needs school tuition handled for Alexandria students?

Virginia has no statewide special-needs ESA. If the IEP team determines a private day school is required for FAPE, public funding may support that placement. Families exploring parent-paid private schools can also review Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits. See VDOE Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits for official program details, and ask each school how billing works with ACPS when a public placement is on the table.

How should Alexandria parents compare autism or behavioral program fits?

Ask who writes behavior plans, how staff are trained, how families get daily or weekly updates, and how the school measures replacement skills. Compare the schools listed on this page with ACPS continuum options, and request data rather than marketing claims. Observe transitions and unstructured time whenever possible.

What transportation questions matter for Alexandria special placements?

Ask the IEP team whether transportation is a related service, how long the ride may be across Northern Virginia traffic, and what happens on early-dismissal days. Clarify pickup windows and whether curb-to-curb service applies. Get those details in writing before you accept a placement that depends on a long commute.

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Special Needs Education in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria offers 2 specialized educational institutions for children with diverse learning needs. These schools serve students with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other special needs in the Northern Virginia area.

Alexandria Private School Programs

Alexandria offers specialized private school options in the Washington DC metro area, with schools focused on individualized learning and therapeutic support for special needs students.

Small Class Sizes

Intimate learning environments with 4:1 to 6:1 student-teacher ratios

Multisensory Learning

Structured literacy programs, Orton-Gillingham, hands-on approaches

College Prep

Academic support, study skills, standardized test preparation

What to Look For in Alexandria

Low student-to-teacher ratios (typically 4:1 to 8:1)
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
On-site therapy services (speech, occupational, behavioral)
Experienced special education staff
Specialized curriculum for different learning styles

Getting Started in Alexandria

Schedule tours with 3-5 schools that match your child's needs
Ask about their experience with your child's specific diagnosis
Inquire about transportation options in Alexandria
Discuss admission requirements and waiting lists
Compare tuition costs and available funding options

Alexandria Special Education Resources & Support

Virginia State Resources

Virginia Department of Education
Special education office - (804) 225-2402
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
Free parent training - (800) 869-6782

Helpful Guides

Complete Guide to Special Education in Virginia

Rights, IEP process, school options & more

Understanding the IEP Process

Step-by-step guide for Virginia parents

Nearby Areas with Special Needs Schools

Can't find the right fit in Alexandria? Explore specialized schools in nearby Virginia communities:

Best Special Needs Schools in Alexandria, Virginia (2026)

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