Best Special Needs Schools in Herndon, Virginia (2026)

Compare 1 special needs schools in Herndon. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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Cortona Academy

Listed

Herndon, VAGrades 6-128:1 ratio

Our hybrid high school combines online learning with face-to-face instruction for students in grades 9–12. At Cortona Academy, we use our HTS-3 study and organization system across courses and combine small-group teaching with individual instruction. Our programs include support for students with ADHD and dyslexia, as well as gifted students and those balancing school with athletic or creative commitments. Learning also takes place beyond the classroom through field trips, internships and volunteer projects. Electives include film production, bookbinding, tennis and piano.

School
ADHD
Autism
Transportation

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Nearby school options

Compare special-needs schools near Herndon

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

Special-needs schools in Reston Compare 4 programs about 4 miles away. Special-needs schools in Chantilly Compare 4 programs about 5 miles away. Special-needs schools in Annandale Compare 3 programs about 11 miles away.

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Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Herndon

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 special education guide

How evaluations, IEPs, and private placement work in Virginia public schools.

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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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Herndon

What special education landscape surrounds Herndon?

Herndon addresses are generally served by Fairfax County Public Schools, which runs Child Find and IEP services for county residents. Private programs listed on this page include Cortona Academy and Expressive Speech and Feeding. Confirm your FCPS school assignment first, then use this page to shortlist specialized options the team might discuss.

How do Herndon parents request an evaluation through FCPS?

Give a signed written evaluation request to your child's neighborhood school and keep a dated copy. Younger children register for Child Find through the Fairfax County Public Schools special education registration page. Use FCPS Special Education Registration (Child Find) for official steps.

How do Herndon families pay for private special needs schools?

Virginia does not offer a special-needs voucher. Public funding for private day school depends on an IEP finding that FAPE requires that placement. Some families also explore Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits. See VDOE Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and ask each school about participation and billing.

How should Herndon parents compare supports for learning differences?

Ask how reading and writing instruction is structured, how attention needs are supported, and how progress is measured between report cards. Compare the schools listed on this page with FCPS proposals using the same checklist. Request to observe transitions, not only a showcase lesson.

Where can Herndon families turn if communication with FCPS stalls?

Document every request date, then ask about facilitated IEP meetings or mediation before filing a formal complaint. For free statewide coaching, use PEATC. Pair that help with your FCPS procedural safeguards notice.

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