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Best Special Needs Schools in Lexington, Virginia (2026)

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

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School listings in Lexington

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Virginia Institute of Autism – Lexington

Listed
Lexington, VAGrades K-12

VIA Lexington School at 40 Park Place is one of four day schools run by VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment, which families founded in 1996 as the Virginia Institute of Autism because they could not find effective schooling for their children with autism. It began with four students. Today VIA works with children and adults who have autism or related developmental disabilities in Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Lexington. Our Lexington campus offers the Comprehensive ABA Program, built for students with high support needs. Trained staff teach students individually and in small groups, using contemporary applied behavior analysis teaching and clinical practices to build communication, academic, social and independence skills. Our year-round day schools keep classes small and act as an extension of public schools. The goal for each student is a move into a more inclusive public school setting or a successful transition into adulthood, and families work closely with our behavior analysts, educators and therapists along the way. Our day school programs hold Virginia Department of Education licensure.

  • Private special education day school (autism)
  • Autism
  • Developmental disabilities
  • ABA support
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Nearby school options

Compare special-needs schools near Lexington

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

Special-needs schools in Lynchburg Compare 4 programs about 33 miles away. Special-needs schools in Roanoke Compare 5 programs about 44 miles away. Special-needs schools in Charlottesville Compare 4 programs about 56 miles away.
Browse all special-needs schools in Virginia →

Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Lexington

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Lexington

Which school systems and private options matter for Lexington families?
Lexington City addresses are generally served by Lexington City Schools, while many surrounding Rockbridge County addresses fall under Rockbridge County Public Schools. The private program listed on this page is Virginia Institute of Autism Lexington, which families often tour for younger students needing intensive autism programming. Confirm which division covers your home address before you rely on another jurisdiction's referral process.
How do Lexington parents start a special education evaluation?
In Lexington City Schools, refer a child suspected of having a disability to the Child Study Committee chair at the local school, the principal, or the division special education coordinator. Rockbridge County families outside the city limits should follow that county's student services process instead. Start with Lexington City Special Education or Rockbridge County Special Education depending on residency.
How do Lexington families pay for a private school like Virginia Institute of Autism?
Parent-paid tuition and publicly funded IEP placements are separate paths in Virginia. Public payment for a private day school requires an IEP determination that FAPE cannot be delivered in a less restrictive public setting. Some eligible families may also pursue scholarships through Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits. Review VDOE Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and ask the school how public versus private enrollment differs.
How can I compare autism-focused programs in the Shenandoah Valley?
Ask how the school defines success for communication and daily living skills, how often progress is measured, and whether supports are written into an IEP or a private learning plan. Request to see a typical day that includes transitions, not only a model lesson. Compare Virginia Institute of Autism Lexington with your division's proposed continuum using one checklist before you decide.
Where can Rockbridge area parents get free help understanding special education rights?
Virginia's Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center offers free training and confidential assistance for families navigating IEPs and placements. Visit PEATC before major meetings if you want process coaching. Keep your own notes so you can track division responses over time.

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