Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in Lynchburg, Virginia (2026)

Minnick School Lynchburg is a VAISEF-accredited day school operated by Encircle in Lynchburg City, serving students ages 5 through 22 with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disability, developmental delay, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, and traumatic brain injury. Part of the statewide Minnick Schools network. Students are placed through their home school district IEP processes.

• Private special education school
• Autism
• Intellectual disability
• emotional disabilities

New Vistas School is a specialized educational institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia, dedicated to serving students with learning differences and emotional challenges. The school's core mission is to provide a nurturing and accountable environment that fosters academic and personal growth, enabling each child to reach their full potential. Key offerings at New Vistas School include individualized and strategic instruction grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is particularly effective for students with language-based learning disabilities. The curriculum is designed to be hands-on and interactive, incorporating experiential learning that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. Additional services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. What sets New Vistas School apart is its commitment to small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and support for every child. The school boasts a dedicated faculty that is both talented and compassionate, fostering a community where students are celebrated for their individual strengths. With a focus on vocational training and community integration, New Vistas prepares students not only for academic success but also for meaningful participation in society. The supportive environment encourages students to develop confidence and self-esteem, making it a vital resource for families seeking effective educational solutions for their children.

• Special education school
• Learning differences
• Accredited
• Private school

Operating in Lynchburg, Rivermont School Lynchburg North combines K-12 academics with on-site ABA Therapy, Outdoor Playground and Basketball, and Greenhouse (coming soon) for students with autism and emotional disabilities. This campus serves Autism, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, and Traumatic Brain Injury. On-site services and facilities include ABA Therapy, Outdoor Playground and Basketball, Greenhouse (coming soon), Life Skills Room, Vocational Opportunities, and Community Based Learning. Families can reach the campus at 434.485.0667. The campus is led by Principal Audra Daniel. Rivermont Schools runs a statewide Virginia network of accredited private day schools serving students placed by their home divisions.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Emotional Disability

In Lynchburg, Principal Tracy Pouncy, M.Ed leads Rivermont School Lynchburg South, a Virginia day school for K-12 students with autism, emotional disabilities, and related needs. Populations served on this campus span Autism, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, and Traumatic Brain Injury. This site offers Applied Behavior Analyst, Educational Services, Individual and Group Counseling, and Individualized Instruction on campus. For tours and questions, call 434.582.9474. Rivermont Schools is a Virginia network of private day schools accredited by Cognia and VAISEF and licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. Rivermont campuses graduate Virginia diploma-track students whose IEPs cannot be met by their home district alone.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Emotional Disability