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

Ideaventions Academy is an independent school in Reston, Virginia for gifted students in grades 1 through 12. It began in 2010 as an out-of-school science and engineering program and opened as a full-time school in 2015. Admission is holistic, and the school typically enrolls students scoring around the 98th percentile on IQ testing. Classes are intentionally small, with no more than 8 students per grade in grades 1 through 3 and generally 10 per grade in grades 4 through 12. Teachers are subject specialists. Two thirds hold at least a master's degree, and 25 percent hold PhDs. The program emphasizes math and science alongside reading, writing, and theatre, and includes lab work, research, four post-AP math classes, and student-run clubs, sports, and field trips. Ideaventions Academy is not a therapeutic or special education program and has no certified special education teachers on staff. It may be able to accommodate some mild learning differences depending on the student body and the specific needs of the child. Any known or suspected learning or emotional differences should be disclosed during admissions. The school is accredited by Cognia.

• Private independent school for gifted students (grades 1-12)
• Gifted
• 1
• 2

We offer preschool, elementary and middle school education in Reston at the Academy of Christian Education. Academic learning is grounded in a biblical worldview, with an emphasis on preparing students to learn, lead and serve. Our preschool entry requirement is age three by September 30. We build students’ academic foundations while connecting learning with Christian faith and responsibility to others.

• Private educational institution

Reston Montessori School began in 1986 with a single primary classroom and is now the oldest Montessori school in Reston, a full member of the American Montessori Society serving children from 3 months through eighth grade. Our building holds one infant Nido, two Pre-Primary toddler rooms, four Primary classrooms for ages 3 to 6, and Lower and Upper Elementary classes, plus a small Middle School for ages 12 to 14. The infant room keeps a 1 to 3 ratio with a primary caregiver for every three babies. Toddler and Primary rooms are staffed by a Montessori teacher, an assistant and an afternoon childcare teacher, and each Elementary class has a teacher and two assistants. Kindergartners take a hands-on STEM course, all ages study art and music through Music Mind Games and Orff instruments, and middle schoolers study French with STEM electives and student-run business projects. Families can use care between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and summer camp adds field trips, French and robotics. Students referred for dyslexia can work on site with a certified academic therapist for an extra fee, and families can reach a partner speech and language practice.

• Montessori school (infant to grade 8)
• Dyslexia
• Montessori
• Multi-age classrooms

At Rivermont School Sterling, we provide special education with a focus on autism spectrum disorder. Our program serves learners from pre-kindergarten through post-high-school education and uses adapted and general special education curricula. Enrollment begins with the student's home school district, which authorizes placement. Families can tour once a district referral is in process, and parents are not directly charged tuition. Rivermont Schools are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by VAISEF and Cognia.

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