Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Richmond, Virginia (2026)

Riverside School stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for students in kindergarten through eighth grade who face the challenges of dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Since its establishment in 1974, the school has dedicated itself to transforming the educational experience for these bright children by employing tailored teaching methods that align with their unique learning styles. Central to Riverside's approach is the Orton-Gillingham methodology, a structured, multisensory strategy that not only addresses the specific needs of students with dyslexia but also fosters a love for learning. The school prides itself on maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support that nurtures each child's potential. Additionally, Riverside emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing their vital role in the educational journey. With specialized facilities designed to enhance learning and a commitment to creating an inclusive community, Riverside School distinguishes itself as Virginia's most trusted institution for students with dyslexia, dedicated to helping them achieve their highest academic potential.

Amelia Street School is a public specialty school within Richmond City Public Schools, serving students ages 5 to 21 with significant intellectual disabilities and students with behavioral and emotional challenges. Established in 1961 (an exceptional-education facility since 1974), it provides adapted curriculum (ASOLs/SOLs), community-based instruction, pre-vocational training, social-emotional and behavioral supports, and integrated speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Instruction uses small-group and individualized sessions with assistive technology, aiming to build skills that help students return to their home schools.

The Steward School is a mainstream college preparatory private school in Richmond, Virginia, serving students from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade. While primarily a traditional private school with robust academics and extensive athletics and arts programs, Steward does accept some students with MILD learning differences such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners who can succeed in a college prep environment with accommodations. The school offers an average class size of 12 students and an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for some individualized attention. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is NOT a specialized special education school. Steward is a mainstream college preparatory institution that may provide accommodations for students with mild learning differences on a case-by-case basis. Families with children who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, autism requiring intensive support, or significant behavioral challenges should contact the school directly to confirm if their child can be successful in a traditional college prep environment. The school is best suited for academically capable students who need minor accommodations instead of specialized instruction.

The Educational Development Center (EDC), part of the Geara Group, is a therapeutic private day school in Richmond, VA. It provides an intensive academic and behavioral program for students identified as emotionally disabled, learning disabled, intellectually disabled, autistic, multi-disabled, or with other health impairments. Guided by its motto 'We think Differently,' EDC focuses on individualized instruction and developing the coping and problem-solving skills students need to participate successfully in society. A summer camp is also offered.

The New Community School (TNCS) is a college-preparatory independent school in Richmond, Virginia, serving students in grades 5 through 12 who have dyslexia and related learning differences, including dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory and visual processing disorders, executive functioning difficulties, and ADHD. The program centers on daily Language Fundamentals instruction that strengthens reading, spelling, and written expression, taught in very small groups (Language Fundamentals classes average 2 to 4 students; academic classes average 8 to 10), with an overall 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Alongside academics, students take part in athletics, theater, the arts, a House system with year-round competitions, and student-led clubs. TNCS is accredited by VAIS and SAIS and is a member of the International Dyslexia Association.