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

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) Preschool Assessment Center evaluates young children (roughly ages 2 to 5) to determine eligibility for early childhood special education and related services within the public school division. It is the district's intake point for identifying developmental delays and disabilities before kindergarten, after which qualifying children are placed in appropriate VBCPS preschool special-education programs. This is a public school division service, not a private school or tuition-based program; families are referred through VBCPS for screening and assessment.

SECEP Public School Consortium is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for students with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission emphasizes collaboration with families and communities to ensure that each student receives tailored educational support aimed at achieving meaningful outcomes. SECEP employs innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to address individual learning styles, fostering both academic and personal growth. What sets SECEP apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and instruction. Additionally, the school actively promotes strong partnerships with families, ensuring that parents are engaged in their child's educational journey. With specialized facilities designed to support various learning needs, SECEP stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for students, empowering them to learn, work, and play their way to success.

Chesapeake Bay Academy is a pioneering private special education school in Virginia Beach dedicated to empowering children who learn differently. With over 30 years of experience, the academy serves students in grades 1-12 with specific learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, twice-exceptional learners (2e), language-based learning difficulties, auditory processing deficits, fine motor dysfunction, developmental delays, and level 1 ASD. The core mission is to provide a supportive and innovative learning environment that fosters academic and personal growth through individualized instruction. The academy offers specialized programs including individualized education plans, small class sizes (low student-teacher ratio), and a multisensory curriculum incorporating project-based learning. Services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social-emotional learning, intramural athletics, visual and performing arts, a consumer science program with food lab, an Entrepreneurship Program, and an Advanced Scholars Program. The campus utilizes specialized technology to support diverse learning styles and emphasizes community partnerships. IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS: Chesapeake Bay Academy is accredited by VAIS and licensed by VDOE but does NOT have a therapeutic component. The school CANNOT accept students with emotional/behavioral disorders or intellectual disabilities. CBA is designed for academically capable students with learning differences who can succeed in a college preparatory environment with accommodations and support. Families should contact the school directly to determine if their child is an appropriate fit for CBA's program.

Maverick Learning Center is a specialized educational institution dedicated to serving students in grades 1-8 who are diagnosed with autism or experience developmental delays. The school's core mission revolves around creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters self-esteem and confidence while delivering personalized educational experiences tailored to each child's unique needs. At Maverick Learning Center, the approach to learning is characterized by a one-of-a-kind curriculum focused on literacy and math, allowing students to progress at their own pace based on mastery instead of age. The dedicated faculty, who are experts in special education, bring compassion and enthusiasm into the classroom, ensuring that every lesson is engaging and supportive. The sensory-friendly classrooms are specifically designed to enhance the learning experience for neurodivergent students, promoting comfort and focus. What truly sets Maverick Learning Center apart is its commitment to building strong family partnerships and creating a sense of community among families, making it not just an educational facility but a supportive haven for both students and their guardians.

Rivermont School Tidewater's 240 Clearfield Avenue Suite 300B campus in Virginia Beach is a Virginia day school for K-12 students with autism, emotional disabilities, and related diagnoses. Students enrolled at this campus include those with Autism, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Hearing Impairment. This site offers Applied Behavior Analyst, Educational Services, Career Readiness and Transition, Individual and Group Counseling, Individualized Instruction, and Schoolwide PBIS on campus. Direct line for the campus: 757.353.4421. The campus is led by Principal Jessica Spearman. Across the Rivermont network, every campus is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by both Cognia and VAISEF.