Top 8 Best Special Needs Schools in Bellevue, Washington (2026)

Dartmoor School is a private, fully accredited one-to-one school serving students in grades 1 through 12 across multiple campuses in the Puget Sound area, including its Seattle location in the Maple Leaf neighborhood. Founded in 1990, the school specializes in providing a customized academic experience for a diverse student body, including those with neurodiverse profiles such as ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and dyslexia. Dartmoor is approved by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as both a private school and a Non-Public Agency, and its high school coursework is NCAA-approved. The 'Dartmoor Method' is the cornerstone of the school's instructional approach, emphasizing respect for the student and a focus on mastery-based learning. Each student's program begins with a thorough assessment to diagnose their specific learning profile, level, and pace, leading to a personalized, diagnostic-prescriptive course of study. This one-to-one format allows instructors to tailor curriculum to each student’s unique strengths and interests, ensuring that they master concepts at an 80% proficiency level before moving forward. Dartmoor offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including standard elementary, middle, and high school curriculum, as well as specialized support for credit remediation, SAT/ACT preparation, and summer school. The school operates year-round with a rolling admissions policy, allowing new students to enroll at any time. Families work closely with administrative and instructional staff to develop bespoke educational pathways that align with their children's intellectual curiosity and long-term goals. Staffed by educators who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their field, Dartmoor emphasizes a collaborative partnership between the school, families, and outside professionals. The Seattle campus provides a dynamic urban setting where students can pursue academic independence while balancing external interests in the arts, athletics, or STEM. By prioritizing a nurturing, one-to-one environment, Dartmoor aims to rekindle a student's joy for learning and help them reach their full potential.

• Private educational institution
• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• other learning profiles)

Eastside Academics School - Bellevue is the Bellevue location of Eastside Academics School, at 2445 140th Ave NE, Suite B102, Bellevue, WA 98005. It is approved by OSPI as a Nonpublic Agency, so Washington school districts can place students here through the IEP process (sponsoring district: Issaquah). At Eastside Academics School, we believe that all students deserve to be taught the way they learn best. For over 35 years, we have provided a personalized, college-prep education for middle and high school students, tailored to meet their unique individual needs. Our mission is to prepare students for success in college and their lives beyond by fostering a sense of capability, determination, resilience, and a love of learning in every student. We craft a tailored learning plan for our students by utilizing small class settings with no more than seven students per class. This model allows for a blend of one-on-one instruction, group work, and guided independent study. Our instructional approach incorporates the Socratic method, emphasizing immersive engagement with ideas and concepts. We also integrate study strategies and executive functioning skills into all classes to help students build essential skills. EAS serves a diverse range of learners, including traditional students seeking more interaction, those who have been discouraged by inflexible systems, and students with learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, or those with IEPs and 504 plans. We offer daily monitoring of student progress and a tailored homework program designed to ensure success. Our supportive environment helps students rediscover their passion for discovery and learning. Our school offers flexible schedules with classes available from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Students can attend full-time or part-time through our dual enrollment model, which allows them to split their time between mainstream schools and our campus. Key programs include middle and high school courses, summer school, credit retrieval, and college counseling. We also support the Running Start program and WANIC vocational options. Admissions at Eastside Academics School are centered on personal connections. We encourage prospective families to visit our Bellevue or Issaquah campuses to experience our community firsthand. We are committed to providing access to our services and offer scholarships and tuition assistance to families in need. As an OSPI-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA), we partner with families and school districts to provide customized, accredited education.

• Private special education school / Therapeutic day school
• Learning differences
• ADHD
• Autism

The French Immersion School of Washington, located in Bellevue, is dedicated to providing an exceptional bilingual education for preschool and elementary students. With a mission centered around fostering curiosity, community, culture, and confidence, the school serves a diverse population of approximately 200 students, including those with various linguistic backgrounds and learning needs. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking through immersive French instruction"”75% of daily lessons are conducted in French, with additional exposure to languages like Arabic as students progress. The school's approach is enriched by an array of innovative programs designed to engage young minds. Students participate in over 20 enrichment classes that range from arts and culinary experiences to physical activities like climbing and acrobatics. This holistic educational model is further enhanced by small class sizes averaging 15 students, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. What sets the French Immersion School of Washington apart is its commitment to inclusivity and community involvement. With a student body representing over 28 nationalities and a strong emphasis on family partnerships, the school cultivates a rich cultural tapestry that celebrates diversity. Additionally, 45% of its students are children of color, reflecting its dedication to creating an equitable learning environment. The combination of specialized facilities, tailored educational methodologies, and community-driven events makes this institution a unique choice for parents seeking a nurturing atmosphere that champions both academic excellence and personal growth for their children.

• Preschool
• bilingual French immersion
• multicultural education
• Accredited

Gersh Autism Academy is a specialized educational institution dedicated to empowering children on the autism spectrum. With over 30 years of experience, the academy's core mission is to unlock potential and redefine possibilities for its students, providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic, social, and personal growth. Key offerings at Gersh Autism Academy include: - **K-12 Education**: Tailored teaching strategies that cater to the unique needs of each student, ensuring success across social, emotional, academic, and vocational domains. - **Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy**: A core component of the curriculum, recognized for its effectiveness in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. - **Occupational Therapy**: Available at select schools, this therapy helps students develop essential skills for success in various life areas, including gross motor and executive functioning skills. - **Vocational Training**: Focused on preparing students for independence, this program includes job skills training, internships, and placements with local businesses and national brands. - **Life Skills Development**: Comprehensive training in self-care, home management, and community integration, ensuring students are equipped for independent living. - **Social Skills Programs**: Engaging activities and community outings designed to enhance communication and social interaction among peers. - **Physical Therapy**: Aimed at improving mobility and functional skills, supporting students in becoming active participants in their school community. - **Early Intervention**: Programs that begin at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early support in developing essential skills. What sets Gersh Autism Academy apart is its commitment to lifelong support for students and families. The academy fosters a strong community where graduates remain connected, often mentoring younger students or contributing to the academy's staff. With a focus on individualized plans and a holistic approach to education, Gersh Autism Academy is dedicated to ensuring that every child not only thrives within its walls but also transitions successfully into adulthood.

• Special education school
• Autism
• emotional-behavioral
• intellectual-disabilities

Kindering is a neurodevelopmental center and early support provider based in Bellevue, Washington, serving children of diverse abilities and their families across East King, South King, and South Snohomish Counties. Founded in 1962 by five mothers of children with disabilities, it has grown into the largest early support center in Washington State, reaching over 10,000 infants and toddlers annually. Kindering provides a comprehensive range of developmental evaluations, early intervention services, and pediatric therapies designed to nurture hope, courage, and the skills for children to soar. The center serves children from birth through age 11, with a primary focus on early support for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) and inclusive early learning for children ages 22 months to 3.5 years. Its instructional and therapeutic approach is evidence-based and family-centered, offering services in the setting most convenient for families, including homes, childcare centers, or one of Kindering’s four campuses in Bellevue, Bothell, Redmond, and Renton. Programs include the integrated Stepping Stones Toddler Preschool, which maintains high staff-to-child ratios and features a multidisciplinary team of special educators, speech-language pathologists, and therapists. Kindering is committed to ensuring that all children can achieve their full potential, regardless of their family's ability to pay. Funding is provided through a combination of state and federal support, school district contracts, private insurance, Medicaid, and philanthropic donations. The organization operates as a non-profit and is recognized as a 'Sensitive Location,' providing a safe and inclusive environment for children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities.

• Neurodevelopmental center and inclusive early learning academy
• Developmental delays
• Disabilities
• Vision impairments

Open Window School is an independent K-8 institution located in Bellevue, Washington, dedicated to serving gifted children who possess a passion for learning. Founded in 1985, the school caters to students from kindergarten through eighth grade, focusing on those with unique intellectual abilities and needs. The mission of Open Window School revolves around nurturing the social and emotional well-being of gifted children while fostering their intellectual curiosity and creativity. The school employs a holistic educational approach that emphasizes critical thinking and supports the whole child, recognizing that students are Key programs at Open Window include a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies with innovative special programs in areas like arts, technology, and social-emotional learning. The low student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1 ensures personalized attention and tailored instruction for each student, enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, the school offers numerous partnerships and field trips throughout the year that enrich the educational journey. What sets Open Window School apart is its commitment to building strong family partnerships and fostering a vibrant community where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the forefront of its values. With specialized facilities designed to support various learning styles and an array of extracurricular activities, Open Window provides an enriching environment that celebrates the unique strengths of each child while preparing them for future success.

• School
• Twice-exceptional
• gifted education
• advanced curriculum

Overlake Specialty School is a highly-structured, year-round alternative school in Bellevue, Washington, specifically designed to serve students who are impacted by academic, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Coordinated with regional school districts, community service providers, and families, the school serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade across seven specialized classrooms. The program is committed to providing a caring educational community where students can develop healthy relationships and intrinsic values, using a holistic, strength-based approach to facilitate reintegration into their home communities. The school's instructional model is highly differentiated and individually tailored to support academic growth, acknowledging that many students have fallen below grade level due to their challenges. The goal is to help students make up for lost ground while acknowledging their efforts and fostering an enjoyment of learning. As a non-public agency approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the school contracts directly with public school districts, serving as an optional placement when home schools have exhausted their available resources for behaviorally and emotionally challenged students. At the core of the school's approach are the 12 Principles of Re-Education (Re-ED), which emphasize trust, competence, self-control, and the importance of finding joy in each day. Therapeutic supports include individual and group counseling, behavioral intervention, and recreational therapy. Staffing includes a multidisciplinary team of dually-certified teachers, counselors, behavior intervention specialists, and recreation therapists who work collaboratively to meet the individual needs of every student. Open communication and family partnership are prioritized through quarterly team meetings involving parents, school districts, and outside service providers.

• Non-public agency, therapeutic day school, year-round alternative school
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Academic disabilities
• Social disabilities

Yellow Wood Academy is a fully accredited private, non-profit school in Bellevue, Washington, serving students in grades 4-12. Originally founded in 1981 on Mercer Island as Eastside Tutoring and Consulting, the academy moved to its enhanced Bellevue campus in 2025 to provide students with state-of-the-art facilities, including a robotics lab, science lab, wellness space, and dedicated music and art studios. The school specializes in providing a flexible and individualized education for a diverse student body, including those who are gifted, twice exceptional (2e), or neurodivergent. The academy's instructional approach is centered on highly personalized 1:1 and small group lessons, with a maximum of five students per class. This 'neuro-affirming' model allows teachers to tailor curriculum to each student’s unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. In addition to a robust list of core academic and AP courses, Yellow Wood offers the research-based Arrowsmith Program, which uses neuroplasticity exercises to strengthen cognitive functions. Students can attend full-time, part-time, or through hybrid and online schedules, allowing for dual enrollment with other programs. Admissions at Yellow Wood Academy involve a collaborative process aimed at understanding each student's educational journey. The school serves as an OSPI-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA), partnering with over 15 local school districts to provide specially designed instruction (SDI) for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). For families seeking private placement, the academy emphasizes building trusting relationships where students feel valued and safe. The school's mission is to provide an accessible learning environment that uniquely engages every mind and prepares students for their future.

• School
• anxiety
• Learning differences
• Sensory support