Top 4 Best Special Needs Schools in Issaquah, Washington (2026)

At our Brightmont Academy Sammamish campus, we teach grades 1 through 12 with one student and one teacher in each classroom. Our mastery-based model lets teachers adjust pacing, instructional methods and curriculum around the student's learning needs. Students can attend full time or take individual courses for credit. Our curriculum includes math, language arts, science, social studies, foreign languages and electives, with AP and Honors options for high school students. Executive functioning coaching for grades 3 through 12 helps students plan, complete and turn in assignments. We are at 4588 Klahanie Drive SE, Suite 401, and are accredited by Cognia.

• One-to-one private school
• Learning differences
• ADHD
• Anxiety

Reading specialist Dori Bower founded Dartmoor School in 1990 as a reading intervention school, and every class we teach is still one teacher with one student. Our Issaquah campus is one of four in the Puget Sound area, along with Bellevue, Bothell and Seattle, and all of them run year-round with enrollment open throughout the year. We offer a complete program for grades 1 to 12, full-time or part-time. Students come to us for credit courses and credit recovery, study skills, SAT and ACT prep, honors courses, ESL and summer classes, and many dual enroll while attending another school or homeschooling. Our students include neurodiverse learners with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, gifted students, athletes and performers with demanding schedules, students with medical needs, and international students. OSPI approves Dartmoor as a private school and as a Non-Public Agency, so districts place students with IEPs here for one-to-one specially designed instruction, behavioral and social-emotional supports, and executive functioning help, with quarterly progress reports on IEP goals. High school coursework is NCAA approved, we are NAIS-affiliated, and tuition is set for each student's individual program.

• Private one-to-one school (grades 1-12)
• ADHD
• Autism
• Dyslexia

Eastside Academics School - Issaquah is the Issaquah location of Eastside Academics School, at 300 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027. 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

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)**: 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. - **Physical Therapy**: Focused on improving gross motor and functional mobility skills, enhancing classroom participation and overall independence. - **Social Skills Development**: Programs designed to advance social skills through classes, community outings, and real-world interactions. - **Vocational Training**: Preparing students for the workforce with job skills training, internships, and placements at local businesses and national brands. - **Life Skills Training**: Instruction in independent living skills, including self-care, home management, and travel training, to promote confidence and autonomy. 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 joining the staff. With a focus on individualized life plans and transition planning, Gersh ensures that students are prepared for success beyond their school years, making it a unique and invaluable resource for families seeking comprehensive support for their children on the autism spectrum.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Accredited
• Private school