Top 5 Best Special Needs Schools in Kent, Washington (2026)

Basic Steps Learning Center started in July 2012 with an art and science class and a reading and singing class at Kent Commons. By January 2013 we had our own preschool classroom, and today our classes meet at Plaza by the Green in downtown Kent, five minutes from Kent Commons and the ShoWare Center. Our founder and program director holds a doctorate in educational leadership, and our office speaks English, Chinese and Spanish. Our Preschool and PreK program serves children ages 3 to 5 with science topics, singing, art projects, math, reading and writing practice. Scheduling is flexible: families book anywhere from one 45-minute session to 20 sessions a week, and tuition is prorated to match. Advanced 4 and 5 year olds can move into our Transitional Kindergarten program, a fixed morning schedule with homework and uniforms. We also offer Friday PreK Gymnastics, karate classes and piano recitals. For school-age children we run after-school group tutoring for kindergarten through 8th grade, an online program for 2nd to 8th graders, and summer literacy camps from PreK through 8th grade. New families can try two free classes first.

• Private preschool and tutoring center
• Kindergarten readiness
• Flexible session scheduling
• Literacy and math

Kent Valley Early Learning Center is one of the preschool sites run by Kent Youth and Family Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served children and families in Kent for more than 55 years. We offer Head Start and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) preschool for children ages three to five who live or attend daycare within the Kent School District. Our part-day and full-day classrooms teach problem solving, independence, self-help, initiative, and self-control. Children receive two to three meals a day, vision, hearing, and growth screenings, and early developmental and behavioral screenings, with on-site counseling and special education referrals when needed. Families qualify with income up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level or 36 percent of the state median income in Washington, and families receiving public assistance and children in out-of-home care are eligible. Enrollment priority goes to children experiencing homelessness and children with an IEP. Parents can join meetings, classes, job training, and health and nutrition education, and receive case management and referrals to food banks and other community services.

• Head Start and ECEAP preschool (nonprofit)
• Private school

Lake Meridian Montessori in Kent, Washington, is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for young learners, particularly those with unique needs. Serving children from early childhood through primary grades, the school specializes in addressing various learning styles and challenges, including language-based learning disabilities. The core mission centers on activating each child's innate desire to learn through a child-first curriculum that emphasizes exploration and hands-on experiences across seven integrated curriculum areas. The school employs the Montessori method, which encourages independence and self-directed learning within a supportive framework. This approach is complemented by enriching activities such as Spanish language classes, music programs, field trips, and interactive book clubs that enhance the overall educational experience. What sets Lake Meridian Montessori apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each child. The school fosters strong partnerships with families to create a collaborative community focused on holistic development. With specialized facilities designed to promote engagement and creativity, Lake Meridian Montessori stands out as a place where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school

Our Little Orchard really is an orchard. The Kent schoolhouse grounds hold apple, pear, fig and cherry trees, a small pumpkin patch, dozens of blueberry bushes, grape vines, lavender and a greenhouse we use year round for planting and harvesting. Little Orchard Preschool is a nature-based preschool and pre-K run by Little Learners Child Development Center, and every subject moves outdoors. Our morning session runs Monday through Friday, with drop-off play in the orchard before class and pickup at 11:45 a.m. Children are grouped by age: the Squirrel Class is a group of three for children 32 months and older, the Owl Class is two years from kindergarten, and the Tree Class is the pre-K year. A part-time afternoon session meets two days a week. There is no screen time; children learn sequencing and early coding with Bee-Bots outdoors. Days include Montessori work, science experiments, engineering, artist studies, music, cooking, theater and physical education. A monthly book club brings one story to life through art, cooking and dramatic play. We teach an anti-bias curriculum, and every teacher is certified in child CPR and first aid.

• Nature-based preschool and pre-K
• Nature-based learning
• Outdoor classroom
• Montessori

Little Scholars Montessori Academy (LSMA) is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of children, particularly those with unique learning needs. Serving preschool-age students, LSMA emphasizes a nurturing and academically enriching environment that caters to diverse learning styles, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school implements a comprehensive Montessori curriculum that prioritizes emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth, ensuring that each child's individuality is recognized and celebrated. In addition to the core Montessori program, LSMA enriches its educational offerings with music, creative movement dance, and yoga, providing a well-rounded experience that promotes exploration and creativity. The academy stands out due to its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction. Furthermore, LSMA values strong partnerships with families to create a supportive community that enhances the educational journey of every child. With a focus on both structured and unstructured activities in both indoor and outdoor settings, Little Scholars Montessori Academy creates an engaging atmosphere where children can thrive while developing essential skills for their future.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• Montessori