Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Longview, Washington (2026)

Big Leaf Montessori began in 2014 with a group of parents talking around a kitchen table, and less than a year later we opened as a State of Washington Approved Private School. We are the first Montessori elementary school in Cowlitz County, named for the bigleaf maples native to the area, and our classrooms hold children ages 30 months through 12 years. We added our Primary program in 2019 and school-age childcare in 2020. In our elementary classrooms, children choose their work, move freely and collaborate during a three-hour uninterrupted work period. Guides give small group lessons planned with each child in mind, and students meet one-on-one with their guide to keep a balance across subjects. Follow-up work can mean more time with Montessori materials, a book report, a diorama or a song. We share space with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Longview, with our main entrance off the alley. Tuition for 2026-27 is $825 per month, or $8,250 per year, with a discount for paying in full by August 1 and 10% off for a second child. Enrollment priority goes to returning students, siblings and children with Montessori experience.

• Montessori school (Primary and Elementary)
• Montessori
• Small group lessons
• Accredited

Broadway Early Learning Center, situated in Longview, Washington, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for children with diverse learning needs. Serving students primarily in the early childhood age range, the center specializes in supporting those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's mission revolves around nurturing each child's unique abilities while providing tailored educational experiences that promote growth and development. At Broadway Early Learning Center, a variety of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies are employed to cater to the specific needs of each student. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and adaptive, ensuring that every child can thrive academically and socially. Additionally, the center emphasizes a collaborative approach among educators, therapists, and families to create a holistic support system that empowers students both inside and outside the classroom. What sets Broadway Early Learning Center apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention that enhances learning outcomes. The center also prioritizes strong family partnerships, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is essential for success. With specialized facilities designed to meet the unique needs of its students and community events that foster connection and inclusion, Broadway Early Learning Center stands out as a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the challenges of special education.

• Elementary school
• Public school

Cascade opened as a junior high in 1963 and reopened as a smaller middle school in fall 2005 after a major remodel. Today about 475 students in grades 6 to 8 come to Cascade Middle School from many of Longview Public Schools' elementary schools. Music is a big part of life here, with band, orchestra and choir, and the choir gives three concerts a year with no experience required. Students become eligible for sports in seventh grade and can compete in cross country, football, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, girls bowling, wrestling and track, plus Knowledge Bowl. Sixth graders have their own activities, including a 5K running club, hacky sack, a garden club where students grow and taste new foods, and the 21st Century after-school program. Breakfast is served each morning, and lunch in the cafeteria offers a daily special or standard choices. We have a library, a health room and a guidance office, and district buses serve our students. Every student hears the same message: "You are important, you can do it, I will not give up on you."

• Public middle school
• Music program
• Middle school athletics
• Public school

Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs, specifically focusing on those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around fostering academic growth and personal development through tailored educational programs that emphasize individual strengths and challenges. With a commitment to innovative therapeutic methodologies, Columbia Valley Gardens employs evidence-based strategies that support students in overcoming obstacles while building essential skills in communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. What sets Columbia Valley Gardens apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and meaningful relationships between educators and students. The school emphasizes strong family partnerships, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is vital for student success. Additionally, the specialized facilities are designed to create an adaptive learning environment that caters to various needs, further enhancing the educational experience. Community events foster a sense of belonging and connection among families, making Columbia Valley Gardens not just a school but a supportive community dedicated to empowering every child to thrive.

• Elementary school
• Public school

Discovery High School gives Longview students an alternative public-school setting as they work toward graduation. Its teachers use individualized instruction in smaller classrooms, and students attend daily rather than relying on an online-only schedule. Classroom courses remain the core of the program; students can also use optional online classes when they fit their plan. Student-led conferences give young people a chance to explain their progress and goals. Discovery also connects students to the rest of Longview School District. They can take electives at R. A. Long or Mark Morris high schools, and student athletes may compete for their boundary high school while attending Discovery full time. Leadership and service become part of campus life through Student Ambassadors, who welcome and mentor peers. Reading Buddies work with children at Olympic Elementary, while Garden Buddies collaborate on the elementary school's garden. Planning for life after high school extends beyond course selection. The Career Center helps students prepare graduation portfolios, explore apprenticeships and careers, and navigate college, scholarship, workforce and military options. Families can contact the main office or visit 2742 Harding Street in Longview, Washington.

• High school
• Public school

Montessori Children's House of Longview (MCHL) is a nurturing preschool dedicated to serving children aged 2 ½ to 6 years, with a special focus on fostering an environment that supports early learners, including those with diverse developmental needs. With over 20 years of experience in early education, MCHL is committed to cultivating a peaceful and engaging atmosphere that aligns with the natural curiosity and love for learning inherent in every child. The school employs the Montessori Method, which emphasizes independent thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences tailored to each child's unique developmental stage. This approach not only enhances cognitive abilities but also promotes social and emotional security, allowing children to grow into compassionate individuals. What sets MCHL apart is its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each child, along with strong partnerships with families that create a supportive community. The school's specialized facilities are designed to encourage exploration and creativity, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking quality early education for their children.

• Preschool
• Private school

Progress Center is a dedicated institution focused on supporting young children with special developmental needs, specifically those from birth to age three. The school's core mission is to ensure that every child meets their developmental milestones through tailored early intervention services, encompassing education, therapy, and preventive measures. Progress Center serves families in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, providing essential resources for infants and toddlers who may be at risk of developmental delays or are already facing challenges such as language-based learning disabilities. The center employs a comprehensive approach that includes individualized educational programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to nurture each child's unique abilities. With a team of experienced professionals committed to collaboration, Progress Center fosters an environment where children can thrive while receiving the support they need. What sets Progress Center apart is its emphasis on low student-to-teacher ratios, which allows for personalized attention and stronger family partnerships. Additionally, the center offers a variety of community events and resources, including a toy lending library that enhances learning opportunities at home. This holistic approach ensures that children not only progress developmentally but also feel supported and valued within their community.

• Association / Organization

R.A. Long High School, located in Longview, Washington, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs. Serving adolescents across various age groups, the school specializes in supporting those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, ensuring that each individual receives the tailored attention they require to thrive academically and socially. The school's approach is rooted in innovative educational methodologies and therapeutic programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by its students. By integrating specialized instructional strategies with emotional and behavioral support, R.A. Long High School empowers students to build confidence and develop essential skills for lifelong success. What sets R.A. Long apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized learning experiences and strong relationships between educators and students. Additionally, the school emphasizes the importance of family partnerships, actively involving parents and guardians in the educational journey. With specialized facilities and a range of community events that promote engagement and inclusivity, R.A. Long High School stands out as a nurturing space where every student can flourish.

• High school
• Public school

Robert Gray Elementary in Longview, Washington, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs. Serving children from kindergarten through fifth grade, the school focuses on those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The core mission emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the emotional and social development of each child. To achieve this, Robert Gray Elementary implements specialized programs that integrate therapeutic methodologies tailored to individual learning styles. This approach ensures that students receive personalized attention and support in a nurturing atmosphere. What truly sets Robert Gray apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for meaningful connections between educators and families. Additionally, the school actively engages parents through community events and newsletters, fostering strong partnerships that enhance the educational experience. With dedicated staff and specialized facilities designed to accommodate various needs, Robert Gray Elementary stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for families seeking an empowering educational journey for their children.

• Elementary school
• Public school

St. Rose Catholic School has educated children of St. Rose Parish and neighboring parishes in Longview for more than 70 years. We serve preschool through eighth grade as a member of the Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Schools, accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and approved by the Washington State Board of Education. Students from pre-4 through eighth grade attend all-school Mass every Thursday, and each class takes on service projects, with middle schoolers planning their own. English language arts uses Savvas myView and math uses enVision 2.0, both aligned with Common Core, and qualified students can move into accelerated math. Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards with engineering design built in, and seventh graders who pass Washington State History have it waived in high school. Students from pre-3 up get weekly music and library time, grades 5 to 8 can join band, and middle schoolers stage a spring musical each May. Clubs include Lego Robotics, Puppet Club, Destination Imagination and student council.

• Catholic school (PreK-8)
• Catholic education
• STEM
• Accelerated math