Top 7 Best Special Needs Schools in University Place, Washington (2026)

Brock’s Academy is a private, one-to-one academy and tutoring service dedicated to partnering with students and families to ignite a natural joy of learning. Founded in 2004 by the Loshbaugh family, the school operates on the 'Designer Education™' model, which customizes curriculum, teaching approaches, and schedules to fit the unique needs of every student. Serving K-12 students in a variety of settings—including in-home, on-campus in Woodinville, or at other community locations—Brock's provides a highly flexible and personalized alternative to traditional classroom environments. The school specializes in supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and school-related anxiety. By offering a one-to-one student-teacher ratio, Brock’s Academy ensures that instruction is tailored to individual academic goals and interests. Their academic programs range from supplemental tutoring and high school credit retrieval to a full private school experience where students can earn a diploma. Brock’s Academy is an OSPI-approved private school and Non-Public Agency (NPA), accredited through Cognia. This status allows them to partner with local school districts to provide customized programs for both typical and neurodivergent learners. The school emphasizes flexibility, affordability, and a month-to-month commitment, aiming to build students' academic confidence and help them reach their full potential in a supportive, stress-free environment.

• Private school
• Anxiety disorders
• Autism
• Depression disorders

Curtis Senior High School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around empowering each student to reach their full potential through tailored educational programs that address individual strengths and challenges. With a focus on academic excellence, Curtis Senior High implements innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic approaches designed to engage students meaningfully while promoting their overall well-being. What sets this school apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and fostering strong partnerships with families. Additionally, the school features specialized facilities that cater to the unique needs of its students, alongside community events that encourage collaboration and connection among families, creating a nurturing atmosphere where every student can thrive.

• High school
• 504 students
• IEP students
• Public school

Drum Intermediate is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students in grades 6 through 8, particularly those with unique learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The school's core mission revolves around academic excellence, health and safety, and promoting citizenship and inclusion among its diverse student body. Drum Intermediate employs a range of specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to address the individual needs of each student, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed high academic standards. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, the school emphasizes strong family partnerships, creating a collaborative atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom. Unique community events further enrich the educational experience, making Drum Intermediate a distinctive choice for families seeking a nurturing and effective educational setting for their children.

• Middle school
• 504 students
• IEP students
• Public school

Narrows View Intermediate is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with diverse needs, particularly those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around promoting academic excellence while ensuring that each child feels valued and included. With a focus on personalized learning, Narrows View Intermediate employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and tailored programs that cater to the unique strengths and challenges of its students. This approach is complemented by a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for individualized attention and fostering strong partnerships with families to create a collaborative support system. Additionally, the school features specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences and regularly hosts community events that engage families and promote social skills development. Narrows View Intermediate stands out as a nurturing space where students can thrive academically and socially, preparing them for future success.

• Middle school
• 504 students
• IEP students
• Public school

Our University Place campus, which many families know as Stepping Stones Tacoma, is one of four childcare and preschool centers run by Stepping Stones Kids Academy in western Washington. Both founding directors ran their own family child care centers before opening Stepping Stones, and each holds a Washington State Certificate in Early Childhood Education. We enroll children from age 1 through prekindergarten. Toddlers (ages 1 to 3) spend their days on art, music and movement, sensory play and outdoor exploration, with predictable but flexible routines. Preschool rooms are set up as centers for reading, arts and crafts, water and sand play, building and math toys, and pretend play, mixing free choice time with short structured lessons. Our Prekindergarten class (ages 4 to 6) concentrates on kindergarten readiness: read-alouds and rhymes, early writing through cutting and painting, daily counting and calendar work, and science units on weather, animals and plants. Children eat meals and snacks from our posted menu and play outside when the weather allows. The center is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and closed on weekends.

• Childcare center and preschool
• Play-based learning
• Kindergarten readiness
• Private school

Sunset Primary School is part of University Place School District. Our campus serves young learners and provides families with district information about kindergarten registration, school updates and daily operations. The school is located on 97th Avenue West in University Place, where students begin their elementary experience before moving on to the district’s intermediate grades.

• Elementary school
• 504 students
• IEP students
• Public school

The New School at Chambers Bay is dedicated to nurturing young minds from ages six weeks to kindergarten prep in a warm, loving environment. With a core mission to instill joy in learning, friendships, and self-expression, the school emphasizes the importance of each child's unique voice and creativity. The all-day programs are designed to accommodate working families while ensuring that children are well-prepared for their future academic journeys. Offering age-appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, the school focuses on individualized learning experiences that promote social skills and exploration through art and STEM-related projects. What sets The New School apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, fostering strong partnerships with families, and creating a supportive community where children feel valued and safe. Parents consistently praise the exceptional staff for their dedication and the nurturing atmosphere that allows their children to thrive both socially and academically.

• Preschool
• Private school