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

Lincoln High School is the alternative high school of Walla Walla Public Schools, built around one goal: helping students finish school and move into work. Our building on South Third Avenue took back the Lincoln name in 2012, on a site where a school has stood since 1888. We run our master schedule in eight sessions a year, which gives students more chances to earn credit and catch up. Core academic classes run alongside electives, and The Health Center on campus offers medical and behavioral health services during school hours. Bus service is available. We also house the Open Doors Youth Reengagement Program for students ages 16 to 21 who are a year or more behind in credits. Open Doors students keep a flexible schedule, get one-on-one help, and work toward a GED or a high school diploma. We are an official Pearson VUE GED testing center, and testing costs are covered for registered students. Students can also earn a food handler card and CPR certification and take cooking, resume, and job skills classes. Enrollment in Open Doors is open year-round, including summer.

• Public alternative high school
• Alternative high school
• Transition support
• Flexible credit schedule

Pioneer Middle School, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. The school serves students in grades 6 through 8, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. Its core mission is to prepare every student for success in high school and beyond, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement alongside social and emotional development. Pioneer Middle School employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs that cater to individual learning styles, ensuring that each child receives the personalized support they need to thrive. What sets Pioneer apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for more meaningful interactions and tailored instruction. Additionally, the school actively promotes strong partnerships with families and the community, enhancing its educational offerings through unique events and resources that engage parents in their children's learning journey. This holistic approach not only nurtures academic excellence but also fosters a sense of belonging among students and their families.

• Middle school
• Learning differences
• Twice-exceptional
• IEP services

Walla Walla High School has served students from Walla Walla and the surrounding communities of southeastern Washington for more than 100 years. Our current building opened in 1964, was remodeled in 2021-22, and sits on a 60-acre campus that includes Murr Field. We enroll nearly 1,600 students in grades 9 to 12, taught by 80 faculty members, with five counselors who help with course planning, college, and careers. Students can take Advanced Placement classes, earn college credit through College in the High School and Running Start, join AVID, or train in a career field at the SEATech Skills Center. We also offer JROTC, world languages, English Language Development, and special education courses for students with IEPs. The Health Center on campus provides medical and behavioral health care during school hours. Outside class, Wa-Hi students perform in band, choir, orchestra, and drama and join a long list of clubs and athletic teams. We are accredited by the Northwest Association.

• Public high school
• Advanced Placement
• Career and technical education
• Dual credit

Walla Walla Online is the online public school of Walla Walla Public Schools, open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who learn better online, need an alternative setting for health or safety reasons, or are coming from another online program or homeschooling. Each student has an individualized learning plan, and one of our WWPS certificated teachers serves as the student's learning coach for the year. Our elementary students use Imagine Edgenuity lessons along with workbook materials in math, reading and language arts, science and social studies. Secondary students take grade-level courses aligned to Washington standards and graduation requirements, and seniors who meet district requirements earn a Walla Walla Public Schools diploma and can walk at graduation. Students can attend full time or take one or more classes, and some join SEATech skills center, CTE, band, choir or orchestra classes at district schools. There is no tuition, and students receive a Chromebook. Students with IEPs can enroll when their team decides the program fits, with accommodations and services adjusted for online delivery, and English learner services are provided. Online students can also join district athletics.

• Public online school (K-12)
• Online learning
• Individualized learning plans
• Public school