Best Special Needs Schools in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin (2026)

Wood County Head Start serves income-eligible families in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield, and we accept applications all year. Our central office on 8th Street South handles enrollment, and children attend at our centers, including the Biron Center and the West Center in Wisconsin Rapids. Families can choose among three options. Home Base brings experienced staff to the family for a weekly home visit, and expectant mothers are welcome. Our Infant and Toddler program runs year-round on weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in Wisconsin Rapids. Preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds meet Tuesday through Friday, and the Biron Center also has two combination classrooms that pair Head Start with the Wisconsin Rapids School District's 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K). Beyond early learning, Head Start covers nutrition, medical and dental follow-up, mental health, and social and emotional development, and we keep each child's physical, lead and hemoglobin tests, and dental exam on file. Limited bus transportation is available for preschool at Biron, though not at the West Center. Applications come in English and Spanish.

• Head Start early childhood program
• Private school

The Rapids School of Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the lives of its students through a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses dance, music, and theatre. Designed for young artists across various age groups, the school specifically supports students with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other unique challenges. The faculty at RSPA are committed to empowering each student by fostering individual growth, building self-assurance, and instilling a sense of discipline and courage. This nurturing environment serves as a catalyst for creative expression, allowing students to explore their artistic potential while developing essential life skills. What sets RSPA apart is its focus on personalized instruction within a supportive community, characterized by strong family partnerships and specialized programming that celebrates each student's journey in the performing arts.

• Dance school
• Learning differences
• Private school

Wood County Head Start is a dedicated child development program designed to support income-eligible preschool children and their families. With a core mission to empower children through experiential learning, the program emphasizes the importance of making choices, developing social skills, and fostering emotional well-being. Serving a diverse population, including children with various developmental needs, Wood County Head Start provides comprehensive educational services that address critical areas such as nutrition, medical and dental care, mental health support, and social-emotional development. The program encourages active parent involvement through initiatives like weekly home visits that help families set goals for both their children and themselves. Unique offerings such as Fieldtrips, Family Enrichment Days, and community events enrich the learning experience while reinforcing the belief that education should be enjoyable and empowering. With a strong commitment to cultural diversity and family-centered practices, Wood County Head Start stands out for its low student-to-teacher ratio and its holistic approach to child development, ensuring each child has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.

• Preschool
• Private school