The Washington, DC, metro is home to a variety of high-rated schools that have great special education programs and support programs for neurodivergent students, which fall into the category of therapeutic schools. Here are some of the top-rated schools that fit into these categories, according to sources like Niche, Yelp and Private School Review.
Schools with support programs for neurodivergent students
The Katherine Thomas School
- Type of school: Private
- Grade levels: Pre-K-12
- Location: 1390 Piccard Drive, Suite 120, Rockville, MD
The Katherine Thomas School in Rockville is a day school dedicated to serving students from preschool through 12th grade who learn and think differently, including those with language or learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities and other health-related challenges. With a language-intensive, multi-sensory curriculum and a highly collaborative team of educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and social workers, KTS creates individualized learning experiences that build academic skills, social confidence and self-advocacy. From small class sizes and assistive technology to hands-on projects, expressive activities and structured transition planning for life after graduation, the school supports each student’s unique path toward independence and success.
Maret School
- Type of school: Private, College Preparatory
- Grade levels: K-12
- Location: 3000 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Maret School, a small facility whose motto is “To Learn is to Live,” is dedicated to encouraging students’ curiosity and creativity and setting them up for success in a safe, inclusive and wellness-focused environment. The school provides lots of opportunities for students to explore their academic, athletic and artistic interests and learn valuable life skills.
Ivymount School
- Type of school: Private
- Grade levels: K-age 21
- Location: 11614 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD
Ivymount School in Rockville is a nationally recognized non-public special education day school serving neurodiverse learners from early childhood through age 21. For more than six decades, Ivymount has combined evidence-based instruction with integrated therapeutic supports—like speech/language, occupational, physical and mental health services—to help students with autism and other complex learning needs build academic skills, communication, independence and self-advocacy. Beyond academics, the school’s individualized programs include career exploration and transition-to-work training, community outreach offerings and professional development that extends its impact into homes, schools and organizations across the region.
Oakwood School
- Type of school: Private
- Grade levels: 1-8
- Location: 7210 Braddock Road, Annandale, Virginia
The goal of Oakwood School is to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for students with learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Oakwood tailors their programs to student’s strengths and struggles so they can thrive academically, self-advocate and feel confident in themselves.
The Lab School of Washington
- Type of school: Private
- Grade levels: 1-12
- Location: 4759 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC
The Lab School of Washington is staffed with specialists equipped and dedicated to preparing students with learning differences for the future. The school teaches students how to use their differences to their advantage so they can thrive in higher education and career settings.
The Siena School
- Type of school: Private
- Grade levels: 5-12
- Locations: 1300 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD, and 2705 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA
Siena is a community-orientated school that cares deeply about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). The school employs experiential learning, service learning and plenty of arts programs so students can have fulfilling, hands-on and in-person opportunities. Siena also provides tutoring and hosts summer programs.
Religiously-affiliated schools with neurodivergent/special education programs
Holy Redeemer School
- Type of school: Private, Catholic
- Grade levels: Pre-K-8
- Location: 4902 Berwyn Road, College Park, MD
Holy Redeemer School employs a well-rounded, faith-based curriculum that is made more inclusive and accommodating thanks to their devoted and flexible special education program. Students learn a variety of subjects, including the fine arts, and the staff are certified to give special needs students the instruction they need to thrive.
Gonzaga College High School
- Type of school: Private, All-Boys, Catholic
- Grade levels: 9-12
- Location: 19 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC
Gonzaga College High School is devoted to giving young Jesuit boys a well-rounded and global education in an environment that values social justice. Students receive a wide range of fun and fulfilling opportunities inside and outside the classroom, as well as both guidance and college counselling.
St. Anselm’s Abbey School
- Type of school: Private, All-Boys, Catholic
- Grade levels: 6-12
- Location: 4501 South Dakota Ave. NE, Washington, DC
St. Anselm’s is an academically rigorous school committed to preparing young boys for a successful higher education while fostering their spiritual development. Nearly half the students receive financial aid and there are plenty of opportunities for student athletes. Students also regularly take part in community service as part of their education.
St. John’s College High School
- Type of school: Private, Catholic
- Grade levels: 9-12
- Location: 2607 Military Road NW, Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
St. John’s College High School is an environment where students of all different backgrounds can embrace who they are, prepare for college and become successful, community-oriented leaders. The school teaches several Honors and AP classes, offers lots of extracurriculars and provides resources like peer tutoring and studies strategies.
