Special Needs Schools and Preschools in Lakeland + Polk County
If you have a child with dyslexia, autism, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, or other unique educational needs, these special education schools can help your child thrive.
Our Education Guide includes information on Polk County public schools, tutoring and test prep, colleges, scholarship programs, and more.
Our Special Needs Guide can help you find additional Special Needs Resources including sensory-friendly activities, parent groups, and local organizations.
Use the map at the bottom to find Special Needs Schools + Preschools Near You.
695 East Summerlin Street, Bartow, Florida 33830
2211 28th Street Northwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33881
Crossroads Christian School is a K-12 private school in Lakeland that provides a personalized education focus for each of its students. With low student-teacher ratios and an encouraging, nurturing environment, Lakeland area kids with special education needs are finding success at Crossroads Christian School, and your child can too!
Pathways School of Excellence provides a program specifically tailored for middle and high school students with intellectual disabilities. Our program infuses faith-based learning with academics that are customized for each student’s unique abilities.The mission of Pathways School of Excellence is to equip learners for growth and success in academic, personal and spiritual life.
Students are assigned to classes based on data representing age-appropriate level, academic achievement, and individual educational plans. Pathways School of Excellence has classrooms with middle school and high school-aged students ages 11 through 22 that are diagnosed with special needs.
Pathways is located in the heart of Southeastern University’s beautiful campus, so our students enjoy many campus amenities.
What makes your school unique?
We are a secondary school located on a college campus, which makes us a laboratory school. With this opportunity, we are able to provide our students with a plethora of real-life learning experiences, such as on-the-job training, mock interviews, and one-on-one lessons with college students who want to share their expertise, such as music, nursing, and education majors.
Grades/Ages Served: Our student population consists of middle and high school students with varying abilities.
Open Houses / Tours: Tours are available by appointment only. Email pathways@seu.edu to set up a tour.
School Hours / Schedule: 8:30am-3:00pm M-F (closed for various holidays)
Registration Dates / Details: Open Enrollment begins in March. Fill out the application at seu.edu/pathways, pay the application fee of $125, and turn in the additional requirements listed on the website.
Scholarships: We accept McKay, Gardiner, AAA Scholarship, and Step Up for Students Scholarships