2026 lists
The highest-graded schools of this kind in the Midwest. Top 50 of 134 schools.
#1 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 97% of special education schools in Ohio
Columbus, OH
#2 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 83% of special education schools in Ohio
Wauseon, OH
#3 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Diocesan school · Grades K–8
Small classes: about 5 students per teacher
Lyndhurst, OH
#4 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 2–12
The smallest classes of any special education school in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
#5 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Smaller classes than 88% of special education schools in Illinois
Arlington Heights, IL
#6 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Ungraded
The only special education school in Park Ridge
Park Ridge, IL
#7 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Growing: enrollment up 44% since 2011–12
Lisle, IL
#8 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Independent Catholic school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any special education school in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
#9 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 95% of special education schools in Illinois
Arlington Heights, IL
#10 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 3–12
Smaller classes than 65% of special education schools nationwide
Paola, KS
#11 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 6–12
The only special education school in Olivette
Olivette, MO
#12 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Smaller classes than 78% of special education schools nationwide
Roeland Park, KS
#13 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades Pre-K–12
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Genoa, IL
#14 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only special education school in Canton
Canton, OH
#15 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 69% of special education schools in Ohio
Columbus, OH
#16 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–8
The only special education school in Blue Island
Blue Island, IL
#17 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 9–12
The largest special education school in Chicago
Chicago, IL
#18 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 5–12
Smaller classes than 92% of special education schools in Illinois
Melrose Park, IL
#19 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 150% since 2011–12
Cincinnati, OH
#20 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–12
The only special education school in Town and Country
Town and Country, MO
#21 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 78% of special education schools in Illinois
Hoffman Estates, IL
#22 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 2–12
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Lake Villa, IL
#23 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades 1–12
The only special education school in Elgin
Elgin, IL
#24 Best Special Education Schools in the Midwest
Special education school · Grades K–12
The largest of 45 special education schools in Ohio
Cincinnati, OH
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.