Special needs schools in Ottawa

Find special needs schools in Ottawa listed below

What are special needs schools in Ottawa and who are they for?

Does your child need a bit of extra support or more concentrated help in their day to day school life? Special needs schools are designed to help children with a range of physical disabilities as well as communication or cognitive disorders. These schools offer integrated programs or curricula devoted solely to assisting and encouraging your child, while helping them to feel safe as they explore their interests and full potential.  Read more


List of dedicated special needs schools in Ottawa


These are dedicated special needs schools in Ottawa, where 100% of the students have special needs. They provide full-time special needs support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.

 
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"Heritage Academy provides a multisensory learning environment and supports students with Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and Anxiety in Grades 1 -12." —From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $16,600 to $19,000
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
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Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence 16600 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Autism Autism Asperger's Syndrome Asperger's Syndrome
Ottawa, Ontario
Conroy Rd/Walkey Rd
 
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"Astolot Educational Centre is a day school with grades 1 to 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. Classroom teacher-student ratios are 1 to 10. Students have the ability to reach their full potential with Astolot programming." —From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $16,000 to $18,000
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
  • Behavioral and Emotional
  • Physical
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Astolot Educational Centre 16000 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Clinical Depression Clinical anxiety Suicidal thoughts Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) Deafness Asperger's Syndrome Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
Ottawa, Ontario
Carling Avenue/Broadview Avenue
 
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"Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratios. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $20,500 to $40,000
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
  • Behavioral and Emotional
  • Physical
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Edelweiss Private Academy 20500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe) Autism Autism Autism Asperger's Syndrome Asperger's Syndrome Asperger's Syndrome Intellectual disability Intellectual disability Intellectual disability Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinical anxiety Clinical anxiety Clinical anxiety Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Language Processing Disorder Language Processing Disorder Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Dyscalculia Dyscalculia Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Dysgraphia Dysgraphia Down syndrome Down syndrome Down syndrome Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy

List of schools in Ottawa with special needs support


These Ottawa schools offer special needs support to a segment of students through a wide range of placements. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.

 
 
Ottawa, Ontario
Bank St./Wilton Cres.
 
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"Blyth Academy The Glebe focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and strong student support for Grades 7-12. Big experience in a small school! Part of community of eight Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $23,550
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
  • Behavioral and Emotional
  • Physical
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Blyth Academy The Glebe, Ottawa 23550 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Asperger's Syndrome Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Clinical anxiety Multiple sclerosis
Ottawa, Ontario
Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road
 
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"OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $9,765 to $16,850
  • Learning disabilities
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OMS Montessori 9765 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) Dysgraphia
Kanata, Ontario
Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive
 
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"For more than 40 years, Kanata Montessori has been graduating students with self-confidence, critical thinking skills, respect, grace and courtesy, high academic achievement, and an international perspective." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $16,750 to $22,500
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
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Kanata Montessori 16750 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Asperger's Syndrome Autism
Kanata, Ontario
March Road/Sandhill Road
 
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"March Academy offers an alternative program for students in grades 1 through 8. Small classes with enriching academics as well as weekly lessons in music, the arts, nature, yoga, taekwondo, and daily physical education." —From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 8 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $16,000
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
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March Academy 16000 Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Asperger's Syndrome Intellectual disability Asperger's Syndrome Intellectual disability ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Asperger's Syndrome Intellectual disability
Ottawa, Ontario
Bank Street/Marché Way
 
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"The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; Montessori
  • $19,760 to $23,005
  • Learning disabilities
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The Element High School 19760 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
Ottawa, Ontario
Donald St/Frances St
 
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"Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $10,670 to $12,320
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental
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Academie Providence 10670 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Language Processing Disorder Autism Asperger's Syndrome Intellectual disability Down syndrome ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe)
Ottawa, Ontario
Kirkwood/Laperriere
 
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"Revel Academy is a learner-driven micro-school that utilizes adaptive and mastery-based technology, Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships in an innovative, character-forging community." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $15,250
 
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Revel Academy 15250 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed ADHD (moderate to severe) ADHD (moderate to severe)

Ottawa private school expo 

If you're considering a specialized or integrated program for your special needs child, the Ottawa private school expo in November will allow you to meet and speak with the best local schools for kids with special needs. Plus, free information seminars by education experts will help you ensure you're making the best choice when it comes to your child's education.

Benefits of your child attending a special needs school

In a more mainstream classroom,  the chances of your son or daughter getting lost in the shuffle is higher because teachers have the challenging task of trying to accommodate every child’s needs and instructing to a larger number of different types of learners. 

Ottawa special needs schools have alternative curricula that are more tailored to meet the needs of each student. Teachers are able to determine those individual needs from the start and alter their methods of instruction over time to work on strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide continuous group support with before and after care available in most environments.

These schools, like other private schools, also have the unique resources to provide different extracurricular activities to enhance a child’s education. And they offer your son or daughter the opportunity to participate in ways that stimulate their growth and build on their interests, while also giving them a chance to try something new with additional support. 

To learn more, read our guide on the pros and cons of special needs schools.

Types of Ottawa special needs schools 

Special needs schools in Ottawa are generally day schools that offer full or half-day kindergarten, private/individual lessons, tutoring, and a range of support for learning disabilities, dyslexia, and other types of special needs. This includes special needs schools in downtown Ottawa, Ottawa-Gatineau, Rockliffe Park, Rockland, Kemptville, Nepean, Kanata, Centrepoint, Centretown, the Glebe, Riverside Park, and Hampton Park. These schools are offered at the elementarymiddle, and high school levels.

These schools also tend to offer bilingual language instruction, including ESL and French immersion, and a host of courses and programs in arts, history, public speaking, world religions and philosophy, as well as science, math, and technology.

Academics clubs, such as chess and debate clubs, may be included in the curriculum, and many sports such as baseball, gymnastics, and golf are available. Moral development programs like leadership, self-esteem, social justice, and character education are also options.

Costs of special needs education

You may be able to qualify for a medical tax break on tuition at eligible schools and a number of extended insurance plans will cover initial psychological assessments at special needs schools. It’s also possible to find scholarships or bursaries that can help pay for fees.  

Learn more ways to pay for private school, including financial aid, with 18 Tips to Paying for Private School

Choosing the right special needs school for your child

Beginning your search for the right special needs school in Ottawa starts with understanding your child. What kind of environment would help them flourish? What sort of specific support do they need? 

Make a list of what’s most important for your child and your family (is the location, cost or type of programs crucial, for example) and research school websites, request information packages, or visit school fairs like the Our Kids private school expos. Scheduling a tour of the school or going to an open house is a great way to find out everything the school has to offer, get a feel for whether that environment would be right for your child, and narrow down your choices.

Get more information on choosing a school with this step-by-step guide 


Frequently Asked Questions

How many Special needs schools in Ottawa are there?
There are 10 Special needs schools in Ottawa that are Our Kids trusted members.

How much is tuition at Special needs schools in Ottawa?
Tuition fees for Special needs schools in Ottawa range from $10,670 to $40,000 per year with an average tuition of $18,515 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the Special needs schools in Ottawa, the largest is Kanata Montessori with 500 students in Grades Nursery/Toddler to 12.

Are Special needs schools in Ottawa good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Special needs schools in Ottawa on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Special needs schools in Ottawa?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.

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