Public School Review - Established 2003

Best California Special Education Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 109 special education public middle schools serving 16,456 students in California.
The top-ranked special education public middle schools in California are Modoc County Special Education, Sierra Vista and Bases Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
California special education public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 9% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).

Best Special Education Public Middle Schools in California (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Modoc County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
139 Henderson St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7110
Gr: K-12
Rank: #22.
Sierra Vista
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5280 Stirling St.
Auburn, CA 95603
(916) 277-8799
Gr: 3-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Bases Learning Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2775 Yard St.
Oroville, CA 95966
(530) 532-5844
Gr: 1-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Success Learning Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
13530 Aviation Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 725-2101
Gr: K-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #3 - 53. - 5.
Sunrise (Special Education)
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1861 Silverwood Dr.
Concord, CA 94519
(925) 687-0202
Gr: K-8 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Canyon Hills
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
260 South Imperial Hwy.
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 997-6171
Gr: K-12 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Charles Leroy Lowman Special Educational And Career Transition Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
12827 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 765-3404
Gr: K-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Clearlake Creativity
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6945 Old Highway 53
Clearlake, CA 95422
(707) 995-9523
Gr: K-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Danbury Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1745 Lynoak Dr.
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 398-0335
Gr: K-8 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Davila Day
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
540 G St.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 427-5626
Gr: K-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
East Hills Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1791 Rock Mountain Rd.
Chula Vista, CA 91913
(619) 656-2490
Gr: 7-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
H. Glenn Richardson
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1069 Meadowlark Dr.
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 420-2300
Gr: K-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Mark Twain Special Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
11802 Loara St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 663-6050
Gr: K-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Ralph Richardson Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4848 Cottage Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 971-7411
Gr: K-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
San Diego County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
525 Third St.
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(858) 298-2213
Gr: K-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
San Luis County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3360 Education Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 593-3186
Gr: K-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #6 - 176. - 17.
Thompson Elementary School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4544 Maxson Rd.
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 443-2613
Gr: K-8 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #18 - 2018. - 20.
Calaveras County Special Education (Selpa)
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
185 South Main St.
Altaville, CA 95221
(209) 736-6020
Gr: K-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #18 - 2018. - 20.
Lassen County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
472-013 Johnstonville Rd. Nort
Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-2196
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #18 - 2018. - 20.
Mt. Burney Special Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
37577 Mountain View Rd.
Burney, CA 96013
(530) 335-3852
Gr: K-12 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Esperanza Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
25121 Pradera Dr.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 830-5470
Gr: 7-12 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
James J. Mcbride Special Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3960 Centinela Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-0568
Gr: 6-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #23 - 2723. - 27.
Anderson
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
24302 East Fourth St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
(909) 388-6311
Gr: K-12 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #23 - 2723. - 27.
Central County Special Education Programs
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2964 Miranda Ave.
Alamo, CA 94507
(925) 837-6007
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #23 - 2723. - 27.
Coastal Buttes Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
499 Margurite St. Ste. A
Williams, CA 95987
(530) 473-1350
Gr: K-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #23 - 2723. - 27.
La Vista Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4501 Bannister Rd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 971-5221
Gr: 6-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #23 - 2723. - 27.
Magnolia Park
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1915 Monterey Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 729-7650
Gr: 6-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #2828.
West Sonoma County Consortium
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
462 Johnson St.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 824-7911
Gr: K-8 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
College View
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1700 East Mountain St.
Glendale, CA 91207
(818) 246-8363
Gr: K-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
Empower
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
165 Roanoke Rd.
El Cajon, CA 92022
(619) 588-3296
Gr: K-8 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
Santa Cruz County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Encinal St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 466-5700
Gr: K-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
Compton Step
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
417 West Alondra Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(310) 639-4321
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
George Key
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
710 East Golden Ave.
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 986-7170
Gr: K-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
Tehama County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
900 Palm St.
Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 527-8581
Gr: K-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #35 - 4635. - 46.
California School For The Blind
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Walnut Ave.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 794-3800
Gr: K-12 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Show 74 more Special Education public schools in California (out of 109 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked special education public middle schools in California?
The top-ranked special education public middle schools in California include Modoc County Special Education, Sierra Vista and Bases Learning Center.
How many special education public middle schools are located in California?
109 special education public middle schools are located in California.
What is the racial composition of students in California?
California special education public middle schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
 School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
 Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights

More Articles

Teaching
Opinion
Public School Policies
Public School Jobs
About Public Schools