Best Private Special Education Schools In Johannesburg Near Me

4worldlovers: Glenoaks is a private remedial and special needs school in Johannesburg that unleashes potential! We nurture academic, functional, social and emotional growth for learners and personalize support according to the needs and strengths of each learner. We create a nurturing and inclusive environment for our learners which is supported by our dedicated, passionate and professional team. We achieve this through innovative adaptation, accommodation, differentiation and individualization for each learner.

A remedial program is for learners with average or higher intellectual abilities but who are not performing well in school. The focus is on narrowing or closing academic gaps to the extent that a learner can be re-introduced to mainstream schooling.

Special education differs from remedial education in that learners lack the intellectual ability, social and emotional maturity, physical ability or the analytical skills that are needed to perform in a remedial or mainstream classroom environment. The focus of special needs programs is to assist learners to be functional, independent and employable adults.

The school’s journey began over fifty years ago in 1969 with Dr Lorna Swartz. She started a small school in Melrose for her daughter, who was regarded as ‘learning disabled’. As word spread, other parents brought their children to Dr Schwartz, and Glenoaks School was born. Glenoaks School was one of the few schools who included learners of differing racial groups. In 1976 the school moved to Orange Grove. In 1981 Glenoaks expanded and moved to our current premises in Kensington. Dr Swartz’s vision has lived on through the leadership of Ms Peacock, Ms Patt, Mr Barnes and currently Mrs Caldeira.

Many who visit the school remark on our homely, friendly and nurturing atmosphere, while still offering the structure of a school environment. The small class settings, individual and group therapies and the unwritten curriculum of care and concern help us to grow our learners socially, emotionally and academically. We strive to ensure that our learners are intrinsically motivated and happily engaged in their own learning. We also strive to develop a sensitivity to and an understanding of academic, cultural and religious differences.

Glenoaks has a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychologists, occupational, speech & language, remedial and learning support therapists, as well as facilitators, classroom assistants and job coaches. These supportive services which are included in the school fees help our learners to identify their strengths and work on their areas of difficulty.

Placement decisions are based on various formal and informal assessment processes and are made by a collaborative team. We assess learners holistically and don’t only rely on IQ as a deciding factor. Similar processes follow when it comes to mainstreaming learners, transitioning to high school, referring to our special needs stream or deciding on future prospects beyond primary schooling.

Glenoaks has turned my daughter’s life around. She did not like mixing with anyone but now she loves being with people and she is a lot more independent. Thank you Glenoaks for all the love and care you put into our children

Glenoaks has provided my son with a safe learning space to allow him to develop at a pace that meets him where he is in his academic journey. More importantly it has given him and us a sense of belonging with a peer group that is his tribe. Glenoaks is the most special of the special needs schools, we are very happy here

The news of our son's special education needs left us shocked and clueless. After considering various schools, we confidently chose Glenoaks, and our decision never faltered. The exceptional staff's compassion and support, not only for our child but also for parents in support groups and the community, made an immense impact. Our son's growth was evident from day one—academically, socially, and most importantly, in his self-esteem. The challenges that plagued his previous school diminished as his confidence flourished. When the psychologist highlighted his interpersonal skills, suggesting a career as a therapist, it epitomized Glenoaks' commitment to nurturing children to unleash their true potential, irrespective of their challenges

A special word of thanks to the incredible staff at Glenoaks who are loving and very much in touch with the children’s needs. Thank you for helping our children to be the best that they can

I’m so happy with Glenoaks and the progress my son has made. I love the school!

Glenoaks is a G-D send. Thanks so much for all the hard work and dedication from the principal to the lovely staff. Always willing to help me no matter what

4worldlovers:
Small classes offer personalized attention, tailored instruction, and an inclusive learning environment, fostering academic progress and emotional well-being for students.

Benefit from over 50 years of experience in remedial education, ensuring proven expertise, time-tested strategies, and a deep understanding of student needs for effective academic support.

Our remedial education program provides highly trained teachers who specialize in addressing diverse learning needs. They employ targeted strategies and offer exceptional support to ensure students achieve academic success

4worldlovers: Offer educational and therapeutic intervention to children with autism and special needs between the ages of 2 and 12.


The school is situated in the leafy suburb of Parktown and has been in existence since 1975.

4worldlovers: We cater for students from 3 years of age with various special needs, including:

We also accept students with multiple diagnoses, or without a diagnosis.

4worldlovers:
The Centre for Autism Research and Education (CARE), where we believe that every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) deserves the best possible start in life.

Our independent school, registered with the Department of Education, is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for learners aged 18 months to 12 years who are affected by ASD. At CARE, we understand that raising a child with autism can be challenging, and we are here to provide a strong support system to both the child and parent.

We offer a comprehensive range of facilities, therapies, information and guidance all under one roof, making it easier for parents and caregivers to access the resources they need to support their child’s development. Our team of experienced professionals are passionate about providing the highest quality care and education, tailored to meet the individual needs of each learner.

We believe in creating a sense of belonging for every child with autism. We emphasise the ethos of “different, not less” and strive to create a safe haven for our learners where they can feel comfortable, cared for, accepted, and empowered. We are committed to promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment, where learners can reach their full potential and thrive.

We invite you to join us on this journey of hope and growth, where together we can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism and their families.

As a registered school, CARE follows an adapted version of the national CAPS curriculum to ensure that our educational offering is aligned to national policies. This helps our learners to integrate more easily into formal schooling systems after leaving CARE.

The CARE team specialises in transdisciplinary assessments and diagnostic evaluations. We assess learners’ academic, developmental, behavioural and socio-emotional functioning to formulate an integrated programme that addresses the individual needs of each learner. By providing an accurate evaluation and diagnosis of the learner’s difficulties, we are able to deliver a superior educational and therapeutic intervention.

At CARE, every child is regarded as unique. With us, the happiness and wellbeing of each learner is of the utmost importance. We aim to attend to different aspects of each learner’s development by nourishing and developing them fully. We also provide a safe haven and stability for families; our care extends beyond the learner to ensuring that the whole family feels supported.

4worldlovers: Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, “Make me feel important.” Never forget this message when working with people.

To inspire each learner to persevere and develop a person of self-worth and dignity.

To instill in each learner a system of values in accordance with our constitution while providing support to our parents.

Here at Forest Town School, we offer constant support to our learners and parents. This year we only wish to improve that.

We strive, to make our learners know that possibilities are endless. The sky is the limit and that won't be forgotten.

We encourage our learners to be the best they can be, and at their best achievements will always be acknowledged.

4worldlovers:
Our Early Childhood Development Academy is a specialised institution dedicated to providing comprehensive pre- and post-diagnostic intervention for children aged 2 to 6 years with autism and diverse developmental paths. We offer a range of effective programmes designed to address various developmental delays and challenges. Our team of educators and therapists are committed to nurturing each child’s individual strengths and guiding them on their unique developmental journey. Whether your child needs assistance with speech and language development, motor skills, social interaction, or cognitive abilities, our academy offers tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Join us in shaping a brighter future for your child.

Enrolling your child into an Autism specific pre-school or academy will help mitigate the impact of autism on the child’s development.

4worldlovers: Bellavista School is a co-educational school from Grade R to Grade 7 that offers intervention to remediate difficulties, excellence in education, and an inclusive environment that prepares children for the long-term world of work and a meaningful place in society. The school celebrates a fifty five year legacy of delivery on its commitment to offer its learners a view to a brighter future. Our past learners continue to call in and drop word of their progress and success later in life.

Bellavista S.E.E.K. is an assessment centre that facilitates a number of well-qualified multidisciplinary teams who, under the guidance of a lead psychologist, conduct in-depth educational assessments for children age 3 – 18, both nationally and internationally. These global assessments provide the necessary diagnostic framework needed to support children either in the current school environment and those who will come into Bellavista School.