Below is a list of schools friendly to differently wired children crowdsourced by the TiLT Parenting community. All of the information below was submitted by families with first-hand experience and knowledge of the schools or by the schools themselves.
The goal is to continue building a truly comprehensive, up-to-date database of schools that can meet our kids’ needs, along with the kind of reviews / feedback that will help others with their decision process. To submit information about a school that should be included in this database, please click the button below. To report an inaccuracy or submit a suggested change to a listing that’s already included, please send us an email.
Important Note: Inclusion of a school on this list is not an endorsement by Tilt Parenting. All testimonials have been voluntarily supplied by families who have or currently attend that school, and honestly represent their personal experience with the school.
LISTING OF SCHOOLS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
Australia
Albany Hills State School
Albany Creek, Queensland
Website: www.albahillss.eq.edu.au
Grades Served: Elementary
Type of School: Public
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students, Gifted program
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, 2e / twice exceptional
School Features: Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Support from teachers for both challenges & academic advancement
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
The Gifted Education teacher is neurodiverse so she gets them.
Dara School
Adelaide
Website: www.daraschool.sa.edu.au
Grades Served: 1-12
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted
Cire Community School
Yarra Junction, Victoria
Website: www.cire.org.au/community-school
Grades Served: Middle school, high school
Type of School: Independent
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, social skills groups, executive function coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
Kunyung Primary School
Mount Eliza
Website: www.kunyung.vic.edu.au
Grades Served: Elementary
Type of School: Public, International Baccalaureate
Approach to Neurodivergence: General population with no specific support but does well for certain kids
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
This school is not specifically targeted to differently wired children however since moving to this school we have felt that it’s a great fit for children who are mildly-moderately gifted (unsure yet about the radical acceleration that might be required for profoundly gifted students) and possibly would also suit other neurodivergent students. The school has a strong belief in “student agency” so children are genuinely given a voice into what their learning looks like, the curriculum is fluid and children are genuinely met at their pace of learning with children routinely working behind or above their age level. Each child is given individual learning goals and as such a gifted student does not stick out as an outlier as it’s not unusual to see each child working on a different task in class. I do feel it might better suit self motivated students as students are encouraged to “book” conferences and demonstrations with their teacher in order to move forward through the curriculum, this process is scaffolded and taught to those students who are not as confident however this may slaw the rapid acceleration through the curriculum somewhat. The school also runs multi-age classrooms which can be a consideration for some families, year levels follow as such: Prep(foundation/FYOS), Juniors (1/2multiage), Middles (3/4multiage) and seniors (5/6multiage).
The Currajong School
Malvern East
Website: www.currajong.vic.edu.au/
Grades Served: Elementary
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ASD, ADHD, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, social skills groups, executive function coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
The Currajong School has helped my autistic daughter with trauma from attending a mainstream school reengage with learning. A year in her attendance had grown to full time. Eighteen months in she wants to go to school and no longer sees missing school as an incentive for other appointments. While she still struggles academically she is happy, supported and knows friendship. She enjoys school and is surrounded by adults who set her up for success, guide her with things she finds challenging, encourage her unique talents and help her experience the world positively. The school has been life changing for my daughter and our family. I’ve learned so much from their psychologist in the weekly parent sessions. I wish more people had access to a school like this.
Fernbrook School
Melbourne
Website: www.fernbrook.com.au
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional
School Features: Small class size, Good teacher to student ratio, Alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), Use of technology to support differently learning styles, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
All I can say is my child is appreciated for who she is, and the school grows its approach to meet its community as it is, evolving in response to the students. It’s remarkable.
Guildford Grammar School
Perth
Website: www.ggs.wa.edu.au/
Grades Served: Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, social skills groups, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
We have experienced strong support within the school, and attending an IEP meeting is a pleasure; we are all on the same page before we even enter the room! With well targeted resources and support our boy is now thriving in the lower grades of high school.
Tombolo Academy
Hampton
Website: www.tombolo.vic.edu.au
Grades Served: Grades 3-7
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: 2e / twice exceptional
Canada
Alberta
Westmount Charter
Calgary
Website: www.westmountcharter.com
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school (all grades)
Type of School: Charter
Approach to Neurodivergence: Focused on gifted education
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, social skills groups, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
Westmount’s mandate is gifted education, but unlike some programs, the focus is on the full picture of giftedness, including the struggles that come with it. It has a diverse population and lots of support for 2e students, including ASD and ADHD. Differences are accepted and worked with. There’s a recognition that gifted and 2e students need their academic AND social/emotional needs addressed – not either/or.
Rundle Academy
Calgary
Website: www.rundle.ab.ca/schools/academy
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school (grades 4-12)
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ADHD, learning differences
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
Rundle Academy services students with learning disabilities and ADHD with compassion and excellent learning strategies/support. They have a strong academic push and the vast majority of students go on to post secondary education.
BrainBoost Education
Vancouver
Website: www.brainboosteducation.com
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private, micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students, inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, anxiety
School Features:Small class size, Good teacher to student ratio, Social skills groups, Executive function coaching, Alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), Use of technology to support differently learning styles, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Opportunities for parent education
Madrona Independent School
Vancouver
Website: www.madronaschool.com
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school (kindergarten-8th grade)
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Focused on gifted education
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges, anxiety
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, social skills groups, executive functioning coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learner
I am a parent, and taught at Madrona for 4 years. Madrona is a haven for kids who are square pegs. When my son started at Madrona, we were all hurting from the beating my son had taken in the public system. From day one, we noticed the different approach that is taken at Madrona. They saw him as a whole person. They could see his gifts, and looked for ways around his challenges. They stopped trying to diagnose him, instead choosing to accept him as one of the community. He responded very quickly to the change in attitude and began to love going to school. He’s been there 1.5 years now, and are still very happy. During my time, teaching at Madrona, I saw this pattern happen repeatedly.
Kelowna
Website: www.clarolife.com
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school (all grades)
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, 2e / twice exceptional
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, social skills group, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
Manitoba
Inspired Explorations Learning
Winnipeg
Website: www.inspiredexplorationlearning.com
Grades Served: Elementary
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Small, individualized learning
Neurodifferences Supported: 2e / twice exceptional
School Features:Small class size, Good teacher to student ratio, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Inquiry-based and hands-on learning
Ontario
Cherrywood Acres
Niagara Falls
Website: www.cherrywood.dsbn.org/
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school (grades K-8)
Type of School: Public
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ASD, ADHD, learning differences, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education, nature immersion to support self regulation
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
This school had an open mind about my child before any diagnosis, took the kid in front of them and adjusted themselves while making a point to keep him in the class room, full days, and support him to the best that their resources would allow. Open communication, meeting when requested and if anything came up, respecting of separate households and navigating it professionally. Diagnosis or not their goal from day 1 was how do we bring out the best of this child while including him and educating his peers on his needs as well. I could go on for days about them.
One Forest Montessori School
Kitchener
Website: www.oneforest.ca
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges, anxiety
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, executive functioning coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education, nature immersion to support self regulation
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
The school has been very supportive of my son’s learning and emotional challenges. Full disclosure, I started the school. I am an AMS trained Montessori Teacher and I partnered with a teacher with experience in outdoor learning to provide a nature-enriched Montessori curriculum, one that I thought would help him and other differently wired kids. The regular outside time in the local conservation area is both a wonderful learning experience, and very helpful for those who struggle with self-regulation and anxiety like my son. We began the school 2 years ago, and we now have 30 children from preschool up to grade 6.
Summit Micro School
Toronto
Website: www.summitmicroschool.ca
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school (grades K-8)
Type of School: Micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, anxiety
School Features:Small class size, Good teacher to student ratio, Executive function coaching, Alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), Use of technology to support differently learning styles, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Opportunities for parent education, Personalized Learning plan in mixed age groups/classes
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
I have 2 children attending this school after being in public school. One child is neurodivergent (LD/ADHD/School Anxiety) and another child who is neurotypical. Both children have benefitted tremendously from the small class size and high teacher ratio, mixed age group, personalized learning plans, emphasis on outdoor time, and project-based learning. Mostly, my children have responded to a feeling of safety and acceptance for who they are and the value of their uniqueness.
Turnbull School
Ottawa
Website: www.turnbull.ca
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school (grades K-8)
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: General population with no specific support but does well for certain kids
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, 2e / twice exceptional
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, executive function coaching, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education, nature immersion to support self regulation
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
Turnbull school was great for my hf/pd/ASD son. They provided a very enriched environment and the teachers genuinely took an interest in him. They specifically teach executive functioning, organization, and studying. My ADD, APD kid still struggles, but it was much worse in public school.
Wychwood School
Toronto
Website: www.wychwoodschool.ca
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school (grades 1-8)
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Meet students at their level
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, 2e / twice exceptional
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
The school operates almost like a family. All kids are supported and are part of the greater whole. No one is judged and all gifts are celebrated as just that – gifts!
China
Western Academy of Beijing
Beijing
Website: www.wab.edu
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
My child attended this school from k-6 grades. His G1 teacher identified his differences and referred him to the counselor for observation and further evaluation. He was given individual enrichment opportunities throughout all of elementary school with the support of the gifted services coordinator, as well as writing support (for dysgraphia) through small group pull-out classes. Weekly meetings with his counselor provided an opportunity to develop self-awareness and address behavioral issues or other concerns. The fact that the school realized his strengths as well as his challenges early on, and were able to provide the right combination of support for his twice-exceptionality helped my child not only succeed, but also thrive.
Egypt
New Cairo British International School
Beijing
Website: www.ncbis.co.uk
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD
School Features: Good teacher to student ratio, social skills groups, use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
El Salvador
Antiguo Cuscatlan
La Liberstad
Website: www.actonacademyelsalvador.com
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private, micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: General population with no specific support but does well for certain kids
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted
Curriculum: Montessori and acton academy
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parenting / Community Review:
My children have gone to Acton since 2016 (I started it for them). They are thriving because they feel free, creative, challenged and loved.
Federated States of Micronesia
Akoyikoyi School
Penia, Weno
Website: www.ship-hoops.org/akoyikoyi-school/
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school
Type of School: Charter
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, opportunities for parent education
France
Le Sallay Academy
Nevers
Website: www.lesallay.academy
Grades Served: Elementary school, middle school
Type of School: Private micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class size, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, social skills groups, executive function coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
India
APL Global School
Chennai
Website: www.aplglobalschool.com
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted
School Features: Good teacher to student ratio, Use of technology to support differently learning styles, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners
Curriculum: Personalized learning
Kenya
Woodland Star International School
Limuru
Website: www.woodlandstarkenya.com
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class sizes, good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
Mexico
Acton Academy MTY
Nuevo Leon
Website: www.actonacademymty.com
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school
Type of School: Private, micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: General population with no specific support but does well for certain kids
Neurodifferences Supported: Dyslexia
Curriculum: Learner driven, Montessori, Socratic Method, Apprenticeships & Real World Challenges combined
School Features: Small class size, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles
New Zealand
AGE School
Takapuna
Website: www.age.school.nz
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning differences, 2e / twice exceptional, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class sizes, good teacher to student ratio, social skills groups, executive function coaching, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
AGE is a school for families and students who are passionate about well-being for people and for the planet.
South Africa
Herzlia Cape Town
Cape Town
Website: www.herzlia.com
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ADHD, learning differences
School Features: Good teacher to student ratio, speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
My child is ADHD with major anxiety and his one year at this school with a one on one facilitator changed his life and the trajectory of his learning and school career.
South Korea
British Education Korea
Dongtan
Website: www.bek.co.kr
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ADHD, learning differences, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class sizes, good teacher to student ratio, executive function coaching, use of technology to support differently learning styles, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
My son, and his individual needs, were completely supported by this school. He is happy and has made terrific progress. Things that bothered other schools (he has some stimming behaviors) don’t bother them at all. They approach his education as an individual thing and make personalized and very helpful suggestions on how we can help him improve at home. They even gave him supplementary support on things he was behind on such as fine motor skills. He is extremely bright, but motivated differently than other kids.
Spain
Trisquel Compostela International School
Santiago de Compostela
Website: www.trisquelinternationalschool.com
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary school
Type of School: Private, micro-school
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: Gifted, ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, 2e / twice-exceptional, intellectual disabilities
School Features: Small class size, Good teacher to student ratio, Social skills groups, Alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), Use of technology to support differently learning styles, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Opportunities for parent education
Curriculum: Strength-based, project-based
Turkey
British Embassy School of Ankara
Ankara
Website: www.besaturkey.org
Grades Served: Preschool, elementary
Type of School: Private
Approach to Neurodivergence: Inclusion program with extra support for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ADHD
School Features: Small class size, Speech language pathologist or occupational therapists on site, Teachers have experience with differently wired learners, Outdoor environment (Forest School)
Curriculum: IEYC, IPC and IMYC in conjunction with the National Curriculum in England
United Kingdom
Barncroft School (E17)
London
Website: www.barncroftprimaryschool.org
Grades Served: Elementary (primary)
Type of School: Public
Approach to Neurodivergence: General population with no specific support but does well for certain kids
Neurodifferences Supported: ASD, ADHD, learning differences, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class sizes, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), teachers have experience with differently wired learners
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
We moved my son here after he did not cope at another school. They are very kind and accommodating and put my son on a very part timetable. They listen to me as a parent and really want to make it work for my son.
Foxwood Academy
Nottingham
Website: www.foxwood.notts.sch.uk
Grades Served: Elementary, middle school, high school
Type of School: Public
Approach to Neurodivergence: Specifically for atypical students
Neurodifferences Supported: ASD, ADHD, learning differences, behavioral challenges
School Features: Small class sizes, good teacher to student ratio, social skills groups, alternative academic expectations (such as no homework, no testing, no grades, etc.), use of technology to support differently learning styles, teachers have experience with differently wired learners, opportunities for parent education
TiLT Parent / Community Review:
Fantastic, friendly school that supports and stretches your child to make outstanding progress.