Our school is situated in Tauranga’s beautiful Avenues and was first opened in 1965. Originally named Kaka St Special School the name was changed to Tauranga Special school in 2016.

Tauranga Special School students are learners and dreamers who are accepted, valued and celebrated. They have an intellectual disability which impacts on the way they are able to process and retain information and problem solve. Some of our students are on the autistic spectrum, have physical and sensory impairments or associated health issues. They are aged between 5 - 21 and receive Ongoing Resourcing Funding (ORS).

Our students are supported as they develop in their confidence and independence. They have positive expectations about their future and academic goals to support their progress in all areas of learning. They are individuals who are encouraged to be communicators, risk takers, explorers, artists, comedians, musicians, athletes, academics, inventors and much more. The sky is the limit.

We have superb facilities, including our own heated swimming pool. Our dedicated staff have regular Professional Development to ensure they are up to date with current practice in many special needs areas, school curriculum and key competencies. All our students are well educated in a safe, friendly and happy environment.