我在维基百科上查了关于美国的特需教育（Special Education）的定义和内容，供您参考：
Special education (also known as special needs education, aided education, exceptional education or Special Ed) is the practice of educating students with special educational needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. These interventions are designed to help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community, that may not be available if the student were only given access to a typical classroom education.
Common special needs include learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), communication disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders (such as ADHD and ADD), physical disabilities (such as Brittle Bone Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Bifida, and Frederich's Ataxia), and developmental disabilities (such as autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability).[1] Students with these kinds of special needs are likely to benefit from additional educational services such as different approaches to teaching, the use of technology, a specifically adapted teaching area, or a resource room.
美国类似天才班的学校多是公立的，有的州是政府专门设置的，甚至还有住校的，象GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL OF NORTH CAROLINA：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor%27s_School_of_North_Carolina（高中11〜12年级） 。但更多的是magnet学校，象我这边就有一所Academy of Science and Technology （高中9-12年级）。不管是哪所类型，都是要经过考试选拔才能进得去的。进这样的学校，因为免学费，往往比申请私校更难。
读公立的话，一定要有美国公民或绿卡身份。
