St Raphael’s Special School  is an Autism(ASD)Specific Government  School, now based in Yellowwood Park, with 85% of our current enrollment diagnosed with ASD(Autism Specific Disorder). We admit learners of all disabilities or diagnosis that warrants special needs intervention and support.  Admissions are at entry level, Grade R.

St. Raphael's School aims  to create an environment that promotes a culture of teaching and learning for all learners. Learners are screened and placed in programmes according to their abilities and not disabilities. We have closed down our Autistic Units and all learners are placed in one of the ffg programmes offered at our school, as per their cognitive ability:-

1. CAPS Foundation Phase- Grade R to 3

2. CAPS Intermediate and Senior Phase- Grade 4 to 7

3. CAPS-SID Grade R to 6

4. Technical Occupational Skills

History of St. Raphael's School

St. Raphael’s School opened on 9 April 1984 to meet the growing need of children with physical disabilities in the Wentworth area. Mr Williams initiated this process with the then Cripple Care Association as they were not catered for in the mainstream schools. St. Raphael's School previously catered for disabled coloured children. The school was accommodated in Tifflin Road at the Associations premises.

Our current premises is 18 Coulter Road, Yellowwwood Park. The site previously hosted an Afrikaans - Medium School. Post Apartheid, when Afrikaans schools amalgamated, due to low numbers, the site became available. Mr. Williams and Mr. E. Peffer were instrumental in acquiring the premises and St. Raphael's School moved to the current premises in July 1994. 

Since its inception, St Raphael’s has grown phenomenally into a multi-cultural school that caters for learners with various disabilities, such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities, medical conditions and autism. Learners are accepted from all areas in the Durban region. 

St Raphael’s prides itself on their motto “I know I can.” We have a committed and dedicated staff of Educators, Therapists, and Support staff who endeavour to deliver quality education and support for each of our learners.

The current principal of St. Raphael's School is Mrs.M.S.Philips.