In the Chicago area, every child is unique, and so is their educational journey.
For families of children living with disabilities, special education schools provide a range of options tailored to meet diverse needs.
These schools offer varied approaches, some emphasizing therapeutic environments while others focus more on therapeutic conversations and talk therapy.
For those seeking a religious-oriented education, the Chicago area hosts several schools committed to supporting the diverse requirements of students with disabilities.
According to Niche, a reputable platform known for school rankings, an analysis of special education schools in Chicago has resulted in a list of the finest institutions based on critical factors such as academic performance, teacher effectiveness, and overall school diversity.
Here are some of the best special education schools in the Chicago region:
1. Parkland Preparatory Academy
Address: 900 S. Park Blvd, Streamwood
Parkland Preparatory Academy distinguishes itself as a private school offering a therapeutic approach for students ages 5-21.
The academy provides a therapeutic environment where students with disabilities can flourish.
A significant feature of Parkland is its provision for remote learning through the Parkland Virtual Academy, designed to cater to students with high social-emotional and behavioral needs.
The virtual academy focuses on meeting IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals, ensuring students obtain their high school diplomas in a personalized setting.
2. Allendale – Stepping Stone Therapeutic Day School
Address: 600 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa
Allendale offers a therapeutic school experience in a small, structured setting, where students are placed in classrooms designed for individualized attention by well-trained staff.
The school serves students with diverse special education needs, including emotional disabilities, autism, specific learning disabilities, and more.
With a holistic and trauma-informed approach to education, Allendale also provides enrichment classes, effectively bridging academic and life skills.
Family input plays a vital role at Allendale, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes the importance of relationships among the student, family, and school.
3. Metropolitan Preparatory Schools
Address: 2525 E. Oakton St., Suite D47, Arlington Heights
Metropolitan Preparatory Schools stands out for offering a small, private Christian environment that caters to grades 1-12, incorporating a nine-month schedule and an Extended School Year (ESY) option.
Operated by Family Guidance Centers Inc., the school encompasses programs like Metro Prep High School, Laureate Day School, and Metro Prep Grade School, providing a multidisciplinary approach in a nurturing atmosphere.
Students develop relationships with school counselors based on traditional talk therapy, fostering emotional and academic growth in small classroom settings that allow for individualized learning experiences.
4. New Hope Academy
Address: 3250 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
New Hope Academy caters to students in grades 6-12 with emotional disabilities, autism, and learning disabilities, offering programs that help ease the transition from high school to college or careers.
The school implements a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches, guided by a trained teaching staff adhering to Common Core Learning standards.
Additionally, New Hope Academy provides resources for students ages 17-21 through its Extension of Services (EOS) program, assisting in their post-high school transitions while also being a member of the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL).
5. Giant Steps Illinois
Address: 2500 Cabot Drive, Lisle
Giant Steps Illinois specializes in serving learners living with autism, combining a structured education with essential life skills.
The Giant Steps Day School accommodates students from K-22 and includes a Canopy Adult Autism Program for those who have aged out of the school system, proving continuing support.
The curriculum emphasizes standard-based learning while also focusing on essential skills applicable to real-life situations, laying the groundwork for successful community integration.
6. Little Friends: Krejci Academy
Address: 619 E. Franklin Ave., Naperville
Krejci Academy is an accredited institution that serves students aged 5-21 with autism or related emotional and developmental disabilities.
The academy promotes individual growth through a therapeutic educational environment and teaches independent living skills alongside social, cognitive, and academic development.
Additionally, Krejci Academy offers supportive resources for families, including parent groups and sibling support services to bolster the overall educational experience.
7. Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School
Address: 6245 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago
The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, also known as the “O-School,” provides a K-12 educational setting tailored for students with autism and social-emotional challenges.
Employing a data-backed therapeutic approach, students receive personalized education integrated with milieu therapy, which uses everyday activities for personal growth and interaction enhancement.
With components such as structured routines and a focus on social interactions, the O-School aims to cultivate positive group behaviors and self-care practices.
8. Knapp School & Yeshiva
Address: 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago
Located in West Rogers Park, the Knapp School & Yeshiva supports students from K-12, offering rigorous academic standards along with extensive support programs, all while incorporating religious studies.
The institution provides foreign language offerings, art programs, physical education, and a corrective reading initiative, ensuring a holistic educational experience.
Notably, around 15% of its students transition back to public schools annually, exceeding benchmarks set by Chicago Public Schools.
9. Laureate Day School
Address: 2525 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights
The Laureate Day School, operated by Family Guidance Centers Inc., caters to students in grades K-8 needing substantial emotional support.
This private day school emphasizes mental health treatment alongside individualized educational planning, establishing a safe haven for students with severe emotional disorders where they can thrive academically and therapeutically.
10. Easterseals Academy Tinley Park
Address: 17300 Ozark Ave., Tinley Park
Part of the renowned Easterseals network, Easterseals Academy Tinley Park serves students aged 3-22, providing a tailored educational approach rooted in the latest instructional strategies recommended by reputable institutions.
The school aligns its academic programs with state standards and encourages community-based learning, aiding students as they navigate academic concepts and life skills through experiential activities.
Easterseals Academy is committed to fostering social skills and career development, ensuring that each student receives a well-rounded education.
In summary, the special education schools in the Chicago area reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing meaningful educational experiences for students living with disabilities.
From therapeutic environments to individualized learning plans, each school offers unique resources and support to help students succeed on their educational journeys.
Families exploring options are encouraged to consider these schools as valuable resources in fostering their child’s growth and development.
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