Therapeutic Day Schools for Children with Autism

Elementary School

Acacia Academy

  • 6425 Willow Springs Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
  • 6880 N. Frontage Rd, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(708) 579-9040
info@acaciaacademy.com

Acacia Academy is an accredited, private special education / therapeutic school for elementary (grades 1-8), high school (grades 9-12) and Transition Program for ages 18-22. We offer a variety of school year and summer programs designed to meet each student’s learning objectives in terms of his/her learning capabilities. Acacia Academy is AdvancED accredited and has been approved for out-of-district placement by the Illinois State Board of Education for special education. Students from all over northern Illinois attend Acacia Academy


AERO Special Education Cooperative

7600 S. Mason Ave, Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 496-3330

Half or full-day education program designed for children who exhibit severe to moderate delays in one or more areas of development. Program utilizes the principles of applied behavior analysis for skill acquisition and behavior management and TEACCH for communication and structure.


Alexander Leigh Center for Autism

4100 Veterans Pkwy, McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 344-2522
Contact form

The day school serves children from the ages of 3-22 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay, and/or intellectual disabilities. The students who come to ALCA typically require one-to-one support and intensive therapies to make measurable gains. Our student population comes from local public school districts when the student requires a more intensive placement to meet their educational and behavioral needs. ALCA, based in McHenry, IL currently serves students residing in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties.


Beard Special Education Center

6445 W. Strong St, Chicago, IL 60656
(773) 534-1228

Offers education and treatment for autism spectrum, emotionally disabled, and cognitively delayed children including, discrete trial, sensory integration, behavioral, music, and art therapy, group therapy and public talking circle. 


Bi-County Special Education Cooperative 

1900 W. LeFevre Rd, Suite A, Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858

Services portions of Erie, Fulton, Prophetstown, Sterling, Mount Pleasant, Coloma, Fairhaven, and Freeport townships. 


Black Bear Academy

Katie Oglesbee, M.S., CCC-SLP, Therapeutic Director
1801 W. Bryon, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 244-0700
koglesbee@blackbearacademy.com

Black Bear Academy has pre-academic, academic, and therapeutic programs that provide a supportive environment for children ranging from 18 months to 6 years to encourage development of school readiness skills, independence, and social interactions through thematic, play based learning and positive peer models.


Blue Bird Day School

Northcenter (Chicago): 1921 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL. 60613
West Loop (Chicago): 1233 W. Adams St. Chicago, IL. 60607
Wheaton: 140 E. Loop Rd. Wheaton, IL.  601989
312-243-8487
info@bbdprogram.com

Blue Bird Day is a multi-disciplinary therapeutic program in a preschool and kindergarten-like setting. Ideal for children ages 2-7.


The Camelot Schools

7500 Rialto Blvd, Building 1, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78735
(512) 858-9900
info@cameloteducation.org

Children participating in the autism program at Camelot’s day schools take part in a specialized curriculum that focuses on maximizing independent functioning in home, school, vocational and community settings by utilizing music therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, social skills training, prevocational and vocational instruction, and a functional academic curriculum; locations in Illinois include Garden Prairie, Bourbonnais, Hoffman Estates, Mt. Prospect, Naperville, Moline, and Dekalb.


Cardinal Cushing Centers

Michelle Markowitz
405 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339
(781) 829-1205
mmarkowitz@cushingcenters.org

Private, non-profit therapeutic special needs boarding school for children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities.


Chicago Autism Academy

21133 S. 80th Ave, Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 806-2900
CAACorwin@gmail.com

Serves children who have an autism spectrum disorder, cognitive disability, or a developmental delay with a variety of programs and empirically based procedures, which include: speech and language, occupational therapy, behavioral analysis, and social programming.  A variety of empirically based procedures are used including, Behavior Analysis, Precision Teaching, Direct Instruction, and many other interventions. The Chicago Autism Academy accepts students from many school districts across Northeastern Illinois.   


The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

1850 W. Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 997-3675
mary.zabelski@chicagolighthouse.org

Therapeutic day school: Programs for students with blindness/visual impairments, moderate to severe/profound cognitive impairments, hearing impairments, traumatic brain injuries, autism, sensory processing disorders, seizure disorders, physical disabilities, communication disorders and other health concerns; program includes speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, psychology, orientation and mobility, and vision and hearing.

Vision Care
(312) 997-3686

Services include Optometry. 


City Elementary

Christopher Flint, Head of School
1100 E. Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615
(872) 240-2489
cflint@cityelementary.com

ISBE approved. Offers an educational program tailored to children with diverse learning styles and developmental needs.


Communication Clubhouse - Connections Academy

Clubhouse Connections Academy is a partial-day program that offers a social therapeutic setting suited to their needs.


Connections Day School

31410 North US Highway 45, Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 680-8349

We serve children and adolescents, ages 8-21, primarily from Lake County who, because of significant special education needs (ED, BD, LD, OHI, AUT & CD), require an alternative school program that is both educational and therapeutic. By utilizing therapeutic, educational, family and community connections, CDS is able to promote academic achievement, social/emotional well-being and personal growth.


Connections South Campus

909 E. Wilmette Rd, Palatine, IL 60074
(847) 359-8300

South Campus is a private therapeutic day school serving students with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs serving students in Southern Lake and Northern Cook Counties who are in need of an alternative school program, which is supportive, therapeutic and educational. The program serves students between the ages of 6 and 21 years.  SC utilizes educational, therapeutic, family and community connections to promote academic achievement and personal/emotional growth. 


Easterseals Central Illinois

507 E. Armstrong Ave, Peoria, IL 61603-3201 
(309) 686-1177

Provides interdisciplinary pediatric therapy and support for the whole child, and your whole family. Services include: Early Intervention, Feeding Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Counseling. Additional autism services include ABA, DIR/Floortime, assistive technology clinics, adaptive swim lessons, care management, diagnostic evaluations, social skills groups, residential day camp and parent training. 


Easterseals Chicagoland & Greater Rockford 
 
School locations in Chicago, Rockford and Tinley Park

(312) 491-4110

Autism services include screening and diagnostics (ages 3-12), parent training, individual therapy, parent support groups, and resource support. Therapeutic day school programming available children ages 5-21. 


Eisenhower Cooperative

5318 W. 135th St, Crestwood, IL 60418
(708) 389-7580

Services portions of Worth, Bremen, Thornton, and Calumet townships. The Eisenhower Cooperative provides special education services to children and consultative and professional development services to staff from the following ten elementary and high school districts in southern Cook County. Programs include: 

  • CARE Program: Services elementary aged students in a therapeutic day school who exhibit emotional disturbances and severe emotional difficulties in their home school. 
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program: The Instructional Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program utilizes a total communication philosophy to help students develop expressive and receptive language skills by offering opportunities for students to imitate, create, and expand their language base and usage.
  • Developmental Learning Program: Provides a complete educational program for students with multiple disabilities in a regular education setting. Children are with age-appropriate peers for lessons that are educationally appropriate to the individual child. Students in the Developmental Learning Program work on an individualized academic and functional curriculum and also have access to all related services included Speech/Language therapy, Occupational and Physical therapy on-site. Students also have access to a full-time nurse and assistive technology support as needed.

Elim Christian School

Autism Comprehensive Education (ACE) Program
13020 S. Central Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 389-0555

School offers a one-on-one integrated holistic approach of services including TEACCH, applied behavior analysis, and augmentative communication.


Esperanza School

520 N. Marshfield, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 243-6097

Esperanza School is a private therapeutic day school that serves special education students with severe and profound Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, aged 6 through 21 years old. Due to their autism and other developmental disabilities, our students also display significant behavioral needs. Our multidisciplinary team includes teachers, behavior therapists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and a speech and communication specialist. Ages: 6-21 years


Genesee Lake School

Stephanie Koster-Peterson, admissions director
36100 Genesee Lake Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 569-5510, ext. 3004
admissions@geneseelakeschool.com

Genesee Lake School is a nationally recognized provider offering programs for students with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, neurological disorders, and emotional disturbances. Additionally, we offer specialized programs for students with autism spectrum disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and complex trauma. Our 160 acre campus is a nurturing setting where students from around the country gain the skills and experiences necessary to successfully return to their families, school districts, and communities. Our goal at Genesee Lake School is to provide an innovative and enriching environment for the students in our care to learn and experience all that life can offer. Illinois State Board of Education Approved and COA Certified. Ages: 6-21 years.


Giant Steps Inc.

Sylvia Smith
2500 Cabot Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 864-3801
ssmith@mygiantsteps.org

Giant Steps Illinois day school offers a one-on-one integrated holistic approach of services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 


Guiding Light Academy 
 
1051 Internationale Pkwy, Woodridge, IL 60517

Guiding Light Academy accepts referrals for students from various school districts in the Chicagoland area. Potential students must be in grades K-12 and have a primary diagnosis of Autism, Other Health Impairment, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Delay.


Grundy County Special Education Cooperative

GCSEC member districts service portions of Mazon, Morris, Aux Sable, Braceville, Garfield, Erienna, and Greenfield townships.

River’s Edge Academy 
Russell Young, Program Coordinator
725 School St, Morris, IL 60450
(815) 942-5780
ryoung@grundyspecialed.org

The Life Skills classrooms serve students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities in grades K-12 at Rock Falls and Morrison Schools. Emphasis is placed on functional academics, daily living, self-care, communication, self-advocacy, and vocational skills appropriate to the age of the students.


Heartspring

Kristina Baker, director of admissions and outreach 
8700 East 29th St, Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 214-1132 (cell)
(316) 634-8874 (office)
kbaker@heartspring.org

The Heartspring School is a private, not-for-profit, residential and day school, serving students impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities from across the country and around the world. Most Heartspring students also display challenging behaviors that often interfere with their educational progress, as well as their home life and community integration. Ages: 5-21 yrs. Heartspring is a school with a residential program and, therefore, charges tuition and fees. The majority of the students who attend Heartspring are placed through the students’ IEP teams and funded by their local school district. Very few students qualify for funding through insurance providers. However, on a case-by-case basis, this may be possible. Some students have multiple agencies involved in the placement and in the funding (such as a school district, a child welfare agency, adoption subsidy, etc.). For some families, paying privately and/or outside financing may be an option. 


Helping Hand School for Autism

Sally Wilson-Gamble
9649 W. 55th St, Countryside, IL 60525
(708) 352-3580, ext. 437

Use research-based intervention modalities and teaching methods to assure best practice to design each child's own individualized program and curriculum.


High Road Schools - Specialized Education Services, INC.

Provides academic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 5 through 21, with extraordinary needs. specialize in a normative culture approach to school therapeutic programming that emphasizes individual growth. Accepting students from school districts at our standalone schools across the state. (*pre-K offered starting at age 3)


Holtz Educational Center

8149 Cass Ave, Darien, IL 60561
(630) 541-6441

Holtz Educational Center, LLC is a non-public, therapeutic day school that provides special education alternatives to students pre-K through 8th grade utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).  Holtz accepts students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, students previously diagnosed as having PDD-NOS, intellectual and specific learning disorders & other health impairments.


Jewish Child & Family Services

Joy Faith Knapp Children's Center
3145 W. Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 467-3900
therapeuticdayschool@jcfs.org

Provides the best educational, emotional and therapeutic services for students of all backgrounds in grades K-12 who have not thrived in a traditional school setting, to encourage their academic, interpersonal and vocational success.


Kankakee Area Special Education Cooperative (KASEC)

650 W. Guertin St, St Anne, IL 60964
(815) 422-4151

KASEC member districts service portions of Aroma, Ashkum, Manteno, Saint Anne, Bourbonnais, and Pembroke townships. Programs include: 

  • The Alternative Day Program, located at St. Anne Grade School and St. Anne High School, provides services and assistance to meet educational, social/emotional and behavioral needs of students from northern Iroquois and Kankakee Counties.
  • The Communications Program is for learners with significant speech-language, social-communication, or autism spectrum disorders to recognize and achieve their full potential. The Communications Program classroom is housed in public school building to maximize opportunities for learning and interaction with non-disabled peers.
  • Transition Program 

Kemit Academy

5100 S. Dorchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 966-5039

Kemit Academy offers specialized day care for infants and toddlers and a therapeutic day school for children ages 5-12 with developmental disabilities. Kemit also provides pediatric occupational and speech therapies. 


Kradwell School

1220 Dewey Avenue Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-454-6590

A unique learning environment on Aurora Psychiatric Hospital’s wooded campus. Kradwell is a private, nontraditional and nonsectarian school for children in grades 5 through 12. The school specializes in serving students who struggle to succeed in traditional school environments. The teachers and support staff develop educational plans tailored to each student and any conditions they may have, such as dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PSTD, OCD, reactive attachment disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and more. Contact form 


Krejci Academy/The Mansion (Little Friends)

619 E. Franklin Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 355-6870

Therapeutic day school for children ages 5-21 with autism or other emotional, behavioral or developmental disabilities.


The LaGrange Area Department of Special Education

1301 W. Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 354-5730

LADSE is a special education cooperative made up of 15 member districts (https://www.ladse.org/member-districts.html) in DuPage and Cook counties.  LADSE collaborates with its member districts to provide high-quality, evidence-based programs and services and provide comprehensive, cost-efficient support, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities ages 3 through 22.


LEEP Quantum Leep Therapeutic School Program

Ravenswood (Chicago): 1447 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613  
Dana@leepforward.com
312.624.8750

Offered a rolling enrollment K-8th Grade therapeutic school for individuals with autism. Call for details on tuition, annual fee varies based on daily therapeutic programming and insurance benefits.  Afterschool programs available.


Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative (LASEC)

Services portions of Leyden Township elementary, middle, and high schools. 

10401 W. Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
(847) 451-4892

The Phoenix Academy is a public day school, middle school through transition, designed to provide an educational environment where youth can develop and implement skills to expand personal insight to improve their academic success, emotional health, and long term success in their community.


LifeSpeed Early Learning Center 

1110 North Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60301
(312) 404-7225

LifeSpeed Therapists work 1:1 with children [10 years and under] of all ability levels to foster critical language skills, teach essential pre-academic skills, reduce problem behaviors, and achieve developmental milestones which are essential for future success. The model is centered on a blended approach of in-clinic and in-home sessions. Services in both locations work to compliment one another so our early learners receive consistent, specialized care across all environments.


Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843

Services portions of Manhattan, Frankfort, and New Lenox townships.

601 Willow St, Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 806-4600

Pioneer Grove Educational Center
601 Willow St, Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 806-4685
lwase@lwase843.org

The classes at Pioneer Grove Educational Center are designed to meet the unique needs of students from ages 3 to 21 including the following programs: Self-Contained Individualized Life Skills Program (SCILS), Supported Opportunities for Adapted and Life Skills Readiness (SOAR), Adapted Individualized Methods (AIM), and Multi-Needs. 


The Manhattan Childrens Center (MCC)

111 West 92nd St, New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-4604

The Manhattan Children's Center (MCC) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) school for Autism education and treatment based in New York City. MCC provides world-class treatment and education to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).


Marklund

  • 64 S. Prairie Ave, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
  • 1435 Summit St, Elgin, IL 60120
  • 1S450 Wyatt Dr, Geneva, IL 60134

(630) 593-5500
info@marklund.org

Programs include Early Intervention services (Ages 0-3; 630-529-2871, ext. 2238), day school programming (Ages 3-21), day program services (Ages 18+) and residential services (all ages), and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities. 


Menta Academy North

195 Poplar Pl, North Aurora, IL 60542
(630) 907-2400
Contact form

Menta Academy North is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education as a nonpublic educational facility (14-7.02) for special education students in kindergarten through age 22. Menta Academy North offers elementary, middle and high school programming to children with diverse learning needs.


Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative Organization

1304 Ronzheimer Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
(331) 228-4873

Services students with special needs in portions of Hanover, Burlington, Kaneland, Geneva, and St. Charles townships.
The Mades-Johnstone Center (MJC), in St. Charles, houses administration and a small number of programs. MVSEC also rents a portion of the Shelby Building and Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles and Fox Valley Christian Church in Batavia that house our Transition Program. Most programs and services are located in school districts.


New Connections Academy

865 E. Wilmette Rd, Palatine, IL 60074
(847) 359-8690

New Connections Academy serves boys and girls ages 6 to 21 with ASD placed by local school districts. New Connections Academy provides school, family and community partnerships leading to successful learning. New Connections Academy offers a primary program (grades 1 to 3), intermediate (grades 4-6), junior high (grades 7 & 8) and several high school classes (grades 9-12). The classes are self-contained, offering a standard elementary curriculum of Reading, Spelling, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. Each student has an Individual Educational Plan developed by the placing district.


New Horizon Center

Patricia Palmer
6737 W. Forest Preserve Ave, Chicago, IL 60634-1470
(773) 286-6226
ppalmer@newhorizoncenter.org

Therapeutic day school for those with severe and profound learning disabilities, autism, and intellectually challenged students who benefit from a personalized program with services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, nursing services, social services, vision services, sensory room, Rainbow Dog Therapy, Greenhouse Gardening and much more.


New Hope Academy

Brandy Larrance, executive director
6289 W. Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
(847) 588-0463

Illinois State Board of Education approved. Serves students in special education diagnosed with emotional disabilities, other health impairments, learning disabilities, and autism. Students are average to above-average intelligence, withdraw socially and emotionally, experience difficulty “fitting in” a mainstream environment, have difficulty reading social cues, “slip through the cracks” until their problems are severe, procrastinate (specifically with homework assignments and long-term projects), have difficulty with executive functioning, have talents in art and music, have the potential for academic achievement, struggle with gross and fine motor skills, have difficulty with social skills, use frequent illness as a means to avoid school and may become “school phobic,” appear sad, lonely, hopeless, or depressed, harbor anger and hostility but does not act out violently in school or in the community. Ages: 11-21 years.


Northwest Center for Autism (NWCA) at High Road School

Specialized Education Services, INC.
123 W. 1st St, Genoa, IL 60135
(815) 787-4144

Provides academic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 3 through 21, with extraordinary needs including emotional disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, multiple disabilities and other health impairments. Programming includes structured environments that afford them a strong sense of security, a positive attitude toward learning, and incentives for appropriate behavior. Key areas of focus include academics, behavior modifications, support services, and transition/life-planning services.


North DuPage Special Education Cooperative

Services portions of Addison, Leyden, and Bloomingdale townships. 

132 E. Pine Ave, Roselle, IL 60172
(630) 894-0490

NDSEC assists its nine member districts (https://www.ndsec.org/organization) with the provision of special education instructional and related services. NDSEC operates a variety of programs designed to address the needs of its students, maintaining a full continuum of placement options in three programs: Itinerants, Academic Life Skills, and Social Support.


Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization

799 W. Kensington Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 463-8100

Services provided in both public and therapeutic day schools throughout Niles Township.
Provides specialized services including professional learning, adapted physical education, assistive and instructional technology, evaluation and coaching, vision services, transition services, autism support, and deaf & hard of hearing evaluation services. NSSEO offers programming for diverse learners at three therapeutic day school campuses and D/HH programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels within district public schools. 


O-School (The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School at the University of Chicago)

Therapeutic Day School Program
Kristin Friesen, LCSW (Director of Admissions)
6245 S. Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 420-2891

The O-School is a therapeutic day school for individuals with high functioning autism and/or other mental health issues. The O-School is Illinois State Board of Education approved. The day school is committed to fostering inquiry into the clinical and treatment needs of students. The O-School relies upon the therapeutic relationships that develop between a student and their teachers and therapists as a major component of the treatment. Milieu staff members are actively involved with the students throughout the day, not simply monitoring or supervising them but developing bonds and relationships with students that create a structure in which each child or adolescent can receive emotional support, develop new skills and sustain healthy relationships. The school and family work together to create a consistent experience for each student. Serves ages: 5-21; Funded through private pay or child's school district.


PACTT Learning Center

7101 N. Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 338-9102
learningcenter@pactt.org

Illinois State Board of Education approved. PACTT is an agency that provides educational, residential and vocational services to individuals with autism.


PODS Inc.

1401 E. 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619 
(773) 221-7171
projectorg@projectorg.com

PODS is a full service, community based, inclusive therapeutic program serving children from birth to 13 years of age. Our desire is to focus on increasing the child/youth’s functional skills within his/her school, own home and community. Once it is fully identified, we will offer a continuum of evidence-based behavioral intervention (ABA therapy) to the child as well as resources and training for their families and caretakers. We service both children and youth with other developmental delays and children with typical behaviors. These goals will be determined and based on their individual needs and strengths across developmental stages from birth to 12 years of age.


Proviso Area For Exceptional Children

1000 Van Buren St, Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 450-2100

Proviso Area for Exceptional Children provides services for member districts that service parts of Stone Park, Berkeley, Northlake, Bellwood, Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview, Westchester, Forest Park, Elmhurst and Hillside. Programs include:

  • PAEC Center Program provides programs designed to address the needs of special education students ranging in age from three years old to the day before their 22nd birthday.  The programs include a range of interventions for students with autism, multiple disabilities and cognitive disabilities.
  • The Cross Categorical Instructional Program at PAEC Academy is for students with mild to moderate disabilities K-8.
  • The Early Childhood Program provides special education preschool classes to children between the ages of 3-5 who have developmental delays.  Students receive related services including social work, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision itinerant services, and/or other related services.
  • The PAEC Therapeutic Day Alternative School environment has been developed to provide students k-12 diagnosed with severe social/emotional disabilities with intensive, supportive and individualized mental health services in addition to opportunities for academic success. 

Rush Day School

Jean L. Heideman, MPP, MS, director
2150 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-6627

Illinois State Board of Education approved. Rush Day School utilizes a team approach to provide intensive psychotherapeutic services combined with an academic program. Offers education and treatment for autism spectrum and emotionally disabled children. Goal for each student is to return to a less restrictive school environment. The majority of students return to a public or private school in regular education with support. Class size: limited to six to nine students. Children may be enrolled throughout the academic and extended school year. Ages: 5-15 years (grades K-8). Most students are funded by the child's home school district.


The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County

2900 Ogden Ave, Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 778-4500

SASED is the fiscal agent for DuPage West Cook Regional Education Association (DWC) who provides low incidence special education programs and services to students in the identified catchment area (https://www.sased.org/who-we-are/member-districts). SASED is a regional provider of Low Incidence programs and services for students who are Blind/Visually Impaired or Deaf and Hard of Hearing. There are 92 school districts and cooperatives in DuPage and West Cook Counties that are a part of this regional cooperative that include CASE, NDSEC, and LADSE. 


School of Expressive Arts and Learning (S.E.A.L.)

Jessica Anello
1200 Claussen Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 337-2005 
janello@seal-il.com

SEAL provides a K-12 therapeutic day school placement, and services as indicated until the age of 22. Programming includes academic curriculum that meets all state standards, including individual credits as indicated by the school districts.  A variety of classes are available to meet individual student needs including vocational services, transition services and graduation requirements.  All students have the opportunity to participate in enrichment classes such as Art and Music. These domains coupled with SEAL’s therapy approach, Expressive Therapy, provide additional opportunities for student personal, emotional, and social growth while meeting specific areas of need as outlined by the student’s IEP.  


Soaring Eagle Academy

8330 S. Madison St, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 323-2900
info@soaringeagleacademy.org

First school in the Midwest to provide a social and academic learning environment utilizing a developmental individual-difference relationship based (DIR) approach for students diagnosed with autism and related disorders.


Special Education District of Lake County

Services portions of Benton, Waukegan, Zion, Newport, Warren, Antioch, Grant, Avon, Libertyville, Moraine, Shields, Vernon, West Deerfield, Fremont, Wheeling, Lake Villa, and Wauconda townships.

18160 W. Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake, IL 60030
(847) 548-8470

SEDOL services Lake County via Sector, Itinerant, and Transition programs to 31 Lake County member districts with physical, emotional, and other learning challenges. SEDOL also operates eight therapeutic day schools for elementary, middle, high school, and transition-aged students.


Special Education Joint Agreement District 802

Services portions of Bremen, Bloom, and Rich townships.

1125 Division St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
(708) 481-6100

Provides several specialized in-district programs and day schools for elementary, middle, high school, and transition students.


Stride Autism Centers

(312) 554-5578
info@stridecenters.com

Provides center-based ABA therapy and full-day ABA programs for pre-school aged children, 2-6 years.


Stuart G. Ferst School 

6050 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-4651, ext. 235

Illinois State Board of Education approved. Provides co-ed functional academic instruction, vocational experience and/or therapeutic education to students with behavioral/emotional disorders, traumatic brain injuries, or developmental disabilities such as autism, cognitive impairment or physical/medical impairment.


Summit School

The Autism Spectrum Program
333 W. River Rd, Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 468-0490
jwhite@summitdundee.org 

Program offers a one-on-one integrated holistic approach of services including DIR, TEACCH and RDI.


Thome ED School

500 E. Fifth St, Rock Falls, IL 61071
(815) 625-1026

Thome ED School is a K-12 school that provides special education services for children who experience difficulty in their home schools due to severe emotional challenges. Small class sizes and a wide range of support services allow students to improve their ability to function within the classroom setting, with the goal of returning to their home schools with both academic and socially appropriate behaviors.


Trinity School

301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-6197

Trinity School was founded in 1950, and has evolved to Trinity Services, Inc. to provide a broad range of supports and services for people with disabilities. The school remains a vital support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. Issues may include developmental delays, autism, behavioral challenges and attention deficit disorder. 


True North Educational Cooperative 804

760 Red Oak Ln, Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-5100

True North (previously Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED)) has 18 member districts, fourteen elementary and four high school that service the northern suburbs of Chicago out of both Lake and Cook counties. NSSED provides a wide array of programs and services designed to give students access to the highest levels of learning possible. Informed by research and policy, NSSED and member districts have historically believed that diverse learners are best served when they learn alongside their typical peers. NSSED programs and services partner with member districts to increase inclusive opportunities that promote high expectations, engagement, and growth for all learners.


The Winston Knolls School

2353 Hassell Rd, Suite 110, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(630) 283-3221
info@knollscenterforautism.org

Services Provided: Provides ABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Social Skills Groups, Parent Training and Education, Family Counseling, Social Work, Psychiatry, and Academic Programs through insurance.