Contact: Stephanie Koster-Peterson, admissions director
36100 Genesee Lake Road 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.
Kristina Baker, director of admissions and outreach
8700 East 29th Street Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 214-1132
(316) 634-8874
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.
Little City - Children's Programs
1760 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
Main Campus: 847-358-5510
700 N Sacramento, Ste 201 Chicago, IL 60612
Chicago office: 773-265-1539
Our ChildBridge Centers provide individuals up to age 21 with supports, programs and services that help increase their potential for lifelong productivity and success. Services include residential and therapeutic day school, home-based supports and therapy, and foster care/adoption services.
info@marklund.org
(630) 593-5500
Bloomingdale: 64 S. Prairie Ave., Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Elgin: 1435 Summit Street, Elgin, Illinois 60120
Geneva: 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL 60134
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.
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. Offers residential programming as well.
La Grange Campus: 6425 Willow Springs Rd
Burr Ridge Campus: 6880 N. Frontage Rd Suite 100
info@acaciaacademy.com
708.579.9040
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.
Academy of Excellence in Learning
19056 Henry Drive, Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 271-3478 or (913) 485-8151
stephanie@academyofexcellenceinlearning.com and lindsay@academyofexcellenceinlearning.com
Illinois State Board of Education approved, non-public special education facility. They are currently accepting students with educational diagnosis of autism, cognitive disability, learning disabilities, challenging behaviors, speech or language impairment, and other health impairment.
AERO Special Education Cooperative
7600 S. Mason Ave., Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 496-3330
Provides special education programming for 12 school districts and provides a number of related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech services, social work, assistive technology and school nurses.
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.
Bi-County Special Education Cooperative
Admin Office: 1900 W. LeFevre Road, Ste. A Sterling, IL 61081
815-622-0858
Services portions of Erie, Fulton, Prophetstown, Sterling, Mount Pleasant, Coloma, Fairhaven, and Freeport townships.
Bridge High School (Little Friends)
2318 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-964-1722
Therapeutic day school for children ages 14-22 with autism or other emotional, cognitive disabilities and emotions disorders that have experienced difficulty in traditional academic programs and require an alternative functional curriculum.
Locations in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas & Virginia
(512) 858-9900
info@cameloteducation.org
Illinois locations in Chicago, Custer Park, Garden Prairie, Genoa, Hoffman Estates, Moline, Mount Prospect and Naperville. 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.
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 empirical 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 Road, 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.
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.
909 E. Wilmette Road, 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 East Armstrong Avenue, 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. Therapeutic day school programming available for children ages 5-21.
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.
Admin Office: 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.
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.
520 N Marshfield Chicago IL 60622
(312) 243-6097
Ages: 6-21 years. 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.
Excel Academies: Specialized Education Services, INC. in Illinois
Englewood: 7141 S. Morgan St. Chicago, IL 60621
Roseland: 1257 W. 111th St., Chicago IL, 60643
South Shore: 7530 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649
Southwest: 7050 S. Washtenaw St., Chicago, IL 60629
Accepting students from school districts at our standalone schools across the state. offers an accelerated high school experience for students looking for a smaller, more personal setting, intensely focused on elevating social skills, emotional wellness, and academic success. school of choice for students ages 15 to 21 who are behind in their studies. *Not specific programming for students with ASD; suited for those with no significant cognitive differences who may benefit from smaller learning environments.
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.
Grundy County Special Education Cooperative
Admin Office: 725 School St. Morris, IL 60450
815-942-5780
GCSEC member districts service portions of Mazon, Morris, Aux Sable, Braceville, Garfield, Erienna, and Greenfield townships.
River’s Edge Academy
725 School St Morris, IL 60450
815-942-5780
Mr. Russell Young, Program Coordinator: 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.
Guiding Light Academy
1051 Internationale Pkwy, Woodridge, IL 60517
Woodridge, IL (Academy)- (630) 739-7500
Woodridge, IL (Central) - (630) 328-0438
Shorewood, IL (West) - (815) 409-4495
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.
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.
High Road School of Belvidere - Garden Prairie, IL
High Road School of Bloomington
High Road School of Hoffman Estates
High Road School of Mount Prospect*
High Road School of Naperville
High Road School of Peoria
High Road School of the South Suburbs – Custer Park*
High Road School of the Quad Cities: Moline*
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)
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)
Admin Office: 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
(773) 966-5039
5100 South Dorchester Avenue Chicago Illinois 60615
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
Admin Office: 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)
Admin Office: 10401 W Grand Ave Franklin Park, IL 60131
(847) 451-4892
Services portions of Leyden Township elementary, middle, and high schools.
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.
Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843
Admin Office: 601 Willow Street Frankfort, IL 60423
815-806-4600
Services portions of Manhattan, Frankfort, and New Lenox townships.
Pioneer Grove Educational Center
601 Willow Street 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.
Little City - Children's Programs
1760 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
Main Campus: 847-358-5510
700 N Sacramento, Ste 201 Chicago, IL 60612
Chicago office: 773-265-1539
Our ChildBridge Centers provide individuals up to age 21 with supports, programs and services that help increase their potential for lifelong productivity and success. Services include residential and therapeutic day school, home-based supports and therapy, and foster care/adoption services.
The Manhattan Childrens Center (MCC)
111 West 92nd Street, 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).
info@marklund.org
(630) 593-5500
Bloomingdale: 64 S. Prairie Ave., Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Elgin: 1435 Summit Street, Elgin, Illinois 60120
Geneva: 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL 60134
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
Admin Office: 1304 Ronzheimer Avenue 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.
865 E. Wilmette Road, 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.
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.
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.
Northwest Center for Autism (NWCA) at High Road School
Specialized Education Services, INC.
123 W. 1st Street 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
132 E. Pine Avenue Roselle, IL 60172
630-894-0490
Services portions of Addison, Leyden, and Bloomingdale townships.
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
Admin Office: 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.
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.
Proviso Area For Exceptional Children
Admin Office: 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.
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).
Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago: Specialized Education Services, INC.
7877 S. Coles Street Chicago, IL 60649
773.902.2547
Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago is a transitional school for students who have experienced behavioral difficulties adapting to a traditional school environment. As these students have been referred from their home school, it is Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago’s mission to ensure that they return to their home school in a timely manner demonstrating marked improvement in behavior, attendance, and academics. *Not specific to ASD and/or suited for individuals with significant cognitive differences.
The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County
Admin Office: 2900 Ogden Ave Lisle, Illinois 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.)
1200 Claussen Drive Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 337-2005
Jessica Anello - 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.
Linda Cervenka
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
Admin Office: 18160 W Gages Lake Rd Gages Lake, IL 60030
847-548-8470
Services portions of Benton, Waukegan, Zion, Newport, Warren, Antioch, Grant, Avon, Libertyville, Moraine, Shields, Vernon, West Deerfield, Fremont, Wheeling, Lake Villa, and Wauconda townships.
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
Admin Office: 1125 Division Street Chicago Heights, IL 60411
708-481-6100
Services portions of Bremen, Bloom, and Rich townships.
Provides several specialized in-district programs and day schools for elementary, middle, high school, and transition students.
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.
The Autism Spectrum Program
333 W. River Road, 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.
500 East Fifth Street 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.
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
Admin Office: 760 Red Oak Lane 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.
1500 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 615-6037
bbassett@turningpointeaf.org
Turning Pointe's therapeutic day school program serves middle and high school students impacted by autism. Our trademark COPES (Communication, Organization, Positive Behavior Supports, Emotional Regulation, Sensory and Social) method is utilized to help students progress. Programming is highly individualized as outlined in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP) and includes a collaborative therapeutic team approach. Additional services may include: Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Behavior Analysis, Dog Therapy, and Recreational Leisure. Students practice life and vocational skills to increase their independence. These skills are generalized into the community setting. Ages: Middle School, High School, and Transition
Wallace Academy
2357 Hassell Road, Suite 204 Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
dfair@wallaceacademy.net
(224) 500-6843
Currently services grades 6 – 12. Students attending Wallace Academy may be identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional Disability, Other Health Impairment, and Speech/Language Impairment. Students appropriate for Wallace Academy have an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and are typically at risk for a more restrictive placement and may present with school anxiety and/or refusal. Wallace Academy integrates school, family, and community partnerships in order to deliver a blended model of therapeutic and academic services in the school building, online, in students’ homes, and in the community.
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.
