Every child is different and schooling can be, too.

Special education schools in the Chicago area offer parents more diverse options for their child living with a disability. 

Some schools offer therapeutic approaches that prioritize the learning environment, while others might focus on talk therapy. For families looking for a religious school that will support their child’s diverse needs, there are options in the Chicago area. 

Niche, a trusted platform for school rankings, has analyzed and graded the best special education schools in the Chicago area. These scores are based on crucial factors like academics, teacher effectiveness and school diversity.

Read on for our list of the best special education schools in the Chicago area.

Parkland Preparatory Academy creates a therapeutic environment where students with disabilities can thrive. 

The private school serves students ages 5-21. Students across grade levels follow an evidence-based curriculum as well as utilizing therapeutic interventions when appropriate. 

There’s also the option to learn remotely at Parkland. The Parkland Virtual Academy offers students with high social-emotional and behavioral needs a personalized education. The virtual academy is committed to ensuring the interventions laid out in an IEP are met and that students obtain their high school diploma. 

This school offers a smaller, structured school environment with a therapeutic approach. 

Students at Allendale have special education needs which include emotional disabilities, specific learning disabilities, health impairments, developmental delay and autism. The school’s approach is centered on holistic trauma-informed practice and treatment. The school also offers additional services and programming–students might take enrichment classes like cooking and get support through career services. 

Family input is valued at Allendale. The school believes that building a strong alliance between the student, the family and the school is integral to success. 

Metropolitan Preparatory Schools is a private, Christian school serving grades 1-12. Family Guidance Centers Inc. operates three programs: Metro Prep High School, Laureate Day School and Metro Prep Grade School. The school also serves students in grades K-4 who have been categorized into the Developmental Delay category. 

The school uses a multidisciplinary approach in a small and nurturing environment. Students are encouraged to develop a relationship with a school counselor based on traditional talk therapy. 

Students at Metropolitan Preparatory Schools learn in very small classrooms where an individualized approach is possible. 

New Hope Academy offers a junior and high school program for students in grades 6-12 with emotional disabilities, autism, learning disabilities and other health impairments. There is also the Extension of Services (EOS) program for ages 17-21 to help them transition from high school to college or a career. 

Teaching staff at New Hope Academy are highly trained and follow the Common Core Learning standard. Therapists at school offer different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic and more. 

The school is also a member of the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL) which provides academic, athletic and art programs to Chicago area at-risk youth. 

Giant Steps specifically offers an educational and therapeutic program to students living with autism. 

The Giant Steps Day School serves students from K-22. For older learners, the organization operates the Canopy Adult Autism Program offering services and programs to those who have left the school system. Giant Steps also operates the Riley Center, an after-school therapy and recreation program. 

Students in grades K-12 follow a standard-based curriculum in English, math, science and social studies with a special emphasis on skill development. Education at Giant Steps is personalized to suit a student’s needs. The school is also committed to graduating students with 15 “essential skills” which includes understanding community safety, respecting appropriate boundaries, tolerating changes to routine and reading and writing functionally. 

Students aged 5-21 with autism or other emotional, behavior or developmental disabilities gain confidence at Krejci Academy. 

Krejci Academy utilizes a multi-faceted approach in its educational program; students learn in a therapeutic environment promoting social, cognitive and academic growth. At Krejci, learners acquire independent life skills, language development, work-related skills and community integration as well. 

For families, the academy also offers support services like parent groups and sibling support groups. 

This private special education school serves students living with autism and/or social-emotional challenges in grades K-12 from its campus on the South Side of Chicago. 

Students at the “O-School” receive a personalized education with an integrated therapeutic approach. The school uses milieu therapy–a type of psychotherapy in which the environment supports personal growth and development. In this type of therapy, everyday activities might be used as a platform to explore interaction with others and promote positive group behaviors. 

An example of some of the components to the O-School’s milieu therapeutic method include supportive daily routine and structure, a focus on self-care and developing friendships and peer groups. 

Located in West Rogers Park, The Knapp School & Yeshiva supports students in grades K-12 and beyond. There is a separate Therapeutic Yeshiva for students to maintain Jewish studies. 

The school offers foreign language classes for high schoolers, visual arts programs, physical education, a corrective reading program and more. Students take advantage of the school’s many enrichment opportunities and life skills training, too. 

Roughly 15% of students re-enter public schools each year, exceeding the Chicago Public Schools benchmark, the school says. 

The Laureate Day School is owned by Family Guidance Centers Inc, which also operates the Metro Prep Grade and High School. 

The Laureate Day School offers comprehensive mental health treatment alongside individualized education planning for its students in grades K-8. Students with severe emotional disorders can find an academic and therapeutic program to suit their needs at this school. 

Easterseals Academy is a private school located in a southwest suburb of Chicago serving ages 3-22. There are also Easterseals schools in nearby Chicago and Machesney Park. 

The school uses instruction strategies based on recommendations by the National Autism Center as well as the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Academics are aligned with state standards, and students can participate in special activities and events year round. 

Easterseals uses community-based instruction, a method to help students apply academic lessons and functional skills to everyday life in order to help with social skills, career development and more. 

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