Families searching for strong special-needs programs outside Chicago will find excellent options across the suburbs. These schools and cooperatives serve students with disabilities through inclusive classrooms, individualized supports and community partnerships that help every child thrive. From therapeutic programs and small ratios to transition planning and family collaboration, each school featured stands out for its commitment to student growth and inclusion.
This guide was created using insights from Niche.com rankings, Illinois State Board of Education data, school websites and parent reviews to ensure each program featured offers verified, up-to-date support for students with special needs.
Arbor Academy (Highland Park)
Arbor Academy, operated by TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804, serves students across the North Shore with individualized learning and therapeutic support. Its programs emphasize social-emotional growth, academic skill-building and functional independence for students with complex needs. The staff’s close collaboration with families and district teams ensures each child’s IEP is implemented effectively. Life skills and community-based instruction help students apply learning beyond the classroom, and parent training is a core component of the program.
- Address: 754 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park
- Phone: (847) 831-5100
Parkland Preparatory Academy (Morton Grove)
Parkland Preparatory Academy provides a therapeutic day school environment for students with behavioral, emotional and learning challenges who benefit from smaller, structured settings. Each student receives personalized academic and counseling support from a multidisciplinary team, including therapists and special educators. With a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, individualized attention is a cornerstone. The school also focuses on social-emotional learning and behavioral regulation, integrating counseling and therapy services throughout the school day. Families appreciate the close communication between staff and parents, ensuring progress is tracked and celebrated.
- Address: 7800 W Lyons St., Morton Grove
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (847) 752-5317
NSSEO Cooperative Schools (Mount Prospect)
The Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) partners with local districts to provide specialized programs and professional support. Students benefit from co-taught classrooms, therapeutic services and access to assistive technology. NSSEO also manages dedicated campuses for more intensive support, such as Kirk School and Miner School, offering individualized instruction and community integration opportunities. The cooperative’s mission centers on inclusion, professional development and empowering students to achieve independence.
- Address: 799 W Kensington Road, Mount Prospect
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (847) 463-8100
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 (Highland Park)
TrueNorth operates several specialized programs across northern Cook and Lake counties, serving students from early childhood through post-secondary transition. Its inclusive model allows students to access general education when appropriate while receiving individualized supports. Programs include specialized academic classrooms, speech and occupational therapy, and vocational training. Families value TrueNorth’s transparent collaboration process and commitment to helping students meet academic, social and life goals.
- Address: 760 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park
- Phone: (847) 831-5100
John Hersey High School (Arlington Heights)
Part of Township High School District 214, John Hersey High School is known for its inclusive learning environment and well-integrated special education programs. The school’s resource teams collaborate with general education teachers to ensure students with IEPs receive needed accommodations while engaging fully in academics and extracurriculars. Its vocational training, peer mentoring and life-skills courses help students prepare for the transition beyond high school.
- Address: 1900 E Thomas St., Arlington Heights
- Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (847) 718-4800
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
New Trier’s dedicated Transition Program supports young adults with disabilities as they move toward independence after high school. The program focuses on job readiness, independent living and community participation, with instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Students benefit from access to vocational partnerships, public transportation training and internships. New Trier’s resources and long-standing reputation make it one of the best-supported transition programs in Illinois.
- Address: 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka
- Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (847) 446-7000
The Cove School (Northbrook)
The Cove School serves students in kindergarten through grade 12 with learning disabilities, attention disorders and other special needs through an individualized, evidence-based approach. Small class sizes and a multidisciplinary team help each student reach academic, social and emotional goals. The school integrates speech and occupational therapy, executive function coaching and transition planning into the daily schedule. Families appreciate the warm, community-driven atmosphere and the school’s long-standing reputation for helping students build confidence and independence.
- Address: 350 Lee Road, Northbrook
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (847) 562-2100
North Dupage Special Education Cooperative (Roselle)
NDSEC partners with local districts across DuPage County to offer a comprehensive range of special education services from early childhood through transition age. The cooperative provides specialized programs, professional development and consultative support for district teams. Students benefit from inclusive classrooms, individualized instruction and access to related services such as speech, OT and PT. NDSEC’s programs emphasize collaboration, equity and preparing students for lifelong success both in and beyond school.
- Address: 132 E Pine Ave., Roselle
- Phone: (630) 894-0490
High Road School of the South Suburbs (Chicago Heights)
High Road School provides a structured, therapeutic day school setting for students ages 3–21 with emotional, behavioral or learning challenges. Individualized academic plans are paired with counseling, behavior support and life-skills instruction. The school focuses on helping students develop coping strategies and communication skills that support success both in the classroom and community. Families value the consistency of staff, strong home–school communication and the emphasis on growth at each student’s pace.
- Address: Â 35445 Washington St., Custer Park
- Hours: 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (815) 602-8205
Acacia Academy (La Grange / Burr Ridge area)
Acacia Academy offers individualized education for grades one through 12 and a post-secondary Transition Program for ages 18–22. The school emphasizes experiential learning, life-skills instruction and community engagement. Students receive small-group instruction and access to counseling, speech and occupational therapy as needed. Acacia’s transition program focuses on career exploration, internships and independent living preparation — making it a strong option for families seeking a full continuum of support through young adulthood.
- Address: 6425 Willow Springs Road, La Grange Highlands
- Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (708) 579-9040
Finding the right special-needs program can make a world of difference in a child’s development and confidence. These suburban Chicago schools stand out for their comprehensive support, collaboration with families and emphasis on both academic and life success. Whether your child needs therapeutic services, inclusive classrooms or a structured transition plan, each of these schools provides opportunities for growth, connection and achievement beyond the traditional classroom setting.
