When families explore private schools in Chicago that specialize in special-needs programming, they look for institutions built around tailored supports, therapeutic integration and self-advocacy opportunities. This guide highlights ten private and independent schools in Chicago and the nearby suburbs whose missions center on serving learners with disabilities or learning differences.
Details in this story were verified through Niche.com rankings, Illinois State Board of Education directories, school websites and Google Reviews to showcase private schools with proven special-needs programming.
From multisensory instruction and co-teaching to life-skills training, therapy integration and small class sizes, these schools stand out for helping students thrive both academically and emotionally.
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (The O-School)
The O-School is one of Chicago’s most well-established private therapeutic special education schools, serving students with autism, emotional challenges and learning needs. Its milieu therapy model integrates clinical and educational staff who support students’ emotional regulation, social development and academic growth throughout the school day. As an ISBE-approved private school, the O-School accepts both privately funded and district-referred students. Its combination of therapy, academic rigor and community atmosphere has earned it a long-standing reputation as a leader in special education.
- Address: 6245 S Ingleside Ave, Chicago
- Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (773) 420-2900
Acacia Academy
Acacia Academy serves students in grades one through 12 and offers a transition program through age 22. This private school specializes in individualized instruction for students with learning differences, autism, ADHD and emotional challenges. Its curriculum blends academic remediation with executive functioning, therapy and hands-on learning. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, Acacia provides a structured environment that supports confidence and success while promoting independence and life skills.
- Address: 6425 Willow Springs Road, La Grange
- Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (708) 579-9040
The Cove School
The Cove School serves students in kindergarten through grade 12 with complex learning disabilities and social-emotional needs. Founded in 1947, Cove offers small class sizes, individualized education plans, therapeutic counseling and speech and occupational therapy on-site. The school emphasizes a strength-based approach, helping students build on what they can do while addressing areas of need. Its strong parent partnerships and community programs make it a trusted choice for families seeking long-term academic and emotional support.
- Address: 350 Lee Road, Northbrook
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (847) 562-2100
Felicity School
Felicity School is a private special education institution serving students with autism, emotional disabilities, learning challenges and other health impairments. Known for its positive behavioral supports, individualized curriculum and small group settings, Felicity provides a structured learning environment where students receive consistent, personalized attention. Collaboration among teachers, therapists and families ensures that students’ academic and behavioral goals align for overall growth and success.
- Address: 550 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
- Phone: (224) 999-3900
The Winston Knolls School
The Winston Knolls School is a nonprofit private school serving students with autism and related disabilities. Its small class sizes, individualized behavioral plans and intensive communication supports help students make measurable progress. The school’s interdisciplinary team works together to create structured routines that balance academics, therapies and social engagement. Families appreciate the nurturing environment and the school’s emphasis on helping each child reach their highest level of independence.
- Address: 1500 Executive Drive, Elgin
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (630) 283-3221
Allendale — Stepping Stone Therapeutic Day School
Stepping Stone is a therapeutic day school designed for students whose academic progress is affected by emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges. The program combines trauma-informed clinical support with academic instruction, small ratios, counseling and transition planning. Staff work closely with families and referring districts to develop individualized plans.
- Address: 600 E Grand Ave., Lake Villa
- Phone: (847) 356-3334
New Hope Academy
New Hope Academy, part of the SESI Schools network, is a therapeutic special education school serving middle and high school students with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges. Their model emphasizes evidence-based interventions, structured support, social-emotional learning and small group instruction to help students reengage academically and socially.
- Address: 3250 N Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
- Hours: 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Friday
- Phone: (847) 588-0463Â
Hyde Park Day School
Although smaller in scale, Hyde Park Day serves kindergarten through eighth grade students with learning disabilities through specialized academic instruction, scaffolding, executive functioning supports and individualized intervention. It’s a private school with a focus on learning differences. Students learn in small groups with multisensory teaching strategies that build reading, writing and math skills while fostering confidence and self-advocacy. Families praise the nurturing environment and strong communication between teachers and parents that helps ensure consistent progress.
- Address: 6254 S Ellis Ave., Chicago
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (773) 420-2550
Innovations Academy
Innovations Academy is a private therapeutic day school serving kindergarten through grade 12 students, ages 5–18, with emotional disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and other learning challenges. The program blends academics with therapeutic support, counseling and behavior intervention to help students achieve stability and progress at their own pace. The staff’s trauma-informed approach and individualized plans help students develop both academic and life skills.
- Address: 1360 E Irving Park Road, Streamwood
- Phone: (630) 540-3900
Redwood Day School
Redwood Day School provides individualized, evidence-based instruction for students with learning differences, ADHD, and mild developmental delays. Its program focuses on building core academic, executive functioning and social skills in small group settings. Teachers emphasize structured routines, positive reinforcement and parent collaboration to support consistent progress and confidence.
- Address: 5959 N Sheridan Road, Chicago
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Phone: (773) 915-3366
Private schools with dedicated special-needs programs give families an alternative to traditional public settings by offering tailored instruction, therapeutic integration and smaller environments. The schools highlighted here provide individualized learning experiences that empower students to grow academically, emotionally and socially. Each of these programs emphasizes a holistic approach blending academics with care, confidence-building and lifelong learning skills for every student’s success.
