Hamden Collaborative Learning Center (HCLC)

ACES Whitney Academy EXPLORE & CREATE in Hamden is a therapeutic special education school for students ages 14 to 22 with cognitive, physical, behavioral, language and medical challenges. We are one of seven special education schools run by ACES, the regional educational service center for south central Connecticut, and students come to us from more than 40 participating districts. Our average class has nine students with one teacher, one or two teacher assistants and one-to-one aides as needed, and every student is assigned a mental health staff member. Services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, aqua therapy, assistive technology, nursing care and behavioral support from on-site Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The program pairs a functional curriculum and high school credits with transition training in employment, independent living and community participation. Students work at paid job sites, a job center and a student-run business. ACES CREATE extends that preparation for 18 to 22 year olds. School life includes therapy and sensory rooms, a fitness center, swimming, bowling, Eagles sports teams, music and art, student council, field trips, a yearbook and prom.

We offer special education PreK classrooms and an integrated PreK where children receiving special education learn alongside typically developing peers. At Alice Peck Learning Center, our early learning programs serve Hamden’s youngest learners and support the development of social and academic skills.

Cedarhurst School is an Approved Private Special Education Program (APSEP) operated by Yale University at 871 Prospect Street in Hamden, Connecticut. It is a therapeutic middle and high school for grades 6-12 serving students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) whose primary special education designation is emotional disability, other health impairment, or autism. The school is reviewed and approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The school provides a safe and supportive learning environment that integrates high-quality education with therapeutic interventions. Programs include the Middle & High School, the School Engagement Program for school-avoidant students, and the affiliated Passage Transition Program for ages 18-22 focusing on functional living, vocational skills, and post-secondary preparation. Students are day students referred by local school districts through the PPT process. Class sizes are small, with a maximum of eight students, and academic schedules are tailored to district requirements.