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A teacher meeting individually with a student at City Elementary
SchoolChicago, IL

City Elementary

Grades and ages

Grades K-8

Student-teacher ratio

4:1

Tuition

Contact School for Tuition Rates and Need-Based Financial Assistance

A student and family member inside the school at City Elementary
A student and family member inside the school

About City Elementary

City Elementary is an innovative, independent, neurodiversity-affirming day school located in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Serving neurodiverse students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade, City Elementary specializes in educating bright, creative learners with Autism Spectrum differences, sensory processing sensitivities, ADHD, and social communication needs. The school operates with an intimate 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio in multi-age classrooms designed to foster deep relationships, collaborative problem-solving, and social-emotional security. Rooted in the DIR/Floortime developmental model, City Elementary seamlessly integrates movement, sensory diet accommodations, occupational therapy, and speech therapy into an inquiry-rich, experiential academic curriculum.

Student fit

Who this school serves

Grades and ages

  • Kindergarten
  • Grades 1-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Elementary (K-5)
  • Middle School (6-8)

Learning needs supported

  • ADHD
  • Autism (ASD)
  • learning disabilities
  • sensory processing disorders

Specialties

  • Autism Spectrum Differences
  • Sensory Processing Sensitivities
  • ADHD & Executive Functioning
  • Social Communication & Peer Interaction
  • Anxiety & School-Based Stress

Learning and support

Curriculum and therapeutic services

Services and supports

  • Integrated Occupational Therapy
  • Speech and Language Support
  • Sensory Diet & Regulation Spaces
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Executive Functioning Support

Programs

Programs at City Elementary

Other programs and supports

  • Integrated Occupational Therapy
  • Speech and Language Support
  • Sensory Diet & Regulation Spaces
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Executive Functioning Support

School facts

Practical details for families

Accreditation and licensing

  • ISBE Recognized Independent School

Tuition and funding

Tuition: Contact School for Tuition Rates and Need-Based Financial Assistance

  • Private Pay
  • Need-Based Financial Aid
  • Potential District Placement Agreement

Visit us

Location and directions

Map

Physical address

1100 E Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about City Elementary

What is the educational approach at City Elementary?

City Elementary utilizes a child-centered, neurodiversity-affirming philosophy grounded in the DIR/Floortime framework. Learning is experiential, project-based, and tailored to each student's sensory profile and cognitive strengths in small, multi-age classrooms.

How does City Elementary accommodate sensory processing and regulation needs?

Classrooms feature flexible seating, quiet break areas, and dedicated sensory spaces. Educators work alongside occupational therapy professionals to incorporate movement breaks, sensory diets, and self-regulation tools into the daily academic flow.

How can families apply for admission to City Elementary?

The admissions process includes an initial parent informational tour, review of prior educational or neuropsychological evaluations, and a multi-day student classroom visit to ensure mutual fit and a supportive peer dynamic.

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