Best Special Needs Schools in Gages Lake, Illinois (2026)

Cyd Lash Academy is SEDOL's alternative middle and high school setting for students in grades 6 to 12 whose home district IEP team has determined they need this placement. Homerooms hold about 7 to 9 students, and each classroom has a special education teacher and a paraprofessional, with one social worker for every two classrooms. Students take core academics with their classroom teacher, aligned to state standards and home district requirements, and electives with certified teachers in PE, art, music and industrial arts. Our related services team includes speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, a behavior specialist, a psychologist and an English learner teacher. A consulting psychiatrist, substance abuse counselor, art therapist and school nurse add support as needed, and individual behavior intervention plans are backed by a behavior support team available all day. Transition planning starts at age 14.5, with vocational services for high school students. Students play sports through the Chicago Area Alternative Education League. When students meet their IEP benchmarks, they can gradually return to their home school, and graduates receive a diploma from their home district.

• Public special education day school (grades 6 to 12)
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Small class sizes
• Alternative education setting

Gages Lake School is a specialized therapeutic day school dedicated to supporting students who face significant emotional and behavioral challenges. The core mission of Gages Lake School is to provide a nurturing environment where each student can thrive academically and socially, with a strong emphasis on individualized therapeutic interventions tailored to their unique needs. The school offers a range of key programs and services designed to address various challenges faced by students. These include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for behavior modification, speech and language therapy to enhance communication skills, occupational therapy to improve daily living skills, and social skills groups that foster peer interactions. Additionally, Gages Lake School implements evidence-based methodologies to ensure that each child receives the support necessary for their personal and academic growth. What sets Gages Lake School apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The campus is designed to create a safe and engaging learning environment, equipped with specialized technology to aid in learning. Furthermore, the school offers vocational training opportunities and summer programs that promote community integration, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges and successes.

• Special education school
• Behavioral challenges
• Emotional challenges
• Private school

Laremont School is a therapeutic public day school dedicated to supporting students with diverse needs through specialized educational programs. The school's core mission is to provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth, learning, and participation for children with various challenges, including developmental disabilities and learning differences. Key offerings at Laremont School include the ELP (Exploring, Learning, and Participating) program, which focuses on individualized learning experiences tailored to each student's unique abilities. The Transition Center provides essential transition services, featuring programs such as LASSO III, Supported Transition, and ELP Transition, designed to prepare students for life beyond school. Therapeutic methodologies employed at Laremont include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each child's development. What sets Laremont School apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The campus is equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning experiences, and the school offers vocational training opportunities to help students gain practical skills. Additionally, Laremont School promotes community integration through various programs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

• Special education school
• developmental disabilities
• Learning differences
• Public school