Southern Will County Coop for Special Education

At Forte Academy Therapeutic Day School in Joliet, we provide an academic environment for students with special needs that recognizes their individual strengths and learning styles. Our vision includes individual support, innovative therapies, academic experiences, independence, and self-advocacy. We accept district referrals for students ages 5–22 whose primary diagnosis is autism.

Forte Academy Therapeutic Day School serves students ages 5 to 22 whose primary diagnosis is autism, and our Larkin Avenue building is one of two Joliet campuses, alongside our site on West Jefferson Street. Students come to us through referrals from school districts across the Chicago suburbs. Related services are part of the school day. Our team includes special education teachers, paraprofessionals, Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians, and students receive behavioral therapy under BCBA supervision, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and social work. We also support students who are deaf or hard of hearing, run sign language activities, and keep a therapy dog on staff. Academic work builds on each student's strengths and learning style, with independence, self-advocacy and acceptance as the goals. Forte is proud to partner with the Keeling Family Foundation and its VetTECH.US program.

Hopewell Academy is a dedicated educational institution that has been proudly serving students since 2005. This therapeutic day school focuses on providing transitional, academic, and therapeutic services specifically designed for special needs students. The core mission of Hopewell Academy is to create a safe, nurturing, and predictable environment that fosters the positive, long-term growth of students' academic and emotional lives. Key offerings at Hopewell Academy include a range of specialized programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. These services encompass Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Orton-Gillingham for reading and literacy support, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. The academy also emphasizes vocational training, preparing students for future employment opportunities and life skills development. What sets Hopewell Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. The campus is designed to be inclusive and accessible, featuring specialized technology to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, the academy offers summer programs and community integration activities, allowing students to engage with their peers and develop essential social skills in a supportive environment.