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

Compare 2 special needs schools in Lake Forest. Explore the ranked list and find a program that feels right for your child.

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Connections Academy East

Listed

Lake Forest, IL

Connections Academy East is a specialized educational institution dedicated to supporting students facing emotional and behavioral challenges that hinder their academic success. The school operates under the core belief that every child has the potential to learn and thrive in a nurturing environment tailored to their unique needs. The Eagles program at Connections Academy East offers a comprehensive range of services designed to address the specific educational requirements of students who struggle in traditional school settings. Key offerings include individualized education plans (IEPs), therapeutic support, and a variety of evidence-based methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), social skills training, and counseling services. The curriculum is designed to foster emotional growth and academic achievement, ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed. What sets Connections Academy East apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction. The campus provides a safe and supportive environment, equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, the school offers vocational training and summer programs that promote community integration, helping students develop essential life skills for their future.

Special education school
Emotional/behavioral support
Accredited
Private school

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Teach & Speech, Inc.

Listed

Lake Forest, IL

Teach & Speech, Inc. in Lake Forest, Illinois, is dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse abilities and developmental delays through compassionate and personalized care. Serving children and adults, the school focuses on those with language-based learning disabilities, attention issues, anxiety, and other developmental challenges. Its core mission is to facilitate growth and development through a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes precise diagnosis and evidence-based treatment. Key programs include specialized speech and language therapy, academic tutoring, neurotherapy for cognitive challenges, and support for individualized education plans (IEPs). The unique aspect of Teach & Speech lies in its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters strong family partnerships and allows for tailored interventions that meet each client's specific needs. The emphasis on collaboration with caregivers and educational teams ensures that every individual receives the support necessary to achieve their goals in a nurturing environment.

Educational institution
anxiety
attention issues
developmental challenges

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Nearby school options

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Planning guides

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IEP process guide

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Comparing school options in Lake Forest

Lake Forest School District 67 provides special-education services for eligible students ages three through fourteen. Parents have a direct way to request an evaluation: send a written request to the student’s teacher or building principal. The district also screens resident preschool children ages three to five twice a year, with registration required.

The district’s service continuum can include support in a general-education classroom, resource or instructional courses, and approved public or private special-education schools when an IEP team finds that placement appropriate. A separate District 67 Community of Learners preschool is self-funded; its 2026–27 annual cost is $5,200. Confirm current fees and the responsible district for the child’s address and grade before applying.

Local resources checked October 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Lake Forest

How do I ask District 67 to evaluate my child?

In Lake Forest School District 67, a parent, staff member, or student may request an evaluation. The district asks families to direct a written request to the student’s teacher or building principal. After it receives written consent for an evaluation, the district has 60 school days to complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting.

When can a preschool child in Lake Forest be screened?

District 67 conducts general screenings at least twice a year for children ages three to five who reside in the Lake Forest community. Registration is required before screening. Call 847-234-1135 for more information, including the next screening date and the current registration steps.

Is the Community of Learners preschool the same as special-education services?

No. District 67’s Community of Learners is a separate, self-funded early-childhood program. Its annual cost for 2026–27 is $5,200. Special-education eligibility and services are determined through the evaluation and IEP process. Ask the early-childhood office to confirm current tuition, enrollment, and whether a separate evaluation is appropriate.

What kinds of settings can District 67 consider in an IEP?

The district’s continuum can include general-education support, resource or instructional courses, and approved public or private special-education schools. Public funding for an outside placement is considered only when the IEP team determines it is appropriate in the least restrictive environment and the school is on Illinois’s approved list. A school name alone does not establish placement.

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