Best Special Needs Schools in Mundelein, Illinois (2026)

Fairhaven School is a therapeutic public day program run by SEDOL in Mundelein for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Every student works with a 1:1 staffing ratio, and instruction follows each child's IEP through direct instruction, work-break-work schedules and community-based instruction that takes learning beyond the classroom. Our building is sensory-friendly, with visual supports and communication boards throughout, and students use individualized communication devices. Physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, a psychologist, a nurse and a vocational facilitator push into classrooms so skills carry over to real settings. Our Behavior Support Team, the Nest, writes individualized Behavior Intervention Plans and is available all day. Students get adapted PE daily in a fully renovated gym. The LASSO 3 program serves K to 12 students who need supports commonly associated with autism, with significant language, communication and sensory needs. Families receive a daily home report plus weekly updates, students enjoy Homecoming, Spirit Week and graduation, and member districts arrange transportation and equipment.

• Therapeutic public day school (K-12)
• Autism
• Significant communication needs
• Sensory support