Best Special Needs Schools in Waukegan, Illinois (2026)

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

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Early Childhood Partners in Collaboration (EPIC) Center

Listed

Waukegan, ILGrades PreK-5

Waukegan Public Schools’ Early Childhood Partners in Collaboration (EPIC) offers preschool for children ages three and four, and children who turn five after September 1. We provide half-day and full-day options, including a two-way dual-language program, at Waukegan early learning sites such as Lightfoot Early Learning Center.

Preschool
Learning differences
Twice-exceptional
Private school

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Menta Academy North

Listed

Waukegan, IL

Our private special education day program at Menta Academy North in Waukegan serves grades PK-12+. We use the 3-C Ready approach to work on college, career and citizenship skills, adapting educational services to individual learning and developmental needs. Placement is reviewed with the student's home school, IEP team, family and administrator. We serve students with IEPs, 504 plans and general education needs who require additional support. Counseling is provided when needed, with speech and occupational therapy identified through the student's IEP. Transportation can be arranged through the home district or our private services.

Special education school
Learning differences
Private school
Grades PK-12+

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Nearby school options

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Special-needs schools in Zion Compare 4 programs about 5 miles away. Special-needs schools in Gages Lake Compare 3 programs about 7 miles away. Special-needs schools in Vernon Hills Compare 3 programs about 12 miles away.

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Planning guides

Plan your next school conversation in Waukegan

Use these guides before you contact programs, schedule tours, or ask your IEP team how a proposed setting will support your child's goals.

How to choose a special needs school

Prepare school-tour questions, compare supports and family communication, and record what each program can show you.

IEP process guide

Bring your IEP, progress evidence, and focused questions to conversations about evaluations, services, or placement.

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Comparing school options in Waukegan

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 runs special education through its Diverse Learners department in Room 201 of the Lincoln Center, 1201 North Sheridan Road. The department's phone number is (224) 303-1121. District 60 also operates the Robbie M. Lightfoot Early Learning Center, its preschool site, which is part of the district's early learning program.

The Diverse Learners office links families to parent resources, assistive technology information, related services, a procedural manual, and a list of Diverse Learners coordinators. For preschoolers, Illinois provides early childhood special education for ages 3 through 5 through local school districts and special education cooperatives, so District 60 is the place to start a referral for a Waukegan resident. Ask the department which school or coordinator handles a request for your address and your child's age.

Local resources checked October 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Schools in Waukegan

Who handles special education questions in Waukegan schools?

District 60's Diverse Learners department, led by a director and two assistant directors, at the Lincoln Center on North Sheridan Road. Call (224) 303-1121. For day-to-day questions about an IEP, start with your child's teacher or school, then the Diverse Learners coordinator assigned to the building. The department's page lists those coordinators.

How do I start a preschool evaluation in Waukegan?

Contact District 60 in writing and describe your concerns. Illinois runs early childhood special education for ages 3 through 5 through districts and cooperatives, and the state posts a standardized request form for an early childhood special education evaluation plus a Child Find developmental screening form. Our early intervention guide covers children under 3.

What should I include in an evaluation request?

Name your child, the school, and what you see at home and in class. List any outside reports or diagnoses, and ask for an evaluation in plain words. Date the request and keep a copy. Our evaluation request guide has sample language, and the IEP prep checklist helps you get ready for the first meeting.

Can a Waukegan student attend a private special education school at public cost?

Only if the IEP team places the student there. Illinois approves nonpublic special education programs under Section 14-7.02 of the School Code, and districts refer students to them after exploring less restrictive options. Approved programs may serve only their approved age ranges and disability categories. The state's Private Facility Search lists approved programs.

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