Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School

The Learning House is an ISBE-approved nonpublic special education day school in Wheeling for students ages 12 to 21 who qualify for special education under emotional disability, specific learning disability, other health impairment, or autism. Many of our students arrive after limited success in their public high schools, and we have more than 25 years of experience helping them return to their home schools or graduate. We opened a middle school program for grades 6 to 8 in response to requests from districts and families. Our classes use mastery learning: students finish each assignment at 80 percent or better before moving on. Teachers hold LBS1 licenses, and electives include autos, woodshop, foods, art, and computers. Students vote with staff in morning meetings on day-to-day rules, and each high schooler builds a post-graduation transition plan through our work program. Every student meets weekly with an assigned therapist, joins group counseling such as Zones of Regulation and social skills, and takes part in monthly family therapy. Our clinicians hold LCSW, MSW, or LMFT licenses. Students compete in the Chicago Area Alternative Education League, and our extended school year adds outdoor education.

ABC Academy is a private school in Chicago serving prekindergarten and kindergarten students. Contact the school directly to confirm its current programs, availability, and student support services.

Black Bear Academy is an esteemed therapeutic day school and clinical pediatric practice located in Chicago's Lakeview/North Center neighborhood. Founded in 2003, Black Bear Academy provides intensive therapeutic education and early intervention for children ages 18 months through 10 years with speech-language delays, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory motor challenges. With low 3:1 classroom ratios, the academy bridges the gap between clinical therapy and academic schooling by integrating speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and academic instruction into a cohesive daily schedule. Black Bear Academy prepares young learners for long-term academic success through structured early childhood, therapeutic kindergarten, and lower elementary classrooms.