#1 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Wolcott School
Special education school · Grades 9–12
The largest special education school in Chicago
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade130 students4 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Chicago, IL. Top 10 of 10 schools.
#2 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Ucan Academy-South
Special education school · Grades 2–12
Smaller classes than 67% of special education schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade67 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Knapp School and Yeshiva
Special education school · Grades 4–12
Smaller classes than 80% of special education schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade54 students4 students per teacher
#4 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
New Horizon Center
Special education school · Grades K–12
Growing: enrollment up 22% since 2013–14
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade66 students7 students per teacher
#5 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Redwood Day School
Special education school · Grades 2–8
Smaller classes than 71% of special education schools nationwide
Chicago, IL
A-Overall grade31 students4 students per teacher
#6 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Hyde Park Day School
Special education school · Grades 2–8
Growing: enrollment up 55% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
A-Overall grade62 students5 students per teacher
#7 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Pactt Learning Center
Special education school · Grades 4–12
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
B+Overall grade30 students6 students per teacher
#8 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Ucan Academy
Special education school · Grades 5–12
Serving families in Chicago since at least 2011
Chicago, IL
B+Overall grade67 students8 students per teacher
#9 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Lawrence Hall School
Special education school · Grades 4–12
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
B+Overall grade45 students8 students per teacher
#10 Best Special Education Schools in Chicago, IL
Esperanza Therapeutic School
Special education school · Grades 3–12
Growing: enrollment up 94% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
B+Overall grade64 students11 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.