2026 lists
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Illinois. Top 50 of 56 schools.
#1 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Smaller classes than 88% of special education schools in Illinois
Arlington Heights, IL
#2 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Ungraded
The only special education school in Park Ridge
Park Ridge, IL
#3 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Growing: enrollment up 44% since 2011–12
Lisle, IL
#4 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 95% of special education schools in Illinois
Arlington Heights, IL
#5 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades Pre-K–12
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Genoa, IL
#6 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–8
The only special education school in Blue Island
Blue Island, IL
#7 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 9–12
The largest special education school in Chicago
Chicago, IL
#8 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 5–12
Smaller classes than 92% of special education schools in Illinois
Melrose Park, IL
#9 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 78% of special education schools in Illinois
Hoffman Estates, IL
#10 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 2–12
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Lake Villa, IL
#11 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 1–12
The only special education school in Elgin
Elgin, IL
#12 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Tinley Park, IL
#13 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 8–12
The only special education school in Des Plaines
Des Plaines, IL
#14 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 70% of special education schools in Illinois
Manteno, IL
#15 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 4–12
Smaller classes than 87% of special education schools in Illinois
Onarga, IL
#16 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 2–12
Smaller classes than 67% of special education schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
#17 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 1–12
The only special education school in Naperville
Naperville, IL
#18 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Independent Catholic school · Grades K–12
The only special education school in Wheaton
Wheaton, IL
#19 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 4–12
Smaller classes than 80% of special education schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
#20 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
Growing: enrollment up 22% since 2013–14
Chicago, IL
#21 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
The only special education school in Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale, IL
#22 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades 1–12
Smaller classes than 83% of special education schools in Illinois
Tinley Park, IL
#23 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
The only special education school in Alton
Alton, IL
#24 Best Special Education Schools in Illinois
Special education school · Grades K–12
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Joliet, IL
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.