Special Education Schools in Georgia

Special Education Schools in Georgia

Every public school district has special education classrooms and supports for autistic students, but some children may not do well in a traditional school setting. In these cases, families may find that their child learns better in a school designed just for autistic and special needs students. These special education schools are located throughout the state each provide different programs, services, and learning experiences. While they are private schools, many offer help with costs through financial aid programs, scholarships, or payment plans so families from all income levels can take part.

Below, you’ll find a list of schools organized by region and city, including Metro-Atlanta, Northeast Georgia, Southeast Georgia, and South Georgia. For more details, please contact each school directly. Many schools also provide tours or “shadow days,” where a student can spend time in the classroom. This helps families see what the school is like and also helps the school understand the child’s unique needs.

 

Northeast Georgia

Name: Sisu Early Learning (Gainesville)

Address: 2360 Murphy Boulevard, Gainesville, GA 30504

Website: https://www.mysisu.org/therapy

Phone:  770-535-8372

Criteria:  6 weeks to 6 years with special needs

About: Sisu (formerly Challenged Child and Friends) offers an integrated learning environment where children from 6 weeks to 6 years with special needs learn and interact alongside their typically developing peers.

Special Services:  Enrichment programs; ABA therapy; OT, PT, Speech Therapy, Feeding Therapy; Family outings; Parent Worships; Parents support group; Nursing services: medications, tube feedings, catheterization, and more

Admissions: Register, tour, in person interview

Transportation: Parents responsible

Hours: School Year Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Summer Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuition: Tuition ranges depending on how many days and hours you choose to enroll your child. Cost ranges from $4,560-11,020 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources: Sliding scale options, Scholarships for up to 80% of tuition costs, Georgia GOAL program, Georgia Tax Credit program

 

Southeast Georgia

Name: Kicklighter Academy (Savannah)

Address:7219 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406

Website: https://www.krcacademy.org/index.html

Email: stacey@kicklighter.org

Phone: 912-355-7633

Grades: Infants, toddlers, preschool, and before and after school care for school aged children

Criteria: Students with ASD, will be assessed through the school beginning at age 3

About: To better serve our families, we offer a Before and Aftercare Program for our Pre-K students and Holiday Camp. Before and Aftercare includes meals, snacks, and a clean environment for safe and supervised play. As children get older and more independent, they need new challenges. That’s why we offer a school-age program for before and after-school care and enrichment programs that address growing school-age children’s changing and more varied needs. Reading, math, and science activities ensure your child’s mind is engaged and help create a lifelong love of learning and exploration.

Special Services: ABA Therapy

Admissions: Enrollment Application https://www.krcacademy.org/enrollment-tuition.html

Teachers Qualifications: Kicklighter Academy uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB). Under the direction of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), our teachers and tutors are trained and monitored in the science and techniques of ABA

Tuition: Contact directly for more info

 

Name: The Matthrew Reardon Center for Autism (Savannah)

Address:1500 Middleground Road Savannah, GA. 31419

Website: https://matthewreardon.org

Phone: (912) 355-9098 

Grades: Preschool- school aged programs

Criteria: Diagnosed with ASD

About: Matthew Reardon Center for Autism offers preschools for all young children, including children with autism and an accredited, ABA-based year-round day school for autistic children, teens and young adults. Our academies are innovative, evidence-based educational environments where every child is valued and loved. Additionally, our advocacy team serves families impacted by special needs and self-advocates throughout southeast Georgia.

Special services: ABA therapy; Speech therapy, Occupational, and physical therapy for every student; Music therapy

Admissions: Contact the school for enrollment inquiry

Teachers Qualifications:  ABA qualified teachers

Transportation: Parents responsible

Tuition: $14,000 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources: GA special needs Scholarship program (SB10), GA Tax Credit Program, Need based financial aid

 

South Georgia

Name: The Kalos Academy (Tifton)

Address: 218 Central Ave N, Tifton, GA 31794

Website: https://www.thekalosacademyinc.org

Phone: (229) 396-5596

Email: tconner@thekalosacademyinc.org

Grades: K-4^th

Criteria: The Kalos Academy serves students with neurological differences. Our students are often diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental disorders that impact learning and development.

About: The Kalos Academy, we believe that we can be a guide to help children with differences to navigate school success so that they can grow and reach their full potential.

Student Life: Carnival, school dance offered

Admissions: Submit application, diagnoses, admission interview and testing

Teachers Qualifications: ABA therapy trained teachers

Transportation: Parents responsible

Tuition: $12,000 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources: Paid in full with 10% discount, Monthly or semi-monthly payment plans

 

Atlanta and Metro-Atlanta Areas

Name: Cumberland Academy of Georgia (Sandy Springs)

Address: 650-A Mt. Vernon Highway NE Atlanta, GA 30328

Website: https://cumberlandacademy.org/academics/

Email: admissions@cumberlandacademy.org

Grades: 4th grade-12th grade

Criteria: Students with level 1 autism

About: Founded in 2007, Cumberland Academy of Georgia is a fully accredited school for students with ASD and ADHD and other learning differences. With small class sizes, a variety of sports and clubs, and personalized learning, students enjoy a well-rounded education that includes social and life skills.

Student Life: Art club, Chess Club, Puzzle Club, Bowling Club; Summer Camps; Experiential Learning field trips; Monthly volunteering in the community

Admissions: Rolling Admissions

Teachers Qualifications: Special education certified, Orton-Gillingham trained

Transportation: Parent drop-off and pick up, MARTA drop-off available

Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-3:05pm; Friday 8am-2pm

• Early morning drop off 7:30-8am for additional fee
• Extended Day program and Homework Assistance: Monday-Thursday 3:05pm-4:30 for additional fee

Tuition: Please contact the school for cost of attendance

Scholarships and Funding Resources: SB10 – Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS), Georgia GOAL Scholarship, 529 Plan, YOUR Tuition Solution

 

Name:  Atlanta Prep School (Chamblee)

Address:  30 Perimeter Park Dr suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30341

Website: https://atlantaprep.org/

Phone:  (770) 508-4127

Email:  info@atlantaprep.org

Grades: K-8th

Criteria: Atlanta Prep serves students who have been professionally identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD), Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and other specific learning disabilities.

About: Atlanta Prep provides focused instruction and social engagement through small group learning for Science, Social Studies, Yoga & Arts

Special Services: Art; Yoga; Small group instruction; Summer camps; One-to-one programs;

Admissions:  Book a tour, experience day, team reviews child and application

Transportation: Parents responsible

Tuition: Call for more information

Scholarships and Funding Resources: Georgia Student Scholarship Organization

 

Name: Eaton Academy (Roswell)

Address:1000 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway Roswell, GA 30076

Website:  https://eatonacademy.org

Phone: 770-645-2673

Grades: K-12th grade

Criteria: Unlike some schools, there is no typical Eaton student. Eaton respects and celebrates individual differences among students. Given the variety of programs available at Eaton Academy, we are able to serve a wide range of students.

About: Established in 1995, Eaton Academy designs education solutions in a K-12 academic environment devoted to meeting students’ individual needs. Eaton has programs designed for students seeking a traditional college preparatory experience and for those whose needs are more specialized.

Special services:  Work experience; Social Skills training; Independent living classes; Summer school; Supported Employment; Independent Study Program; Virtual Academy; Distance Learning Program;

Student Life: Enrichment activities for K-8^th; High School Clubs: Bowling, Tennis, Flag football, Art, Chess, Music, SCUBA, Community service club; Field Experience outings; Summer Camp

Admissions: Rolling Admissions, apply online https://eatonacademy.org/admissions/

Teachers Qualifications: Over 50% of staff with Master’s degrees, instructors are experts in their fields, annual staff development

Transportation: Parent drop-off and pick up

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:40am-2:30pm

• Early morning drop off 8:30am for $500 per semester
• Late pick up: 2:30-5pm M-F for $1,200 per semester

Tuition:  K-8^th grade: $26,950, High School: $27,950

Scholarships and Funding Resources: SB10 – Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS), Georgia Educational Expense Credit Program

 

Name: MDE School (Marietta)

Address:1517 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30062

Website: https://mdeschool.org

Email: admin@mdeschool.org

Phone: (770) 971-4633

Grades: Preschool and K-12

Criteria: Neurodiverse students, call to see if your child is a good fit

About: MDE School believes that special needs students learn best while experiencing all aspects of the curriculum in a developmentally appropriate classroom. Therefore, the special education classroom is structured to emphasize language and communication to promote independence and self-advocacy among our students.

Special services:  Onsite therapy through Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic (additional cost); Life and social skills; Vocational Academy

Student Life:  Summer camp; Music; Library; Clubs: Dance, Pottery, Golf, Lego, Cheerleading, Earthbound; Field trips

Admissions: Phone interview, parent tour, student assessment and enrollment deposit

Teachers Qualifications: Special education teachers

Tuition: $27,000 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources:

• SB10 – Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS)
• Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO)
• Annual payments, semester payments, quarterly payments, and monthly payments available

Name: Kaleidoscope ABA Inc. (Roswell)

Address: 1160 Grimes Bridge Rd STE G, Roswell, GA 30075

Website: https://kaleidoscopeaba.org/index.htm

Email: kaleidoscopeaba@yahoo.com

Phone: (770) 993-7008

Grades: Ages 2 and up of all skill level

Criteria: Diagnosed with ASD

About: Kaleidoscope ABA, Inc., is a unique school for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Our program combines one-on-one therapy with systematic progress evaluation to foster the development of our children to their highest potential.

Special Services:

• Center-based programming four or five days per week, ten or twelve months per year. Enrollment on a rolling basis throughout the year.
• Ongoing supervision and weekly program adaptation
• Ongoing parent support
• Two programs: Our early learner program and our advanced learner program for ABLLS graduates focused on classical academics using applied behavior analysis teaching principles.
• Open door policy for parents of enrolled children

Admissions:  Online application

Transportation: Parents responsible

Hours: M-Th 9am-1pm

Tuition: $25,920- 32,400 depending on program per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources:  Georgia Special needs Scholarship (SB10)

 

Name: Mills Springs (Alpharetta)

Address:13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA

Website:  https://www.millsprings.org

Phone: 770-360-1336

Grades: K-12th grade

Criteria: Individuals with ASD level 1 may require some support to help with issues like inhibited social interaction and lack of organization and planning skills.

About: Mill Springs Academy is a values-based educational community dedicated to the academic, physical, and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in traditional classroom settings.

Admissions: Inquire, visit, apply: https://www.millsprings.org/admissions/inquire

Transportation:  Transportation available via bus routes for additional fee: https://www.millsprings.org/admissions/transportation

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3:15pm

Tuition: K-4: $35,751 per year, 5-8: $35,921 per year, 9-12: $36,136 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources:  Need based financial aid available https://www.millsprings.org/admissions/tuition

 

Name: New Heights Academy (Alpharetta)

Address: 6225 Atlanta Hwy, Ste 110, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Website: https://newheightsacademyga.org

Email: Katherine@NewHeightsAcademyGA.org

Phone: (770) 530-7394

Grades: 1^st – 12^th grade

Criteria: We serve students diagnosed with Autism spectrum.  At NHA we do not use or categorize children as low-high functioning, just students.

About: A Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Accredited Private School for Special Needs Students (1-12) with Autism and Other Abilities. Every child deserves a chance to be a star and at NHA we shine the light.

Special services: Tutoring; Life skills; Essential Skills Classroom; Transitional classroom for more independent students; Summer sessions;Transition to adulthood;

Admissions: Tour school, then apply, school reviews

Transportation: Parents responsible

Hours: M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Tuition: $23,500 per year plus supplies and fees

Scholarships and Funding Resources: financial aid available based on application

 

Name:  Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (Lawrenceville)

Address: 660 Davis Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Website: http://www.specialneedsschools.org/home.html

Email: info@specialneedsschools.org

Phone:678-442-6262

Grades: 1st-12^th grade

Criteria: SNS enrolls children age 18 months and up with any problem that interferes with satisfactory functioning and progress in regular classroom programs or at home, including ASD

About: The school provides the highest quality of educational and therapeutic programming available to children with and without disabilities.

Special Services:  Speech therapy, OT, PT; Recreational therapy; Early childhood specialists; Transfer services for in and out of public schools; Summer enrichment program

Before and After Care: available for $15/hour billed at 15 min increments

• Before care: 7am-8:45
• After care: 3:15pm-6pm

Admissions: Enrollment forms http://www.specialneedsschools.org/pdf/2023/23-24-Student-Enrollment-Form.pdf

Teachers Qualifications: Teachers are trained and experienced in normal child development and education as well as special needs

Transportation: Parents responsible

Hours:  9am-3pm

Tuition: $18,000 per year

Scholarships and Funding Resources: Financial aid application available

 

 

Article written by: Isabella Valentini and the Autism Tool Kit