Welcome! Acacia Academy is a year-round accredited, private therapeutic day school for grades 1-12 and offers a Transition Program for ages 18-22 servicing the Chicago, IL area. The Acacia tree symbolizes what our school strives to achieve: educational stability with roots of strength and character that will last a lifetime making Acacia Academy a safe place to grow and learn.
Offering a variety of year-round and summer programs designed to meet each student's learning objectives in terms of his/her learning capabilities.
Acacia Academy is AdvancED accredited and is located in LaGrange and Burr Ridge, IL.
The Illinois State Board of Education has approved Acacia Academy for out-of-district placement for special education. Students from all over northern Illinois attend Acacia Academy.
In many cases, the school district provides tuition and transportation.
Elementary (Grades 1-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Transition Program (Ages 18-22)
All Learning Disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD), Executive Functioning, and Auditory/Visual Processing NeedsAnxiety, School Phobia, and School RefusalEmotional and Social Needs
Students not performing at appropriate grade levelsGeneral education students to meet their academic goals and potential
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 4-12
- Enrollment: 91 students
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Kevin T. v. Elmhurst Comm. School District No. 205 (Wrightslaw) - 02/23/2022Failure to Provide a FAPE, Unilateral Graduation & Compensatory Education
- No Place in Line (Catalyst Chicago) - 02/23/2022Patrica Jones, who fought to get her son Darion placed in a therapeutic day school, sits with her daughter Joy. Jones waged a similar battle to find a therapeutic placement ...morefor Joy, who is now enrolled in Olive-Harvey College.
hide - Acacia Academy’s Nature Center (Chicago Parent) - 01/06/2015Acacia Academy in LaGrange Highlands is dedicated to community outreach and the socialization for their many students. A favorite field trip is to Acacia Academy`s own 2 acre Nature ...moreCenter. hide
- Sports League rewards alternative school students for good behavior (Daily Herald) - 10/19/2013Enrique raced down the sideline with the football tucked tightly under his arm and flags flying from his waistband. A defender dove for one of the flags and missed. Players ...moreon the Acacia Academy sideline roared their approval as he tiptoed into the end zone for a touchdown. hide
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All Learning Disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD), Executive Functioning, and Auditory/Visual Processing Needs, Anxiety, School Phobia, and School Refusal, Emotional and Social Needs
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
91 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
73%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
pants and collard shirt
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
The Illinois State Board of Education has approved Acacia Academy for out-of-district placement for special education. Students from all over northern Illinois attend Acacia Academy. In many cases, the school district provides tuition and transportation.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Please inquire within
Admissions Director
Noel
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
College Bowl& Career Day, Community Volunteering, Dance Committee, Nature Center Volunteer Events, Talent Show, Vocational Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Team, Flag Football Team, Soccer Team, Volleyball Team
College Bowl& Career Day, Community Volunteering, Dance Committee, Nature Center Volunteer Events, Talent Show, Vocational Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Team, Flag Football Team, Soccer Team, Volleyball Team
School Notes
- Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- How do I enroll my student?
- When a parent and/or school personnel are interested in their student attending Acacia Academy, they are invited to schedule a visit. The student may accompany parents and/or school personnel or schedule a visit at another time. School and medical records are sent to Acacia before or presented at the time of the visit to be reviewed. During the visits, a tour of the school is provided and interviews conducted. The Acacia staff determines if Acacia is the right program for the student. This process enables staff to become familiar with the student and their expectations as well as the family. When the student comes to visit, s/he visits with the Acacia staff, is able to meet other Acacia students, and receives a tour of the school and Acacia Nature Center. If a student comes to Acacia Academy with a current Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and a complete, updated case study, the student's educational program is then put into place. If a student does not have a recent IEP and/or complete evaluations, evaluations are completed and a personalized program of instruction is written for the student.
- What are the tuition costs?
- Acacia Academy is approved for out-of district placement by the Illinois State Board of Education.In many cases, the school district provides both the tuition and transportation for your student to attend Acacia Academy. Please contact the home school`s Out-of-District Placement Counselor to inquire about placement. Our current private enrollment tuition is $1,925.00 per month for fall and spring semesters.
- What is the Transition Program?
- The postsecondary Transition Program (ages 17-22) is for students who have completed their high school requirements and wish to further develop skills in job training, academics, independent living, and life skills while obtaining therapeutic services such as social work counseling, speech therapy and occupational therapy if needed. Students have the opportunity to customize their schedule designed to address personal needs and goals. After completion of the Transition Program, students obtain full time employment, enroll in an additional postsecondary programs such as community colleges, universities, career and technical schools, vocational programs, or day programs for further enrichment.In many cases, the school district provides both the tuition and transportation for your student to attend Acacia`s Transition Program.Please contact the home school`s Out-of-District Placement Counselor to inquire about placement.Private tuition for Acacia`s Transition Program is currently $1,500.00 per month.
- Do you provide transportation for my student?
- If placement is approved by the school district, then the district will provide transportation. If your student is privately enrolled, the family is responsible for the transportation.
- What is your population?
- We offer individualized programs for students of all performance levels (ages 6 22) including students with specific learning disabilities, giftedness, regular education, autism spectrum, emotional concerns, speech and language, social pragmatics, and challenged learners.
- Are you a behavioral school?
- We are not a behavioral school.
- Do we live too far from Acacia Academy for our student to attend?
- Students from all over northern Illinois attend Acacia Academy. It is not uncommon for a student to travel 30-60 minutes to attend our school.
- How many students attend Acacia Academy?
- We have approximately 40 students in the elementary and 60 students in the high school and Transition Program
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Acacia Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Acacia Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Acacia Academy offer?
Acacia Academy offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Acacia Academy?
The application deadline for Acacia Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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