Since our inception in 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their families and the community.
Giant Steps is currently designated as a therapeutic day school in the State of Illinois licensed and certified to exclusively serve students with a primary diagnosis of autism.
Our goal is to improve a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills through a one-on-one integrated approach.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 111 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
111 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Since our inception in 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their families and the community. Giant Steps is currently designated as a therapeutic day school in the State of Illinois licensed and certified to exclusively serve students with a primary diagnosis of autism. Our goal is to improve a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills through a one-on-one integrated approach.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Giant Steps Illinois?
The application deadline for Giant Steps Illinois is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 2/27/2020
Giant Steps is Godsend, full of Angels for teachers. My son has absolutely thrived here. I cannot do it, without them! This school is phenomenal!
Endorse Giant Steps Illinois. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Inside DoDEA Schools: Teacher Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Explore the world of Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA), offering quality education to military families globally. Learn about their history, academic performance, teacher qualifications, and unique benefits for service members' children.

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.