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Alexander Leigh Cntr for Autism

Special-Needs Schools · Mchenry, IL
Compiled from public sourcesProgram

About

Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.

Focus
Day School Autism Developmental Delay Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment
Area
Mchenry, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
alcacenter.org

What this special-needs school offers

Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.

Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic day school in McHenry, IL, approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. It serves children ages 3–22 with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities, using a child-centered, therapeutic, holistic, interdisciplinary approach to teach skills for functional independence.

Leadership
Dorie Hoevel — Co-Founder and Chairman, Board of Directors
Susan Zeeb — Vice President, Board of Directors
Koka Kliora — Director, Board of Directors
Bob Lueders — Director, Board of Directors
Jayson Hemphill — Director, Board of Directors
Staff
John Hinks — Secretary, Board of Directors
Populations served
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Other health impairments (OHI) Multiple disabilities Developmental delay Intellectual disabilities
Setting
Day
Ages
3–22
Services
One-to-one support Intensive therapies Life skills development Vocational opportunities Community integration Adult programs Job training
Programs
Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs ALCAbility program
Founded
2004
Accreditations & approvals
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers McHenry Chamber of Commerce Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
Phone
(815) 344-2522
Highlights
Founded in 2004 by two mothers of children with autism; 20th Annual Gala scheduled for April 11, 2026; serves students ages 3–22 who typically require one-to-one support and intensive therapies.
Approach
Child-centered, therapeutic, holistic, interdisciplinary model focused on teaching skills necessary to achieve functional independence, with emphasis on skill generalization to home and community settings.

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What to look for in a special-needs school

  • Population served (autism, emotional/behavioral, learning differences) and the age/grade range
  • Whether it's an ISBE-approved nonpublic facility — districts can place and fund students there
  • On-site therapies (OT/PT/speech/behavioral)
  • Day vs. residential
  • How transitions back to public school work

Want to rate your public school or district on special education instead? See the school & district scorecards.