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Special-Needs Schools

Merlin Day Academy

Special-Needs Schools · Chicago, IL
Compiled from public sourcesPractice / clinic

About

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

Focus
neurodiverse learning needs autism ADHD ages 6-14
Area
Chicago, IL
Description
A therapeutic school in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood providing special education for neurodiverse students ages 6-14.
Website
merlindayacademy.com

What this special-needs school offers

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

Merlin Day Academy is a therapeutic day school in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood serving neurodiverse learners ages 6–14. It combines individualized special education with sensory-based therapeutic interventions and accepts IEP placements through ISBE approval.

Leadership
Dr. Laura Mraz, OTD, OTR/L — CEO and Founder
Sarah Hirschman, OTR/L — Regional Director
Noah Greer, LCSW — Clinic Director
Jennifer Grau, MEd — Assistant Director and ISBE Site Administrator
Populations served
Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD Sensory Processing Disorders Behavioral Disorders Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome Genetic Conditions Developmental Delay Expressive Language Disorder Gross Motor Delay Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability
Setting
Day
Ages
6–14
On-site therapies
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Social Work Behavioral Analysis
Services
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Daily Connect app for real-time family updates Concierge administrative team
Programs
IEP-based special education Rotational therapeutic programming
Accreditations & approvals
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved
Tuition & funding
Accepts ISBE-funded IEP placements; private insurance accepted (Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross PPO); out-of-pocket payment plans available.
Phone
(312) 312-7525
Highlights
Sister organizations include Blue Bird Day (preschool/kindergarten) and Eyas Landing (comprehensive therapy services); located at 3319 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL (Avondale neighborhood).
Approach
Family-centered, individualized learning plans leveraging student strengths; rotational therapeutic programming with a goal of transitioning students toward least restrictive environments.
Admissions
Tour → Meet and Greet → Individual Evaluations → Behavioral Evaluations → Schedule Creation → Service Plan Meeting → Progress Reviews

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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.