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High Road School of the South Suburbs

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, High Road School of the South Suburbs provides individualized instruction in smaller, structured classrooms. Our private day school goes beyond what typical classrooms provide, offering an evidence-based approach including a comprehensive range of specialized services and a team of highly-trained educators to help students—and their families—shine.

School Info

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Grades
K-12, Adult Prep Program

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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  • Bullying Policy

    View and download our bullying policy.
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  • Understanding Type 1 Diabetes for Parents and Guardians

    Download to learn the warning signs of type 1 diabetes for early detection.
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  • Faith’s Law

    Download the Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide—created in response to Faith’s Law—for reporting, prevention, and support resources. Also available at www.isbe.net.
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High Road School of the South Suburbs is where students with academic, emotional, and behavioral needs uncover their potential through individualized learning that goes beyond what most classrooms can offer. In our private day schools, we meet each student where they are.

Smaller class sizes and high-quality, student-centered instruction allow our teachers, therapists, and staff to build strong connections with each student in nurturing, respectful, structured, and positive learning environments. Drawing from a comprehensive range of specialized services, High Road educators implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to help each student shine—at school, at home, and in the community.

Our students benefit from SESI’s Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that:

  • Individually support each student’s academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
  • Prevent barriers to learning in our classroom environments
  • Connect our team with students, staff, families and district partners to ensure the growth of essential skills outside of the classroom setting

Through evidence-based, data-driven instruction that is aligned with your student’s strengths and IEP goals, we meet your student where they are. In other words, we do not tier your student, we tier our supports to uniquely meet your student’s needs.

Strong relationships with our students, families, and school district partners are our highest priority. Together, we shine a bright light on the possibility and untapped potential of every High Road School student.

Related services offered at this school include BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), motor lab, occupational therapy, sensory rooms, and speech-language therapy tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets High Road School of the South Suburbs Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Students We Serve

    • Students with strong academic potential and behavioral or emotional challenges
    • Learners impacted by trauma, adversity, or unstable home environments
    • Students navigating school avoidance, anxiety, or juvenile justice involvement
    • Those needing support with regulation, peer relationships, and trust-building
    Spark Student Profiles
  • Spring: Instruction and Life Skills​

    Spring: Instruction and Life Skills​

    Students We Serve

    • Students with learning disabilities, autism, or communication delays
    • Learners preparing for adulthood with support needs in academics and life skills
    • Students who benefit from structured routines, repetition, and visuals
    Spring Student Profiles
  • Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Students We Serve

    • Students with significant cognitive and/or physical impairments who are nonverbal or minimally verbal
    • Learners who need close support with communication, transitions, and self-care
    • Students who thrive in calm, structured, sensory-friendly environments
    Bloom Student Profiles
  • Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Students We Serve

    • Over-age or under-credited students at risk of dropping out of high school

    • Learners who have experienced chronic absences or academic disruption

    • Students motivated to catch up and graduate but in need of structured academic planning

    • Youth exploring post-secondary options who benefit from individualized guidance and support

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • Successful Transitions

    Successful Transitions

    Whether students are transitioning to a less restrictive environment, progressing toward graduation, or earning a certificate of completion, we help ensure they receive the individualized guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

  • With a strong foundation in special education and leadership experience, Chelsi is a passionate first-year director. Having worked as a special education teacher for five years, Chelsi has continuously supported diverse learning and supported children with a range of needs. She prospered as an interim associate director before moving to another campus, honing their program management and administrative abilities.

    In her role as Bloomington and the South Suburbs’ IEP Specialist, Chelsi designed individualized education plans that catered to the particular needs of every student and supported teachers on the IEP writing process. Holding a master’s degree in instructional design and technology, Chelsi effectively utilizes technology to design dynamic learning environments. She is dedicated to empowering both educators and students through the adoption of innovative practices, the promotion of inclusivity, and the pursuit of educational excellence.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Would recommend to anyone. Great school! Great staff

    Richard H.

Events & Stories

  • A Science Lesson Using Slime

    ACI High School creating slime after a science lesson on liquid turning into solid with ingredients. Photographed: Ms. Amber Hawthorne…
    December 27, 2022
  • Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show

    We’re beyond proud of Stanley Alston, Team Lead, and Tiffany Davis, Teacher, for representing Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show! Stanley Alston,…
    February 21, 2025
  • A Veteran in the Classroom

    Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
    November 17, 2023

Resources

  • Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford

    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS

    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month

    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • If you work at a school district and want to learn more about our school and the referral process, the next step is to contact us directly. We’ll provide detailed information about our programs, answer your questions, and set-up a time for you to come tour our program.

  • We individualize the learning experience by creating a tailored plan for each student based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. This includes personalized instruction, behavioral support, and regular progress monitoring to ensure growth academically, socially, and emotionally. By collaborating closely with families and school districts, we provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

  • You can schedule a tour by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will work with you to find a convenient time for your visit.

  • We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with behavioral support. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our experienced staff uses evidence-based strategies and high-leverage practices to help students build confidence, self-regulation skills, and positive relationships.

Contact High Road School of the South Suburbs