For over 70 years, The Cove School has educated students with learning disabilities and helped them build the self-confidence necessary to make a successful transition to their community schools or to make-post secondary choices.
The heart of Cove's educational philosophy is to design a program that emphasizes the student's skills.
The school designs an individual education plan -- a specific plan of action with built-in components for evaluating and measuring progress -- for each student.
Moreover, the plan is refined by close observation and continual assessment on a day-to-day basis.
Students with learning disabilities are successful at Cove because they learn through their strengths rather than being hobbled by emphasis on their weaknesses.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked IL School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 2-12
- Enrollment: 148 students
- Yearly Tuition: $41,000
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Cove School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
AP Courses
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Disabilities / Speech and Language Disabilities / Other Health Impaired (OHI) / Emotional Disabilities / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Year Founded
1947
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Campus Size
5 acres
Student Body
Total Students
148 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$41,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Mark Ditthardt
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Bowling ClubPom Squad
Robotics ClubSoccer Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubDance Club
Music ClubTheatre Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Changing Lives. Building Futures.
- For over 70 years, The Cove School has educated students with learning disabilities and helped them build the self-confidence necessary to make a successful transition to their community schools or to make-post secondary choices. The heart of Cove's educational philosophy is to design a program that emphasizes the student's skills. The school designs an individual education plan -- a specific plan of action with built-in components for evaluating and measuring progress -- for each student. Moreover, the plan is refined by close observation and continual assessment on a day-to-day basis. Students with learning disabilities are successful at Cove because they learn through their strengths rather than being hobbled by emphasis on their weaknesses.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, Child Psychiatrist-Nevrologist
- Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan, Educational Psychologist
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cove School cost?
Cove School's tuition is approximately $41,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cove School?
The acceptance rate of Cove School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
Who are famous alumni from Cove School?
Cove School famous alumni include: Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, Child Psychiatrist-Nevrologist and Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan, Educational Psychologist.
Does Cove School offer a summer program?
Yes, Cove School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does Cove School offer?
Cove School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Basketball.
What is Cove School's ranking?
Cove School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Most AP courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Cove School?
The application deadline for Cove School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Cove School also viewed these schools: Allendale School, Acacia Academy, Hyde Park Day School - Northfield campus, Centerview Therapeutic School and Camelot Schools.
The nearest high school to Cove School is Centerview Therapeutic School (2.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Norbert School (1.5 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Bernard Weinger Jcc (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Allendale School
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600 W Grand Ave
Lake Villa, IL 60046
(847) 245-6400
Lake Villa, IL 60046
(847) 245-6400
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Acacia Academy ![Acacia Academy Photo - Offering a variety of year-round and summer programs designed to meet each student's learning objectives in terms of his/her learning capabilities.AdvancED accredited school in the La Grange, IL area. Illinois State Board of Education approved for out-of-district placement for special education.]( "Acacia Academy Photo - Offering a variety of year-round and summer programs designed to meet each student's learning objectives in terms of his/her learning capabilities.AdvancED accredited school in the La Grange, IL area. Illinois State Board of Education approved for out-of-district placement for special education.")
Special Education School
6425 Willow Springs Rd
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 579-9040
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 579-9040
26.1 miles
Gr: 4-12 | 91 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition listed
1980 Old Willow Rd
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-7025
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-7025
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Gr: 1-8 | 58 students Avg. class size: 10 students Tuition listed
Centerview Therapeutic School
Special Education School
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(847) 559-0110
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-0110
2.9 miles
Gr: 5-12 | 9 students
Camelot Schools
Special Education School
5135 Trillium Blvd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(224) 402-7408
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(224) 402-7408
21.1 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 95 students
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