IEP Placement at Merlin Day Academy  

Merlin Day Academy is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and families may privately enroll their children into Merlin Day Academy as a special education private school, or they can be privately placed by the home school district under the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). We invested in this multi-year process to allow for more equitable access to our innovative services as we believe that every child has the right to learn in the environment that is most supportive to them. Merlin Day Academy serves students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the following disability categories:  

• Intellectual Disability 
• Learning Disability 
• Speech/Language Delay 
• Other Health Impairment 
• Emotional Disability 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Merlin Day Academy provides special education instruction tailored to the individual needs of each child. The Merlin Approach to Learning© includes daily educational instruction in literacy, math, science, social studies, and art classes to provide children with a well-rounded education in a supportive environment. The individualized support and learning opportunities we offer are key aspects that remain at the forefront of how Merlin Day Academy impacts students. We meet the diverse and sometimes complex needs of students through our supportive services, academic curriculum, and lesson plans implemented by all service providers in accordance with each student’s IEP.   

If you are just getting started with the IEP process we recommend reviewing this article: Individualized Education Programs, Therapeutic Day Schools, and Your Child’s Right to a Supportive Educational Environment.

To Enroll 

Contact Us to learn more about the enrollment process for students placed at Merlin Day Academy through an IEP. Please note that spots are limited and may be subject to waitlists.  

What Services does ISBE Cover? 

While ISBE covers the cost for students to attend Merlin Day Academy and participate in our daily academic and therapeutic rotations, some therapeutic services are not covered by ISBE. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy and Extended Day Therapy, add-on 1:1 therapy sessions, are not included in ISBE placement. If you would like your child to receive ABA and/or Extended Day Therapy at Merlin Day Academy, please let our team know and we can provide information on insurance and private pay options.