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Easterseals Academy

We are a non-public, therapeutic day school for students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disability, developmental delay, or intellectual disability.

Easterseals Academy has three campuses in Chicago, Tinley Park, and Machesney Park to serve students ages 3 to 22 who meet specific enrollment requirements. We empower each student to improve academic performance, increase social and vocational skills, develop communication skills, and foster the acquisition of functional life skills for independence in the community.

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School districts contract with Easterseals to assist in providing educational programs for children with educational eligibilities of autism spectrum disorder, emotional disability, development delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, or other health impairment. We view students’ parents/guardians and home districts as key partners in the educational process.

Enrollment

Curriculum and Activities

Clinical Services

Post-Secondary Transition Program: Ages 18-22

Parent Support Group

Bullying Policy

Wellness Policy

Faith's Law

Academic School Year Calendar 2024-2025

Meet the team

Sarah Rose

Director of Non-Public Schools, Education, and Clinical Services

Sarah Rose is the Director of Non-Public Schools, Education, and Clinical Services of Easterseals Academy Chicago, Tinley Park, and Machesney Park Campuses.

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Contact details

Sarah Rose

Director of Non-Public Schools, Education, and Clinical Services

1939 West 13th Street
Chicago, IL 60608

Tel: 312.432.1751

srose@eastersealschicago.org

Randall Bay

Principal

Randall Bay is the Principal of Easterseals Academy Machesney Park Campus.
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Kristin Hrdlicka

Principal

Kristin Hrdlicka is Principal of the Easterseals Academy Tinley Park Campus.
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Jeff Pennington

Principal

Jeff Pennington is the Principal of Easterseals Academy Chicago Campus.
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Events

See our upcoming events.

Event
  • 10/18/2025 at 12:00 pm

Trunk or Treat

Join us for a Trunk or Treat designed especially for children with developmental disabilities and their families!

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Educational Programs

Therapy for Autism

Latest

Blog
  • 10/08/2025

A Journey of Resilience and Joy: Alysha's Story

When Christine and Lou adopted their daughter Alysha from Bulgaria, they struggled to find the right support for her trauma and learning needs—until they discovered Easterseals Academy. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Alysha gained confidence, joy, and independence, inspiring her parents to make a legacy gift so more children can thrive as she has.

Blog
  • 09/29/2025

Q&A with Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford's Board Member, Gary Kohn

Architect Gary Kohn first connected with Easterseals in 2003 while designing the Easterseals Academy in Chicago. What began as a professional project grew into a lasting commitment—Gary has now served nearly 10 years on the ECR Board of Directors.

Blog
  • 08/28/2025

A Storytelling Journey for Learners of All Abilities: Easterseals Academy Time Capsule Project

This summer, Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR) partnered with Once Upon Our Time Capsule to bring an innovative, inclusive storytelling experience to Easterseals Academy students.

Blog
  • 08/08/2025

White Sox Youth Baseball Camp Hits a Home Run!

Easterseals Academy students had an unforgettable experience at our recent White Sox Youth Baseball Camp at Easterseals Academy's Chicago and Tinley Park Campuses!

Blog
  • 07/30/2025

A Place in the Classroom: Seth's Story

With the right support system, a student once isolated from his peers found his way back to learning and belonging.

Blog
  • 01/15/2025

Spotlight on Madlen Ortega, Easterseals Academy Machesney Park's Newest Certified Special Education Teacher

Teamwork, mentorship from colleagues, and being part of the strong and supportive community at Easterseals Academy inspire Madlen Ortega's dynamic classroom and give her a sense of gratitude.

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