A seven-time recipient of the National Association of Special Education Teachers School of Excellence (NASET) award
For the latest update related to coronavirus/COVID-19, visit Jen School’s website
Maryville Jen School was founded in in 2007 and offers therapeutic educational services in a project-based learning environment. It provides opportunity for students through Life Skills and Vocational Education.
Maryville Jen School is an Illinois State Board of Education approved Non-Public Special Education Facility (14-7.02) licensed to serve students ages 10 – 21.
Academic Program
Maryville Jen School provides specialized academic and vocational opportunities for young men and women experiencing academic, emotional, behavioral or intellectual challenges that can potentially limit life success. Students are served in uniquely designed classrooms to maximize effectiveness across the continuum of age and disability type.
High School and Junior High
Students grades 6-12 receive academic instruction with like-age students in self-contained classrooms. Classrooms are staffed with a Special Education Teacher, Paraprofessional and Social Worker/Counselor. The Maryville Jen School curriculum is aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and meets public school district graduation requirements.
We thank Flashpoint Chicago, its leadership team, Professor John Klein and students for their time and generosity in the making of this video.
Approved Disability Types
- Learning Disabled (LD)
- Emotional Disturbance (ED/BD)
- Other Health Impaired (OHI)
- Intellectual Disability (ID)
- Traumatic Brain Injured (TBI)
- Autism
- Specific Learning Disabilities
Additional Services
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Nursing
- Psychological Testing
- Transitional Planning
Therapeutic Educational Services in an Experiential Learning Environment
At Maryville Jen School, on our Des Plaines campus, we provide students, ages 10-21, with integrated therapeutic and educational services. The school serves children in Maryville’s residential programs and students from the community with complex emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. The Maryville Jen School staff uses project-based, alternative and experiential teaching methods in conjunction with traditional instruction methods to maximize the student’s potential for success.
Social Emotional Learning
Integrated into the core curriculum at Maryville Jen School is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. Social workers and counselors are part of the classroom team working with students and teachers to utilize coping strategies, manage emotions and complete assignments. The team recognizes that the stress of deficits in math or reading can lead to emotional crisis. Students are taught how to manage these frustrations whether working on math or in stressful family situations. Learning is not only about academics, it is about life.
An Integrated Learning Experience
The Maryville Jen School offers a fully-integrated program of classroom education, experiential learning, vocational training and recreational activities to its students. Our teaching staff coordinates with our therapeutic staff to ensure that our students make advancements.
Cooperative Teaching Methods
Our teaching methods are interactive and cooperative, allowing each student to add value to the classroom experience. Students learn to work together on a team both inside and outside of the classroom.
A Relational Teaching Model
The Relational Teaching Model is one that is built on mutual respect between student and teacher. It emphasizes and builds on student strengths, thus fostering a sense of accomplishment and fueling the student’s desire to learn more. This is especially important for students who have failed to thrive in other academic settings.
Thank you to recent donors – Altria Companies Employee Community Fund, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Donald P. and Byrd M. Kelly Foundation, The Rivers Foundation, Des Plaines Community Foundation and Glunz Foundation – for their generous grants to Maryville Jen School.
Contact Information:
Maryville Jen School
1150 N. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone (847) 390-3020
Fax (847) 294-1738
Director of Educational Services / Principal- Anne M. Craig, MS-ED/CAS
847-390-3030
craiga@maryvilleacademy.org
