Letter From the Principal

Exciting things happen at Clare Woods each and every day. We serve about
100 students, aged 5 to 21, from Highland Park to Belvedere, from to Joliet
to Chicago.
Students come from 32 area school districts, primarily students on the
autism spectrum. Other students who are cognitively delayed, students with
traumatic brain injury, students with some genetic disorders, all are part of our
school community, in 13 cross-categorical classrooms.
We employ about 120 staff for the 100 students, and 47 are one-on-one as
some students require constant supervision throughout the day. Our staff
includes 60 certified paraprofessionals, three occupational therapists, three
speech pathologists, three behavioral specialists (social workers) an Art
Therapist, Therapy canine, reading teacher, art, music, and PE. We also have
our Community Vocational Program, made up of four job coaches and a
Transition Specialist.
Clare Woods Academy strives to offer many of the same opportunities offered
at a traditional school, including PE, Music, and Art programs. There is a
Homecoming Week in October culminating in an intramural football game on
the Wheaton College stadium. A prom is held in the spring. The Winter
Concert, Spring Musical, and other activities, all make for a meaningful and
memorable student experience.
Students participate in a regular PE program that includes bowling, volleyball
and fitness, as well as the “Strongest Student Contest” and Special Olympics,
held each spring.
We’re proud of the loving and trusting environment we have created in order
to meet students’ needs.

Welcome to Clare Woods Academy!

John Utterback, Executive Director