OUR STORY

Connect Academy provides therapeutic day programs that support the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally. ​Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art therapeutic day programs for students from early childhood through high school with diverse emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning needs. Connect Academy now offers a full continuum of services: our unified Pre-K – 8th campus in Carol Stream, Illinois builds strong foundations for reintegration and long-term success. Connect Academy High School in Addison, Illinois prepares students for life beyond the classroom through community-based learning opportunities that help students develop real-world skills. Pathways Academy in Lombard, Illinois supports students with autism through highly individualized, structured care. Each program is designed to meet students where they are and help them grow confidently along their unique developmental paths.

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EXPLORE THE CONNECT ACADEMY'S PROGRAMS

Connect Academy offers therapeutic day programs tailored to students from early childhood through high school. Each program provides individualized instruction, integrated therapies, and a structured environment designed to support every student’s unique path to growth and success.

CONNECT ACADEMY
GRADES: PRE-K - 8
505 E. North Ave., Unit 400
​Carol Stream, IL 60188

Located in Carol Stream, Illinois, this structured therapeutic program builds strong academic and emotional foundations to support student reintegration into less restrictive settings.

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CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
GRADES: 9 - 12
105 W. Army Trail Blvd.
Addison, IL 60101

Based in Addison, Illinois, this supportive program prepares students for life beyond the classroom through academic instruction, behavioral support, and vocational training with job placement opportunities.

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PATHWAYS ACADEMY
FOCUS: AUTISM
1514 S. Main St., Door 15
Lombard, IL 60148

Located in Lombard, Illinois, this highly individualized program serves students with autism by providing structured routines, communication supports, and therapeutic care in a nurturing environment.

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Connect Academy is currently accepting referrals for new students!

Our referral process is designed to make it easy for families, school districts, and community partners to connect with us and explore the right support for each student’s unique needs. If you’re interested in learning more about enrollment at any of our programs, visit our Referral Process page for detailed information on how to get started.

Referral Process

At Connect Academy, we believe in a holistic and individualized approach to education, catering specifically to students with varying disabilities. Our philosophy centers on the integration of academic instruction with therapeutic interventions, recognizing the diverse needs of our students. We are committed to small class sizes and a low student-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support. By incorporating research-based academic programming and a comprehensive SEL curriculum, we aim to foster not only academic success but also social and emotional growth. We utilize the benefits of art, music, movement, and pet therapies to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive!

- Connect Academy Philosophy

OUR PURPOSE

​THE CONNECT ACADEMY
​MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program for students in grades Pre-K through 12th with varying disabilities. Through personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a dedicated team, we aim to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of our students using research-based programs and therapeutic approaches.

THE ​CONNECT ACADEMY
​VISION STATEMENT

​Our vision is to create an inclusive, therapeutic educational environment where students with emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges are empowered to thrive. We envision a community where every student is supported by a compassionate team of educators and therapists, and equipped with the tools to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally—both in school and beyond.

MEET THE BOARD 

Connect Academy's board is composed of seasoned experts in special education who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their guidance and insights are instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring we provide the best possible support for our students.

WILL McDERMOTT
​Special Education Operations and Transportation Expert

Will McDermott is the co-founder and president of Hopewell Transportation, recently acquired by First Student, which provides safe, reliable transportation services to students receiving special education services. Previously, Will served as Principal of Hopewell Academies from 2007 to 2018, where he identified the need for a new approach to Special Education Transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Loras College, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University, and an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from Lewis University. Will also teaches Leadership Development at Purdue University and remains committed to enhancing educational opportunities for special needs students through his work at Connect Academy.

DR. SUSAN KING
​​Special Education Professor, George Washington University

Dr. Susan King is a seasoned special educator, researcher, and professor based in the Washington, D.C. area. With extensive experience as a special educator in one of the largest school districts in the area, Dr. King has also served as an assistant professor at Juniata College and as a faculty member at The George Washington University. Her expertise includes assessment, teacher training, behavior management, and working with families of students with special needs. Dr. King has consulted with schools, served as an expert witness, and conducted independent educational evaluations. She has chaired the National Advisory Committee for the HEATH Resource Center and serves on the FirstServes National Advisory Board. Active in her community, Dr. King is involved in various church activities and continues to support educational initiatives for special needs students.
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DR. JIM BROWN
​​Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota

Professor Jim Brown retired in January 2015 as a professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota. Throughout his career, he directed the Minnesota Research and Development Center for Vocational Education and numerous evaluation projects, including the state-wide Tech Prep system. As a teacher educator since 1978, Professor Brown taught courses on instructional methods, student retention strategies, program development, diversity issues, and quantitative research methods. He has obtained and directed over $1MM in R&D grants and published more than 75 journal articles. His professional interests in education and business training strategies have extended to flight training, reflecting his personal interests. Professor Brown's extensive contributions to education and special needs have significantly impacted the field.