Diverse learners who are unable to demonstrate their learning capacities in a traditional classroom often due to anxiety, difficulty with attention or other neuro-diverse needs.

We believe a coordinated, team-based approach to teaching is important in helping our students realize their greatest potential, academically and social-emotionally. Individualized learning plans are created in conjunction with teachers, the school counselor and curriculum specialist, along with outside providers to ensure we are establishing attainable goals and implementing effective strategies. We conduct tri-annual benchmarking to evaluate student progress. Faculty communicate regularly throughout the day to support our students as needed.

Our highly-skilled faculty hail from multi-faceted backgrounds in both public and private schools as well as therapeutic settings. Metro faculty either hold a master’s degree or are in the process of pursuing an advanced degree. Our full-time social worker leads our social-emotional curriculum and we have trained ancillary staff available to support students when needed. We also have a full-time gym and art teacher as well as a librarian.

Professional development is critical in helping our faculty evolve and continue to meet the needs of our students. We attend conferences and workshops throughout the year as well as collaborate regularly with top educational, developmental and mental health professionals across Chicago and nationally to ensure Metro’s team is implementing effective learning strategies and tools to support each child academically, socially and emotionally on a daily basis.

Metro is in the process of securing accreditation through AdvancED (expected completion 2019) in addition to International Baccalaureate Candidacy for the Primary Years Program (SK-8). Currently, our curriculum exceeds Illinois Common Core Standards. Metro is also pursuing recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education and recently became a 501(c)(3).

We believe that a strong partnership between our faculty, families and outside providers is critical to our students’ success, and collaborate as needed to help establish attainable goals, implement strategies and foster areas of strength and growth. Outside providers are welcome to offer therapeutic services at school.

Metro recently moved into 7,500 square feet of newly renovated space in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Our school has dedicated space for lower, middle and high school students as well as a science lab, gym, cafeteria, sensory and therapy room, library and outdoor area along with flexible spaces. Metro’s multi-sensory environment was professionally designed to help students ready their bodies and minds for learning.