Benhaven was founded in 1967 by Amy Lettick, a teacher and mother of an autistic child.
Originally a day school, Benhaven was conceived to serve children whose handicaps were preventing them from receiving an appropriate education in existing public and private schools.
As community needs emerged over the next ten years, Benhaven also evolved to provide the services that they needed.
Residential services, vocational training, and adult day programs were added over this period.
In the course of working intensively with a small group of individuals, Benhaven developed a unique and specific expertise in working with autism.
Benhaven also developed a heightened awareness for some of the issues that were impacting services for this population in the community at large.
Benhaven's mission is to enable people with autism and pervasive developmental disorders to participate in community life, exercise productive control over their own lives, have meaningful relationships and associations, be gainfully employed, and experience happiness and personal satisfaction.
Benhaven's mission is to enable people with autism and pervasive developmental disorders to participate in community life, exercise productive control over their own lives, have meaningful relationships and associations, be gainfully employed, and experience happiness and personal satisfaction.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 2-12
- Enrollment: 36 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
36 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
36%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- Benhaven was founded in 1967 by Amy Lettick, a teacher and mother of an autistic child. Originally a day school, Benhaven was conceived to serve children whose handicaps were preventing them from receiving an appropriate education in existing public and private schools. As community needs emerged over the next ten years, Benhaven also evolved to provide the services that they needed. Residential services, vocational training, and adult day programs were added over this period. In the course of working intensively with a small group of individuals, Benhaven developed a unique and specific expertise in working with autism. Benhaven also developed a heightened awareness for some of the issues that were impacting services for this population in the community at large. Benhaven's mission is to enable people with autism and pervasive developmental disorders to participate in community life, exercise productive control over their own lives, have meaningful relationships and associations, be gainfully employed, and experience happiness and personal satisfaction. Benhaven's mission is to enable people with autism and pervasive developmental disorders to participate in community life, exercise productive control over their own lives, have meaningful relationships and associations, be gainfully employed, and experience happiness and personal satisfaction.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Amy Lettick, Founder -
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous alumni from Benhaven School?
Benhaven School famous alumni include: Amy Lettick, Founder.
When is the application deadline for Benhaven School?
The application deadline for Benhaven School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Benhaven School located?
Benhaven School is located in the Wallingford Center neighborhood of Wallingford, CT. There are 5 other private schools located in Wallingford Center.
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