Cove School

For over 70 years, The Cove School has educated students with learning disabilities and helped them build the self-confidence necessary to make a successful transition to their community schools or to make-post secondary choices.
The heart of Cove's educational philosophy is to design a program that emphasizes the student's skills.
The school designs an individual education plan -- a specific plan of action with built-in components for evaluating and measuring progress -- for each student.
Moreover, the plan is refined by close observation and continual assessment on a day-to-day basis.
Students with learning disabilities are successful at Cove because they learn through their strengths rather than being hobbled by emphasis on their weaknesses.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 2-12
  • Enrollment: 148 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cove School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Disabilities / Speech and Language Disabilities / Other Health Impaired (OHI) / Emotional Disabilities / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Year Founded
1947
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Campus Size
5 acres

Student Body

Total Students
148 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Cove School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Mark Ditthardt

Sports

Total Sports Offered
1 sport

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Bowling ClubPom Squad
Robotics ClubSoccer Club


Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubDance Club
Music ClubTheatre Club

School Notes

  • School Motto: Changing Lives. Building Futures.
  • For over 70 years, The Cove School has educated students with learning disabilities and helped them build the self-confidence necessary to make a successful transition to their community schools or to make-post secondary choices. The heart of Cove's educational philosophy is to design a program that emphasizes the student's skills. The school designs an individual education plan -- a specific plan of action with built-in components for evaluating and measuring progress -- for each student. Moreover, the plan is refined by close observation and continual assessment on a day-to-day basis. Students with learning disabilities are successful at Cove because they learn through their strengths rather than being hobbled by emphasis on their weaknesses.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, Child Psychiatrist-Nevrologist -
    • Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan, Educational Psychologist -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cove School cost?
Cove School's tuition is approximately $41,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cove School?
The acceptance rate of Cove School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Cove School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Cove School?
Cove School famous alumni include: Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, Child Psychiatrist-Nevrologist and Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan, Educational Psychologist.
Does Cove School offer a summer program?
Yes, Cove School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Cove School offer?
Cove School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Basketball.
What is Cove School's ranking?
Cove School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most AP courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Cove School?
The application deadline for Cove School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 2-12
  • Enrollment: 148 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cook County, IL is $13,552 for elementary schools and $19,327 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Cook County, IL is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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