Since our inception in 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their families and the community.
Giant Steps is currently designated as a therapeutic day school in the State of Illinois licensed and certified to exclusively serve students with a primary diagnosis of autism.
Our goal is to improve a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills through a one-on-one integrated approach.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 111 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
111 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: 'Equipping and empowering students to be academically successful and to independently participate in their community to the fullest extent possible both now and into adulthood.'
- Since our inception in 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High and High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their families and the community. Giant Steps is currently designated as a therapeutic day school in the State of Illinois licensed and certified to exclusively serve students with a primary diagnosis of autism. Our goal is to improve a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills through a one-on-one integrated approach.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Giant Steps Illinois?
The application deadline for Giant Steps Illinois is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 2/27/2020
Giant Steps is Godsend, full of Angels for teachers. My son has absolutely thrived here. I cannot do it, without them! This school is phenomenal!
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