North Center has been providing quality services to the developmentally disabled of Chicago, since 1968.
November of 1968 is when North Center's founder Mrs. Bess Jacobson's son, along with five other students were dismissed from the program they were attending because they reached the age of fifteen.
North Center was born because there were no other options for these six individuals.
North Center's commitment has always been to assist the person who is disabled in developing their full potential regardless of the type or degree of disability.
Because of this commitment we have traditionally tended to serve individuals who are severely and multiply disabled.
Meeting the needs of this population requires a great deal of flexibility and creativity in program design.
We feel that this has enabled North Center to meet the needs of many clients who would not be able to receive adequate services with other community based agencies.
North Center remains a relatively small agency which we believe benefits our clients because it enables us to respond more flexibly and creatively to their needs.
Yet, we have adopted the aggressive growth oriented attitude of many larger organizations.
We are always looking to increase our range of services, so as to further help our consumers.
Mission Assist citizens with severe/profound disabilities to live to their full potential.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 11
- Enrollment: 1 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11
Student Body
Total Students
1 student
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- North Center has been providing quality services to the developmentally disabled of Chicago, since 1968. November of 1968 is when North Center's founder Mrs. Bess Jacobson's son, along with five other students were dismissed from the program they were attending because they reached the age of fifteen. North Center was born because there were no other options for these six individuals. North Center's commitment has always been to assist the person who is disabled in developing their full potential regardless of the type or degree of disability. Because of this commitment we have traditionally tended to serve individuals who are severely and multiply disabled. Meeting the needs of this population requires a great deal of flexibility and creativity in program design. We feel that this has enabled North Center to meet the needs of many clients who would not be able to receive adequate services with other community based agencies. North Center remains a relatively small agency which we believe benefits our clients because it enables us to respond more flexibly and creatively to their needs. Yet, we have adopted the aggressive growth oriented attitude of many larger organizations. We are always looking to increase our range of services, so as to further help our consumers. Mission Assist citizens with severe/profound disabilities to live to their full potential.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for North Center For Handicapped Children?
The application deadline for North Center For Handicapped Children is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is North Center For Handicapped Children located?
North Center For Handicapped Children is located in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 6 other private schools located in Portage Park.
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