The Orthogenic School is a coeducational therapeutic day program for children and adolescents in need of support for behavioral or emotional issues.
It provides young people, ages five to 20, with a therapeutic and educational environment that recognizes their strengths and needs, while challenging them to grow by achieving important developmental and behavioral outcomes. Our mission is to provide the highest quality individual care, treatment, and education to troubled children and youth, and their families while serving as an internationally recognized model for research, training, and professional practice.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 4-12
- Enrollment: 111 students
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1915
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
111 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Kristin Friesen, LCSW
Admissions Associate
Brian Graves
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
20 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Board Games Group, Career Day, Corporate Leadership Day, Dance Group, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Infectious Tees, Job Readiness Training, Louder than a Bomb Poetry Slam (Young Chicago Authors/O-School English Department), Orthogenique (literary magazine), Poetry Club, Shakespeare Slam (Chicago Shakespeare Theater/O-School English Department), Sports Group, Student Work Program, Yellow Door Chronicles (student newspaper), Yoga Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, choir, Dance, music, Shakespeare
Board Games Group, Career Day, Corporate Leadership Day, Dance Group, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Infectious Tees, Job Readiness Training, Louder than a Bomb Poetry Slam (Young Chicago Authors/O-School English Department), Orthogenique (literary magazine), Poetry Club, Shakespeare Slam (Chicago Shakespeare Theater/O-School English Department), Sports Group, Student Work Program, Yellow Door Chronicles (student newspaper), Yoga Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, choir, Dance, music, Shakespeare
School Notes
- School Motto: Providing a safe haven and a path to hope
- The Orthogenic School is a therapeutic day school program for children and adolescents in need of support for behavioral or emotional issues.
- It provides young people, ages 5 to 20, with a therapeutic and educational environment that recognizes their strengths and needs, while challenging them to grow by achieving important developmental and behavioral outcomes. Our mission is to provide the highest quality individual care, treatment, and education to troubled children and youth, and their families while serving as an internationally recognized model for research, training, and professional practice.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Bruno Bettelheim, Author and Psychologist (1940-1970) -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous alumni from Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School?
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School famous alumni include: Bruno Bettelheim, Author and Psychologist (1940-1970).
What is Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School's ranking?
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School?
The application deadline for Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School located?
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School is located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 3 other private schools located in Woodlawn.
School Reviews
5 12/13/2022
Our child attended the O-School for 3 years suffering from PTSD. Because of the wonderful work and time they spent with her, she is now doing much better and can live on campus at college. We are grateful.
Endorse Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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