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A School for Students Who Need More
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks School and Transition Program, your child’s success is our top priority.
We are an accredited alternative school dedicated to helping students with behavioral-emotional support needs, autism, secondary learning disabilities and other health impairments thrive in an educational environment where they feel safe, valued and encouraged — from third grade through high school and into young adulthood. Our 2024-2025 School Calendar and Transition Program Calendar are available.
Alternative Schooling for Exceptional Students
Discover how we provide the kind of education exceptional students need to flourish. Learn more about our admissions process, programs and locations in the Glendale Heights and North Aurora communities.
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About Our School
The UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks School and Transition Program was founded in 1995 to serve the needs of at-risk kids and teens in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
From a small handful of students and staff, we have grown into a program that serves the needs of more than 220 children and adolescents (grades 3 through 12) and young adults (ages 18 to 22). Our state-accredited programs and dedicated staff have provided almost decades of continuous, innovative service to our local communities.
From Third Grade to Young Adulthood, We Help Students Thrive
Lower Grade Center (Grades 3 Through 8)
Our Lower Grade Center serves students in third through eighth grade. Each class is staffed with a certified special education teacher and a behavioral health counselor.
High School Program (Grades 9 Through 12)
Our high school offers academics for students in grades 9 through 12, from remedial to college prep. We also monitor and gauge each student's progress with regular assessments.
Transition Program
Through volunteering, internships, tutoring and counseling, our Transition Program helps students ages 17 to 21 gain the skills to help them live and work independently.
Our Admissions Process
Please note that students must be classified with a social-emotional disability, autism spectrum disorder or other health impairment to be eligible for our program.
Parents typically begin the process by discussing multiple program options with their local school district's treatment team and determining which would be most suitable for their child.
If you choose to move forward with our school, this is our process:
- Your current school district sends your student's information, such as their individual education plan (IEP) to our school’s referrals email inbox at GOS.Referrals@AdventHealth.com
- Our office staff will notify the school district that the packet has been received and will then review your student's information to determine which campus would be the best fit
- Our clinical psychologist reviews your student's information along with an administrator
- If your student is determined to be a potential fit for the program, they and their family are invited to visit and tour the school
- During this visit, school staff will interview the student and their parents
- Administration will notify you within 24 to 48 hours if your child has been accepted
Students typically begin classes within one week of acceptance. The timeline for this process can vary from three days to one month.
Take a Virtual Tour of Our Campuses
Our UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks School and Transition Program is accredited by the Illinois State Board. Take a virtual tour to learn more about our Pheasant Ridge and West campuses. Our small class sizes, therapy offerings and special education staff work together to help students with individual education plans (IEPs) learn and thrive.
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Pheasant Ridge Campus
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West Campus
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Learning That Goes Beyond Books
Part of what makes our school unique is our commitment to teaching students about effective emotional regulation and healthy behaviors. Because everyone deals with behavioral health issues differently, we offer a variety of therapy options to help students manage their emotions in a safe environment.
Individual and group therapy sessions are offered where students can communicate their true feelings through art, self-expression, music therapy, physical activity or even connecting with animals.
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Creating a Safe Place To Learn
It’s difficult to pay attention in class or do well on your work when you’re worried about what your classmates may be saying or doing behind your back.
We’re committed to bully-free environments, which extend to our students’ behaviors online. We intend to provide all our students with an equitable opportunity to learn.
Download our Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Policy and Procedures to learn more.