Individualized Education for Neurodiverse Learners

Empowering students with significant developmental and learning challenges to reach their full potential through personalized learning, on-campus therapy, and a supportive community.

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Empowering Every Student to Reach Their Full Potential

MDE School transforms the educational journey for students with developmental differences through personalized learning experiences that honor each child’s unique strengths and needs. Our programs serve neurodiverse learners from preschool through young adulthood, providing the specialized support and individualized attention that helps every student flourish.

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Our Educational Philosophy

Founded by speech pathologist Mindy Elkan, MDE School believes that every child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive. Our comprehensive approach combines evidence-based teaching methods with supportive strategies, creating a seamless learning experience that addresses the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

We understand that neurodiverse learners require specialized approaches, smaller class sizes, and consistent reinforcement across all environments. Our team of experienced educators work collaboratively to ensure each student receives the individualized support they need to succeed.

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What Makes MDE School Different

Accredited Excellence

MDE School’s K-8 program is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission Inc., ensuring our educational standards meet the highest quality benchmarks for children and teens with learning disabilities.

Comprehensive Age Range

Unlike other special education schools in the Atlanta area, MDE School uniquely serves students from preschool through young adulthood, providing educational continuity that eliminates stressful transitions between institutions.

Holistic Development Focus

Beyond academics, we nurture social and emotional wellbeing through specialized programs including PE, art, music, yoga, social and life skills training, and monthly special interest clubs like dance, golf, pottery, and Lego building.

Science of Reading Approach

Our four specially trained reading specialists utilize Max Scholar, a Science of Reading aligned curriculum grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach, providing personalized one-on-one reading support sessions twice weekly for students who need additional assistance.

On-Campus Therapy Integration

Through our partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics, students receive speech, occupational, and physical therapies during the school day without the stress of additional appointments and transitions. This coordination between therapists and teachers creates consistent reinforcement that accelerates student progress.

Small Classes, One-on-One Academics

MDE School serves preschool to grade 12 students with developmental delays through small class sizes and one-on-one academics, fostering personalized growth in a supportive, nurturing environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Common Reasons Families Choose MDE School

Parents and caregivers often turn to MDE School when their child needs:

  • INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION that traditional classroom settings cannot provide
  • SENSORY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS that accommodate processing differences
  • BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT STRATEGIES implemented by trained professionals
  • THERAPEUTIC SERVICES integrated into the school day for convenience and consistency
  • SOCIAL AND LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT in a supportive, understanding environment
  • ACADEMIC SUPPORT that meets students where they are and helps them progress
  • PREPARATION FOR ADULTHOOD through our vocational academy pathway

What to Expect at MDE School

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Preschool Program
(Ages 2-5)

  • We provide a warm, play-based learning environment designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop essential skills for lifelong success.
  • Our program is rooted in Georgia Early Learning Development Standards (GELDS) to ensure a strong educational foundation.
  • We offer small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and personalized learning.
  • Our flexible classroom spaces encourage creativity, exploration, and adaptability.
  • We emphasize collaboration, fostering teamwork, communication, and social-emotional growth among students.
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K-12 Academic Program

  • Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each student’s needs and goals.
  • Multisensory teaching approaches that engage multiple learning pathways.
  • Flexible classroom environments that accommodate sensory and behavioral needs.
  • Every student receives one-on-one academic instruction.
  • Coordination between teachers, therapists, and behavioral experts to deliver consistent suppot across all settings.
  • Small class sizes allow our experienced teachers to adapt instruction to each student’s learning style.
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Vocational Academy (Ages 15+)

  • Students can seamlessly transition to our on-campus MDE Vocational Academy when ready.
  • They build vocational and life skills to maximize independence and reach their full potential.
  • The program offers a combination of hands-on training at the academy and supervised on-the-job training opportunities in the community.
  • Students gain real-world experience and practical skills to prepare for future success.
  • Coordination between teachers, therapists, and behavioral experts to deliver consistent support across settings.
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Parent Reviews

“MDE doesn’t merely accommodate neurodiverse children; they celebrate them.”

Natalie S.

Start Your Child's Journey to Success in Marietta

Every child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive, grow, and develop the confidence to reach their full potential. At MDE School, we’re committed to providing the specialized support, individualized attention, and therapeutic integration your child needs to succeed.

Contact MDE School today to learn more about our programs and discover how we can support your child’s unique educational journey. Located at 1517 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, we’re here to serve families throughout the Atlanta metro area with the exceptional education they deserve.

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Address

1517 Johnson Ferry Rd Unit 100
Marietta, GA 30062, United States

Phone

(770) 971-4633

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Before and after school care

Before School Care
starts at 8:00 am

After School Care
until 6:00 pm Mon - Thurs
until 5:00 pm on Fridays

Before and afterschool care is available for an extra fee.

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Contact (770) 971-4633