Special Needs School in Marietta, GA: Individualized Education for Neurodiverse Learners

At MDE School, a leading special needs school in Marietta, GA, your child is empowered to reach their full potential through personalized learning, on-campus therapy, and a nurturing community that celebrates neurodiversity.

SUPPORT FOR EVERY STEP

Wherever You Are in the Journey, We're Here to Help

Every family’s path is different. Find the support that fits where you and your child are today.

Not Sure Where to Start?

A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You don’t need all the answers right now — you just need a place that understands your child and can guide the way forward.

Learn How We Can Help

Tired of Piecing It All Together?

You’ve been your child’s biggest advocate — juggling therapists, switching schools, fighting for the right fit. It’s time for one place that brings it all under one roof.

See the Full Journey

Empowering Every Neurodiverse & Special Needs Student in Marietta to Reach Their Full Potential

MDE School in Marietta, GA, transforms the educational journey for neurodiverse students through individualized programs tailored to each child’s strengths and needs as a special needs school. Our programs serve neurodiverse learners from preschool through young adulthood, providing the specialized support and individualized attention that helps every student flourish.

Our Story

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.

Staff & Teachers

Students and staff working together at a classroom table

Celebrating Neurodiversity at MDE School

At MDE School, we recognize and honor neurodiversity—the natural differences in how children think, learn, and experience the world. Our Marietta campus is dedicated to providing a supportive, inclusive environment where every neurodiverse learner is valued, understood, and empowered. We work closely with families to celebrate each child’s unique abilities, using strength-based approaches to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether your child is on the autism spectrum, has Down syndrome, or navigates other developmental differences, you’ll find a community here that embraces individuality and fosters growth.

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.