Families in Alpharetta seeking exceptional education for their children have found their answer at MDE School in nearby Marietta. Our award-winning, accredited programs provide the specialized support and individualized attention that helps neurodiverse learners from preschool through young adulthood reach their full potential.
Exceptional Special Education Programs
MDE School’s K-8 program is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission Inc., ensuring our educational standards meet the highest quality benchmarks. Under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Mindy Elkan, a speech pathologist with extensive experience in neurodiverse education, we have developed innovative approaches that produce remarkable results for students with developmental differences.
Our comprehensive programs from preschool to young adulthood serve students with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, global developmental delays, communication and speech disorders, sensory processing challenges, learning disabilities, and auditory processing disorders. Each student receives individualized support through small class sizes and evidence-based teaching methods.
What Makes MDE School Different for Alpharetta Families
Unique Age Range Coverage
Unlike other special education institutions, MDE School is the only area school serving neurodiverse students from preschool through young adulthood. This comprehensive approach eliminates stressful transitions between schools and provides educational continuity throughout your child’s development.
Science of Reading Excellence
Our four specially trained reading specialists utilize Max Scholar, a Science of Reading aligned curriculum grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Students who need additional reading support receive personalized one-on-one sessions twice weekly, helping them develop strong foundational literacy skills.
Integrated Therapeutic Services
Through our unique partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics located on our campus, students can receive speech, occupational, and physical therapies during the school day. This integration eliminates the stress of additional appointments while ensuring coordinated care between therapists and teachers.
Holistic Development Focus
Beyond academics, we nurture social and emotional wellbeing through comprehensive programming including PE, art, music, yoga, and monthly special interest clubs like dance, golf, pottery, and Lego building. These experiences help students develop confidence, social skills, and independence.
Comprehensive Educational Pathways
Preschool Program (Ages 2 – 5)
Our preschool welcomes both neurodiverse and neurotypical children, creating natural opportunities for social interaction while building foundational academic skills through play-based, multisensory learning approaches.
K-12 Specialized Education
Small class sizes and 1:1 academics allow our experienced teachers to customize instruction for each student’s unique learning style. Every student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their specific needs and goals, with regular progress monitoring and family collaboration.
MDE Vocational Academy (Ages 15+)
When students are ready, they can seamlessly transition to our on-campus vocational academy, focusing on life skills, job training, and independent living preparation that helps young adults develop the confidence and capabilities needed for meaningful community participation.
Why Alpharetta Families Choose MDE School
Parents from Alpharetta consistently choose MDE School because we provide what traditional educational settings often cannot: truly individualized attention, specialized therapeutic support, and a nurturing environment where their children feel understood and valued. Our collaborative approach includes working closely with outside professionals to ensure consistent support across all environments.
The convenience of having therapeutic services on campus is particularly valuable for busy Alpharetta families, eliminating the need for multiple appointments throughout the week while ensuring coordinated care that accelerates student progress.
Many families from Alpharetta come to MDE School when their child needs:
Frequently Asked Questions About MDE School
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Our Marietta campus is conveniently located approximately 15-20 minutes from Alpharetta, making us easily accessible for daily commutes.
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We provide comprehensive programming from preschool (age 2) through young adulthood, including our specialized vocational academy for students 15 and older.
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MDE School does not provide transportation services. Many Alpharetta families organize carpools or rely on nannies and babysitters to assist with getting children to and from school.
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We maintain a small student-to-teacher ratio to provide individualized support, meaningful engagement, and the attention each student needs to succeed.
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Through our on-campus partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics, students can receive speech, occupational, feeding, vision and physical therapy during school hours.
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Our experienced team provides guidance and support to help families navigate the special education process, from understanding IEPs to connecting with community resources.
Success Stories from Our Community
Families consistently share how their children have flourished at MDE School, gaining confidence, developing new skills, and preparing for successful futures. Our individualized approach has helped countless students progress in reading, develop stronger communication skills, master new self-care abilities, and build meaningful friendships.
The joy our students express about coming to school each day reflects the positive, nurturing environment we’ve created — one where differences are celebrated and every achievement is recognized.
MDE is not just another school but a refuge for families like mine. MDE prioritizes its students and families above all else. It stands as a beacon in this community, one that I am proud to be part of and support.
Who We Are
MDE School is the only special education school in the Atlanta metro area supporting neurodiverse students from preschool through early adulthood. As a nonprofit private school, we provide personalized education for students with developmental delays who may not thrive in traditional settings.
Our tailored academics, enrichment programs, and life skills training empower each student to reach their full potential in a supportive, nurturing environment. When ready, students can transition seamlessly to MDE Vocational Academy on our campus, serving young adults ages 15+ with a focus on vocational, life, and social skills.
Our experienced team specializes in working with students with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, communication disorders, and other learning differences supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth at their own pace.
Schedule Your Visit from Alpharetta
Discover why families throughout North Atlanta, including Alpharetta, trust MDE School with their children’s educational journey. Our campus welcomes visitors who want to see firsthand how our specialized approach creates an environment where every student can thrive.
Located at 1517 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, MDE School provides convenient access for Alpharetta families seeking exceptional special needs education. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how we can support your child’s unique learning needs while building the confidence and skills they need for lifelong success.
