Buckhead families seeking the highest quality special needs education have discovered MDE School in nearby Marietta, where exceptional programming meets individualized care. Our award-winning institution has been transforming the lives of neurodiverse learners from preschool through young adulthood since 2009, earning recognition as the premier educational choice for families throughout North Atlanta.

Programs Designed for Success
The Georgia Accrediting Commission Inc. has accredited our K-8 program, ensuring Buckhead families receive educational services that meet the most stringent quality standards. This accreditation represents our commitment to academic excellence while providing the specialized support that neurodiverse students require to thrive.
Our comprehensive programming serves students with diverse learning profiles, including those 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’s educational experience is thoughtfully designed around their individual strengths and needs.
Unique Educational Advantages for Neurodiverse Students

Complete Educational Journey
As the only area institution serving neurodiverse students from preschool through young adulthood, MDE School provides Buckhead families with unparalleled educational continuity. This comprehensive approach eliminates the stress of finding new schools as children grow and develop.

Advanced Reading Methodology
Our team of four specially trained reading specialists implements Max Scholar, a cutting-edge Science of Reading curriculum grounded in the proven Orton-Gillingham methodology. Students who need enhanced literacy support receive two individualized sessions weekly, building strong foundational reading skills.

Therapeutic Service Integration
Our unique on-campus partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics provides Buckhead families with unprecedented convenience and coordination. Students receive speech, occupational, and physical therapies during school hours, with direct collaboration between therapists and teachers.

Enrichment and Development Focus
Beyond traditional academics, our programming includes physical education, creative arts, music, mindfulness yoga, and rotating monthly clubs featuring golf, dance, pottery, and Lego building activities that support well-rounded development.
Comprehensive Educational Pathways Near Buckhead
Preschool Program (Ages 2 – 5)
Our preschool fosters an inclusive, nurturing environment where neurodiverse children thrive. Our multisensory, research-based curriculum supports authentic social connections and builds essential academic foundations, preparing each child for lifelong learning and success.
Individualized K-12 Programming
Small class sizes and adaptable learning environments enable our experienced educators to tailor instruction to each student’s learning style. Comprehensive Individual Education Plans (IEPs) ensure personalized goal-setting with ongoing family partnership and regular progress assessment.
Vocational Academy (Ages 15+)
Our campus-based vocational academy offers seamless transition opportunities for older students, emphasizing practical life skills, career preparation, and community engagement that builds confidence and self reliance.

Transforming Lives Through Specialized Education for Buckhead Families
Parents from Buckhead consistently select MDE School because we provide what conventional educational settings typically cannot offer: authentic individualized attention, coordinated therapeutic support, and a caring community where each child’s unique qualities are recognized and valued.
Our convenient Marietta location offers easy access for Buckhead families while providing the distinct advantage of integrated therapeutic services, eliminating the typical challenge of coordinating multiple appointments throughout the metro area.
Effective Support Strategies We Implement
Buckhead families frequently seek our expertise when their child needs:
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Programs
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Our Marietta campus provides excellent accessibility from Buckhead, typically requiring 15-25 minutes travel time depending on traffic conditions and specific location.
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Many Buckhead 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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Yes, we actively collaborate with existing therapeutic providers to maintain consistency and maximize your child’s progress across all settings and environments.
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Having Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics directly on campus means therapy occurs during school hours with seamless coordination between all professionals serving your child.
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Our experienced team provides comprehensive support through every aspect of the special education process, from IEP development to connecting with community resources.
Demonstrated Student Success
Our personalized educational approach consistently produces meaningful outcomes that transform student lives. Children who previously struggled often rediscover their love of learning, develop stronger self-advocacy abilities, and achieve significant progress in academic, social, and personal development areas.
The remarkable growth we observe daily — from enhanced communication skills to increased independence in daily tasks — demonstrates our commitment to helping every student achieve their maximum potential.

We chose MDE School because we wanted to find a school where our son could make friends, get one-on-one attention academically for math and reading, and continue to grow as a student and young man. We love the vocational academy program he attends at MDE School. As a result, he is becoming more independent. He is starting to make his bed at home and is learning life skills, including cooking.

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 Family Visit
Discover why discerning Buckhead families trust MDE School with their children’s specialized educational needs. Our campus tour will demonstrate how our innovative programming, therapeutic coordination, and individualized attention create an environment where every student can achieve remarkable success.
Located at 1517 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, MDE School offers accessible, exceptional special needs education for Buckhead families seeking the very best for their children. Contact us today to arrange your personalized campus visit and learn how our comprehensive approach can support your child’s unique educational journey while establishing the foundation for lifelong achievement.
