MDE School serves students with diverse learning differences and developmental conditions, providing individualized education and therapeutic support that helps every child reach their full potential. Our comprehensive programming addresses the unique needs of neurodiverse learners while fostering academic, social, and emotional growth in a nurturing environment.
Since our founding in 2009, we have developed expertise in supporting students across a wide spectrum of developmental and learning differences. Our team of experienced educators and therapeutic professionals work collaboratively to create individualized programs that celebrate each student’s strengths while addressing their specific challenges.
Developmental Delays & Learning Disabilities Programs
Our award-winning programs are specifically designed to meet the complex needs of students with various developmental and learning differences. Through evidence-based teaching methods, small class sizes, and integrated therapeutic services, we create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Each student receives an individualized education plan tailored to their unique profile, learning style, and developmental goals. Our approach combines academic instruction with life skills training, social development, and therapeutic support to prepare students for success throughout their educational journey and beyond.
Learning Differences We Support
MDE School proudly serves students with a variety of conditions and learning differences, including:
Individualized Approach to Learning
Our educational philosophy recognizes that every student learns differently and requires individualized support to reach their potential. We utilize evidence-based teaching methods, including the Science of Reading approach through our Max Scholar curriculum, to ensure students develop strong foundational skills across all academic areas.
Our four specially trained reading specialists provide intensive, one-on-one support for students who need additional literacy assistance. This personalized approach helps students build confidence while developing the reading skills essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
Integrated Therapeutic Support
Through our unique partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic, located directly on our campus, students receive seamless integration of educational and therapeutic services. This coordination between teachers and therapists ensures consistent approaches and accelerated progress across all areas of development.
Students can access speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy during school hours, eliminating the stress of additional appointments for families while providing coordinated care that reinforces educational goals.
Comprehensive Programming from Preschool Through Young Adulthood
As the only area institution serving neurodiverse students from preschool through young adulthood, MDE School provides educational continuity that eliminates stressful transitions between schools. Our comprehensive programming includes:
Inclusive Preschool Program (Ages 2-5)
Building foundational skills through play-based learning alongside neurotypical peers in a supportive environment.
K-12 Academic Programming
Individualized instruction in small class settings with flexible approaches that adapt to each student’s learning style and needs.
Vocational Academy (Ages 16+)
Practical life skills training and employment preparation that builds independence and confidence for successful adult living.
Whole-Child Development Focus
Beyond academics, we emphasize the development of social skills, emotional regulation, and independence through diverse programming including physical education, creative arts, music, yoga, and rotating monthly clubs. These experiences help students build confidence, develop friendships, and discover their interests and talents.
Our commitment to holistic development ensures that students not only achieve academic milestones but also develop the social and life skills necessary for meaningful community participation and personal fulfillment.
Family-Centered Collaboration
We believe that families are essential partners in their child’s educational journey. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to ensure consistency between home and school environments, providing regular communication about progress and involving families in goal-setting and educational planning.
Our collaborative approach extends to working with outside professionals, including private therapists, medical providers, and community resources, to create a comprehensive support network that maximizes each student’s potential for success.
Why Families Choose MDE School
Families throughout the Atlanta metro area choose MDE School because we provide what traditional educational settings often cannot: truly individualized attention, coordinated therapeutic support, and a caring community where every child’s differences are understood and celebrated.
Our Georgia Accrediting Commission accreditation, combined with our recognition as “Best Special Needs/Learning Differences School” by My East Cobb in both 2002 and 2023, reflects our commitment to educational excellence and our proven track record of helping students achieve remarkable growth and success.
Located in Marietta and serving families throughout the greater Atlanta area, MDE School offers convenient access to exceptional educational programming designed specifically for students with learning differences and developmental conditions. Contact us today to learn how our individualized approach can support your child’s unique learning journey.
MDE school is staffed with the most professional, hardworking teachers and support staff I have ever seen. Each child is treated as an individual. Everyone works hard to ensure that every child’s educational goals are met and that life skills are imparted to better prepare them for life beyond school. Mindy Elkan has cultivated an amazing, all inclusive atmosphere for her students.
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.
