At MDE School, we believe a multi-sensory special education teaching approach is the key to student learning success. Our top priority is for students to be successful and increase their self-esteem and confidence. The low student-to-teacher ratio fosters a positive learning experience throughout the day. We provide opportunities for students to develop social skills along with academics. Some strategies and materials we use include, but are not limited to:
Math
- IXL
- Math You See
- Touch Math
- And more
Writing
- Everyday Phonics
- Everyday Vocabulary – Manipulatives
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Kinetic Spelling
Reading
A-Z Reading – Edmark – IXL- Science of Reading – Starfall – Wilson Reading
In addition to regular reading instruction in the classroom, if needed, your child will receive two personalized, one-on-one sessions each week with a skilled reading specialist focused on building phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
This targeted instruction empowers your child to grow into a more confident and capable reader.
Our experienced instructors specialize in supporting neurodiverse learners and hold Level 3 Orton-Gillingham (OG) certification.
The Reading Support program uses Max Scholar, a Science of Reading-aligned curriculum grounded in the proven OG approach.
Science & Social Studies
We use grade-level science and social studies curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for our students.
Art
Art class engages children’s senses and supports the development of cognitive, social-emotional, fine motor skills, and creativity.
Physical Education
Students enjoy sports activities that are modified to fit their individual physical needs.
Field trips
We look forward to taking our students on field trips. Field trips bring things they’re learning about in the classroom to life.
Outdoor Playground
Our fenced-in multi-sensory playground provides a variety of activities for students to enjoy daily. Playground time also facilitates social interaction between the students.
Clubs
It’s important for special needs students to develop interests and hobbies that add to their life satisfaction. This is why MDE School offers activity clubs for students that meet one afternoon per month. Your child can choose a club that matches their interests: Dance, Pottery, Golf, Lego, Cheerleading, and Earthbound.
Field trips
We look forward to taking our students on field trips. Field trips bring things they’re learning about in the classroom to life.
Outdoor Playground
Our fenced-in multi-sensory playground provides a variety of activities for students to enjoy daily. Playground time also facilitates social interaction between the students.
Life and Social Skills
Life and social skills are not innate and require a lot of practice for children with special needs to learn them. Students at MDE School are taught these critical skills in a small group class with opportunities for one-on-one attention. Skills covered include daily living, safety, cooking, communication, shopping, and using money. In addition, teachers emphasize social skills like teamwork, friendship, manners, and building personal character throughout the school day.
Therapy Available On-Site
MDE School is proud to share the campus with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic, where your child can receive speech, occupational, and physical therapies during the school day.
It is often beneficial for the students to receive therapy on-site to assist with attention and focus, sensory regulation/stimulation, and goal continuity. All therapists and teachers have a team approach to addressing the needs of each student.
Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic employs a family-centered approach that combines research-based therapy techniques with innovative ideas to create an individualized program for each child. For more information please call 770-977-9457 for more information.
Payment of therapy services is in addition to school tuition.
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.
