Dunwoody families seeking exceptional special needs education have found their answer at MDE School in nearby Marietta, where comprehensive programming and individualized attention create extraordinary learning experiences. Our distinguished institution has been nurturing neurodiverse learners since 2009, earning recognition as the leading educational choice for families throughout the North Atlanta corridor.
Academic Excellence Rooted in Specialized Expertise
Our K-8 program holds accreditation from the Georgia Accrediting Commission Inc., ensuring Dunwoody families receive educational services that meet the most rigorous quality benchmarks. This accreditation demonstrates our dedication to academic excellence while providing the specialized support that enables neurodiverse students to flourish.
We serve students across the full spectrum of learning differences, including 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 journey is carefully designed to honor their individual strengths and address their specific learning requirements.
Distinctive Program Features
Unmatched Educational Continuity
MDE School stands as the only area institution providing comprehensive programming from preschool through young adulthood. This unique approach eliminates educational disruption and provides Dunwoody families with consistent, high-quality support throughout their child’s entire developmental progression.
Research-Based Literacy Excellence
Our team of four specially trained reading specialists implements Max Scholar, an advanced Science of Reading curriculum grounded in the extensively researched Orton-Gillingham methodology. Students requiring additional literacy support receive two personalized one-on-one sessions each week, ensuring robust reading skill development.
On-Campus Therapeutic Coordination
Our exclusive partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics, located directly on our campus, provides unparalleled convenience for Dunwoody families. Students receive speech, occupational, and physical therapies during school hours, with seamless communication between therapeutic and educational teams.
Comprehensive Enrichment Programming
Beyond core academics, we prioritize whole-child development through diverse opportunities including physical education, visual arts, music therapy, yoga mindfulness, and rotating monthly clubs featuring activities like dance, golf and pottery.
Educational Program Structure for Learning Differences
Preschool Experience (Ages 2-5)
Our preschool program supports neurodiverse children in learning together, fostering authentic social development while building essential academic readiness through a play-based learning approach grounded in the Georgia Early Learning Development Standards (GELDS).
Customized K-12 Education
Small class environments and flexible instructional approaches enable our experienced educators to personalize learning for each student’s unique profile. Comprehensive Individual Education Plans (IEPs) guide targeted goal development with ongoing family collaboration and systematic progress monitoring.
Vocational Academy Pathway (Ages 15+)
Our campus-based vocational academy provides smooth transition opportunities for older students, emphasizing practical life skills, employment preparation, and community integration that builds independence and self-confidence for successful adult engagement.
Creating Success Stories for Dunwoody Students
Dunwoody families choose MDE School because we deliver what traditional educational environments typically cannot provide: genuine individualized attention, coordinated therapeutic support, and a nurturing community where every child’s differences are understood and celebrated as valuable contributions.
The strategic location of our Marietta campus offers convenient access for Dunwoody families while providing the unique advantage of integrated therapeutic services, eliminating the common stress of managing multiple appointments across various locations throughout the metro area.
Comprehensive Support Services We Provide
Dunwoody families often seek our specialized expertise when their child requires:
Frequently Asked Questions About MDE School Near Dunwoody
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Our Marietta campus provides excellent accessibility from Dunwoody, typically requiring 20-30 minutes travel time depending on traffic conditions and your specific location within the Dunwoody area.
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We do not provide transportation services. Many families coordinate carpools or rely on nannies or babysitters to help with school transport duties.
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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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Absolutely. We actively partner with families’ current therapeutic providers to ensure consistent approaches and maximize your child’s progress across all environments and treatment settings.
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Having Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics located directly on our campus means therapy occurs during school hours with direct coordination between all professionals working with your child.
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Our experienced team provides comprehensive guidance through every aspect of the special education process, from understanding IEPs to connecting with valuable community resources and support networks.
Transformative Educational Outcomes
Our individualized educational approach consistently produces meaningful results that positively impact both student development and family well-being. Children who previously experienced challenges often demonstrate renewed confidence in learning, develop stronger self-advocacy skills, and achieve significant milestones in academic, social, and behavioral growth.
The inspiring progress we witness daily, from improved reading comprehension to increased independence in self-management, reflects our commitment to helping every student reach their highest potential while developing essential skills for lifelong success and fulfillment.
Being able to have our son in a school where he can get what he needs and having all of his therapies in one place has been a game-changer for our family! No longer are we having to spend hours in the car driving around to several different clinics just to get him the therapies he deserves. After what has felt like a hard road so far in our son’s journey, we feel like finding MDE has been a bright light. We are so thankful to have found MDE.
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.
Discover MDE School’s Impact for Your Dunwoody Family
Experience firsthand why Dunwoody area families choose MDE School for their children’s specialized educational needs. Our comprehensive campus tour will showcase how our innovative programming, therapeutic coordination, and individualized attention create an environment where every student can achieve remarkable growth and success.
Located at 1517 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, MDE School provides accessible, exceptional special needs education for Dunwoody families seeking the highest quality educational opportunities for their children. Contact us today to schedule your personalized campus visit and discover how our comprehensive approach can support your child’s unique learning journey while building the foundation for lifelong achievement and independence.
