Brehm Preparatory School is one of America's pioneering private boarding and day schools built entirely around students with learning disabilities and neurodiverse learners. For over 40 years we haven't just accommodated learning differences — we've specialized in transforming them. Grades 6–12, Carbondale, Illinois. Trusted by families across the U.S. and internationally.
Small class sizes mean limited enrollment spots — don't wait to start the conversation. Call or email today.
When Brehm Preparatory School opened its doors in 1982, specialized boarding education for students with learning disabilities barely existed. We were among the first — built from the ground up by people who believed neurodiverse students deserved more than accommodation. More than 40 years later, that foundational belief hasn't changed. The approach has only gotten sharper.
With an average faculty tenure of 18 years, this isn't a revolving door of substitutes and overloaded teachers. The people here chose to be here. They know your child's name, their strengths, their quirks — and they show up every single day ready to prove what's possible. Families trust us from across the United States and around the world for one reason: we get results.
"This school has been life-changing for my son. He went from no prospects or hope to being excited for his future. I am so grateful for Brehm."
— Brehm Student ParentThe Arrowsmith Program uses neuroplasticity research to literally strengthen the cognitive functions that make learning hard. Nobody else in America offers this in a boarding environment.
Average class size of 8. Core content classes of 5. Your child will never be just a number — they will be known, championed, and challenged appropriately every day.
Our residential program uses a cognitive apprenticeship model to teach life skills around the clock — self-advocacy, time management, independence. School and life, woven together.
Communication is core to everything. Our Speech-Language program is woven throughout daily school life — not an afterthought bolt-on.
Every program at Brehm is designed around the whole student — academically, socially, emotionally, and practically.
Individualized, certified instruction in grades 6–12. We meet each student exactly where they are and build from there — no shame, no ceiling.
Grades 6–12Targeted neuroplasticity exercises that strengthen the cognitive building blocks of learning. Only available at a U.S. boarding school here at Brehm.
Exclusive to BrehmIntegrated language support woven throughout the school day — improving processing, communication, and social language for real-world success.
Integrated DailyNavigating neurodiversity takes emotional intelligence. SEL is embedded in every classroom, every dorm interaction, every teachable moment.
School-Wide50 acres bordering Shawnee National Forest. A structured, nurturing residential community where students build independence, friendships, and confidence.
ResidentialAn intensive summer option to accelerate growth, explore the campus, and experience the Brehm community before committing to full enrollment.
Summer Enrollment OpenWe serve students with a wide range of learning disabilities and differences — as a primary or secondary diagnosis. If your child has struggled in traditional school settings, this is where the story changes.
What students gain at Brehm:
Brehm is truly like a family. My son is living his best life while going to school. If your child has struggled in school, Brehm is a place for them to succeed.
This school has been life-changing for my son. He went from no prospects or hope to being excited for his future. I am so grateful for Brehm.
The environment is so welcoming, you don't feel like you are away from home. Brehm feels like it's your second home.
Connecting with the right school can feel overwhelming — especially when your child has been let down before. We get it. That's exactly why we make the first step easy. No pressure. Just a conversation to see if Brehm is the right fit.
As a boarding school, Brehm welcomes neurodiverse students and families from across the United States and around the world. Many families travel from surrounding states — and some cross oceans — because when you find the right school for your child with learning disabilities, geography becomes irrelevant.
Home state — serving families from Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford and throughout Illinois.
Just across the border — families from St. Louis, Kansas City, and throughout Missouri regularly choose Brehm.
Families from Louisville, Lexington, and across Kentucky find Brehm worth every mile.
Indiana families from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and beyond regularly enroll their neurodiverse students at Brehm.
From Nashville, Memphis, and throughout Tennessee — Brehm is worth the drive for the right education.
Brehm proudly enrolls international students from around the world. When your child needs specialized neurodiverse education, we are here — regardless of where home is.
Everything you need to know about whether Brehm is the right fit for your child with learning disabilities or learning differences.