Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolling your child at Brehm Preparatory School is a big decision. We’ve provided some answers to questions our families frequently ask but encourage you to contact our Admissions Office to learn more and to start your child’s journey to success.

What are “Learning Disabilities”?

Brehm uses the term learning disabilities in recognition that students experience difficulties in multiple areas of functioning. Brehm’s holistic program focuses on the combined academic, social and emotional effects of having a learning disability.

Our students often have multiple diagnoses affecting their performance with the core issue of having a language-based etiology.

We recognize the combined effects of learning disabilities (LD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), language-based processing issues, executive function issues, and the social and psychological implications of not being successful in an academic environment.

Brehm offers direct interventions for students with:

Specific learning disability: defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD)

Communication disorders

Auditory Processing Disorders

Processing and memory deficits

Tourette Syndrome

Anxiety

Brehm also provides interventions requiring behavioral and emotional support as it relates to academic issues.

What makes Brehm Preparatory School unique?

Brehm is a small not-for-profit boarding school. Since 1982, in partnership with families just like yours, Brehm has been successfully teaching students with language-based and learning disabilities to “learn how to learn.” Our “family style” 24/7 school is uniquely designed to foster independence and responsibility. Where other schools have failed students, Brehm delivers success. Brehm students go on to college, find fulfilling careers, and become successful entrepreneurs.

Is Brehm accredited?

Yes. Brehm is accredited by The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Brehm’s curricula have been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

What is the typical profile of your students?

Brehm students generally possess average to superior cognitive abilities as measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WISC or WAIS). Attributes of the Brehm student profile include well-developed reasoning and comprehension skills with relative weaknesses in processing speed and working memory.

What kind of financial assistance is available?

About one-third of our students receive full tuition reimbursement via their school districts (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA.) In some cases, however, a settlement is negotiated where the school district pays tuition and the parents pay for room and board. About two-thirds of our parents pay full tuition for their child. Low-rate educational loan programs are available.

Contact Admissions at (618) 457-0371 for more information

At what age can students begin to attend Brehm?

Our youngest students are 11 years old. Brehm teaches students with learning disabilities from grades 6 through 12.

Do you accept day students?

Yes, we do. Some day students are local and almost every year a handful of families choose to move to Southern Illinois so they can enjoy the benefits of day school. While the majority of our students are boarding students, our total day student population averages 4 to 6 students most school years.

Do you accept students mid-year?

Yes. Brehm has a rolling admissions policy and admits students throughout the year based on availability. Once all required records are received, a review takes only one to two weeks to complete.

Do you accept international students?

Since 1982, Brehm has welcomed students with learning disabilities from diverse areas of the world. The school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Please contact our Admissions Office for more details.

What is the ratio of students to staff?

Our general staff ratio is 5:1.

Do you have sports?

Yes, we have basketball, soccer, and a running club. We currently have numerous students who jog, ski, swim, dance, horseback ride, bowl, and much more. We’re proud to cater to each student’s individual needs.

What is the OPTIONS program?

OPTIONS Transitions to Independence is our comprehensive transitional program for post high school students with learning disabilities. Those students who have graduated from high school, earned their GED, or who have chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in a transitional program benefit from the OPTIONS program. The academic facilities for OPTIONS are located on campus, while the OPTIONS apartments are located off-campus in Carbondale.