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.

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

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.

2017-2018 School Year
Day Tuition is $47,850.
Boarding Tuition is $79,850.

Boarding Tuition includes dorm room, all meals, individualized educational plan, all required books, nursing care, speech and language therapy, tutoring, social skills training, practical life skills training, assigned Apple laptop with latest assistive software, recreational clubs, and transportation to and from activities.

About one-third of our students receive full tuition reimbursment 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 with monthly payment options are available.

Contact Admissions at (618) 457-0371, ext 1304 or email for more information

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

90 students or less with a staff of about 150. We are designed to be a small school so we can focus on each students’ needs.

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.

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.

Yes, we accept international students. Read more about it here.

Better than 1:1

Yes, we have basketball, soccer and paintball. We currently have numerous students that jog, ski, swim, dance, horseback ride, bowl, and much more. We’re proud to cater to each students individual needs.

OPTIONS Transitions to Independence is our comprehensive transitional program for post high school students with learning disabilities. Those students that 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 apartments and academic facilities for OPTIONS are located on a separate campus in Carbondale.