Joining Black Bear Academy
We admit students on a rolling, year-round basis, so you do not have to wait for a September start. If you want to move quickly, the path from first call to enrollment can take about two weeks. Timing and any costs for each step vary by family, and we walk you through them on your info call.
Five steps to enrollment
A clear, low-pressure path. We move at the pace that is right for your family.
Info call
A short call to hear about your child and answer your first questions. No private health details required to start.
Tour
You walk the building, see classrooms in action, and meet members of the team.
Mini-evaluation
A brief, friendly assessment so we can understand your child's needs and confirm we are a good fit.
Shadow day
Your child spends time in a classroom so everyone, including your child, can feel the fit firsthand.
Enrollment
We finalize placement and a plan, and your child joins the Black Bear Academy community.
What to expect when you visit
A tour is relaxed and honest, and runs about 45 minutes. You will see real classrooms, not a staged showroom, and you will meet teachers and therapists who can speak to how the integrated model works day to day. Bring your questions. There is no pressure: we would rather you leave with a clear sense of fit than a sales pitch.
- See classrooms and the sensory gym in use.
- Meet teachers and licensed therapists.
- Hear how therapy is embedded in the day.
- Ask about ratios, schedules, and fit.
How tuition and insurance work
We talk through tuition directly with each family rather than publishing a single number. Day school tuition is separate from insurance. When a family's insurance covers it, therapy during the school day is billed to the plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and UnitedHealthcare through Northwestern. Cigna PPO for testing only, through the Center for Comprehensive Neurobehavioral Care (CCNC).
May apply. We provide a master bill you can submit to insurance, a flexible spending account (FSA), or a health savings account (HSA), and some costs may count as medical expenses on your taxes.
We help you confirm coverage before anything begins. Coverage varies by plan.
Coverage varies by plan. We confirm yours at intake.
Where to go from here
Learn more about the program and the people before your tour.
Admissions questions families ask
When can my child start?
Admissions are rolling and year-round, so you do not have to wait for a September start. If you want to move quickly, the path from first call to enrollment can take about two weeks.
What are the steps?
An info call, a tour, a mini-evaluation, a shadow day, and then enrollment. Timing and any costs for each step vary by family, and we walk you through them on your info call.
How long is a tour?
About 45 minutes. You see classrooms in use and meet teachers and therapists.
What ages does the school serve?
Children from 18 months through 1st grade. Classes are generally five to seven children, with ratios as low as 2:1 or 3:1.
How much is tuition?
Tuition is discussed directly with each family. Day school tuition is separate from insurance, and therapy during the school day is billed to insurance when your plan covers it. We do not offer financial aid.
Where do we go for the tour?
1801 W Byron St, Chicago. The entrance is on Byron Street, with permit-free street parking nearby. The school is close to the Brown Line and several bus stops.
Ready to start the conversation?
Request a tour or book a short info call. A team member will follow up soon.