The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School

The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School The official page of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, also known as the O-School to our friends and families.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (the O-School) is a therapeutic day program for children and adolescents in need of support for profound emotional issues or who are on the autism scale. The O-School provides highly refined and individualized care provided by a talented and devoted team of professionals. The O-School uses a milieu treatment therapeutic approach, meaning the support of its students is designed to be all-encompassing. All activities and events are seen as therapeutic opportunities, and every aspect of a student's day is given considerable thought, care, and attention. Members of a treatment team—including teachers, therapists, counselors, and program managers—work cohesively to create a consistent and meaningful experience throughout each day. The O-School is also characterized by the heavy emphasis it places on the therapeutic relationships that develop between a student and his or her treatment team. Milieu staff members are actively involved with the students throughout the day, not simply monitoring or supervising them, but developing bonds and relationships that create a structure in which each child or adolescent can receive emotional support, develop new skills, and sustain healthy relationships. Finally, the O-School distinguishes itself by providing a strong academic program that aligns with state and local standards within a therapeutic setting. This academic program is enhanced by a number of co-curricular activities—such as dances, student council, and teams—providing a more traditional school experience and facilitating each child’s transition back to their home school or to college. In order to ensure the highest standards, the School is accredited by a variety of state and independent organizations, including the Council on Accreditation, AdvancEd, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The O-School is also an affiliate of the Child Welfare League of America, the American Association of Residential Treatment Centers, the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers, and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs.

Happy Holidays from the O-School!
12/23/2025

Happy Holidays from the O-School!

Winter begins today! As the season changes, we celebrate new opportunities for growth and reflection. At the O-School, e...
12/21/2025

Winter begins today!

As the season changes, we celebrate new opportunities for growth and reflection. At the O-School, every season is a chance for students to continue building resilience, confidence, and hope.



On this day in 1903, the Wright brothers made history with the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk. Their achievement rem...
12/17/2025

On this day in 1903, the Wright brothers made history with the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk. Their achievement reminds us that innovation and determination can change the world. At the O-
School, we encourage students to dream big and take flight toward their future.



Did you know the O-School’s Diagnostic and Evaluation Center (DEC) provides families with access to skilled evaluations ...
12/09/2025

Did you know the O-School’s Diagnostic and Evaluation Center (DEC) provides families with access to skilled evaluations with minimal wait times for appointments?

Visit OSchool.org/DEC to learn more.

OSchoolChicago

It's Camp O time! Get your camper registered now, as spots will fill fast!
12/09/2025

It's Camp O time!

Get your camper registered now, as spots will fill fast!

Camp O is back for our 5th summer! Join us in August 2026. Spots are filling up quickly! Check out www.oschool.org/campo or email campo@oschool.org to see if your child may be a fit for Camp O.

Did you know? The O-School blends therapeutic care with accredited academics, placing relationships and community at the...
12/02/2025

Did you know?

The O-School blends therapeutic care with accredited academics, placing relationships and community at the heart of everything we do. This unique approach builds trust, confidence, and success for every student.

Visit OSchool.org to learn more.



We can’t end the week without giving a shout-out! As we wrap up American Education Week, we’re celebrating the incredibl...
11/21/2025

We can’t end the week without giving a shout-out!

As we wrap up American Education Week, we’re celebrating the incredible work educators do to support student growth and success. At the O-School, we’re especially proud of our dedicated staff, who nurture both learning and well-being for every student.

Thank you for everything you do! 💛


Don’t forget to Get Your Swag On. Time is running out!The O-School Spirit Store is still open and stocked with official ...
11/12/2025

Don’t forget to Get Your Swag On. Time is running out!

The O-School Spirit Store is still open and stocked with official gear to help you show off your school pride in style this fall and winter.

Grab your cozy gear, snag a few gifts, and rep the O-School community. But don’t wait!

The store closes this Sunday, on November 16, at midnight (EST), and supplies are limited.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

See all the good here: https://bit.ly/47C3thd





Today, we honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and commitment. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder...
11/11/2025

Today, we honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and commitment. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication that protect our freedoms. The O-School community is grateful for all who have served.


It’s time to get Your Swag On! The O-School Spirit Store is open and stocked with official gear to help you show off you...
10/27/2025

It’s time to get Your Swag On!

The O-School Spirit Store is open and stocked with official gear to help you show off your school pride in style this fall and winter.

Grab cozy gear, snag a few gifts, and show off your school pride, but don’t wait! The store closes on November 16 at midnight (EST), and supplies are limited. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!
See all the goods here: https://bit.ly/47C3thd





Big things are happening behind the yellow door!Mark your calendars, the O-School’s Yellow Door Benefit Gala will be Sat...
10/23/2025

Big things are happening behind the yellow door!

Mark your calendars, the O-School’s Yellow Door Benefit Gala will be Saturday, April 18, 2026!

Be on the lookout for more event details after the New Year.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and continue supporting students and families to find a pathway to hope at the O-School.





We stand for kindness, inclusion, and safety every day. Join us this October for National Bullying Prevention Month by m...
10/16/2025

We stand for kindness, inclusion, and safety every day. Join us this October for National Bullying Prevention Month by modeling empathy and speaking up.



Address

6245 S. Ingleside Avenue
Chicago, IL
60637

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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Our Story

Located in Chicago, Illinois, The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (the O-School) is a therapeutic residential and day program for children and adolescents in need of support for profound emotional issues or who are on the autism scale. The O-School provides highly refined and individualized care provided by a talented and devoted team of professionals. The O-School uses a milieu treatment therapeutic approach, meaning the support of its students is designed to be all encompassing. All activities and events are seen as therapeutic opportunities, and every aspects of a student's day are given considerable thought, care and attention. Members of a treatment team—including teachers, therapists, counselors and program managers—work cohesively to create a consistent and meaningful experience throughout each day. The O-School is also characterized by the heavy emphasis it places on the therapeutic relationships that develop between a student and his or her treatment team. Milieu staff members are actively involved with the students throughout the day, not simply monitoring or supervising them, but developing bonds and relationships that create a structure in which each child or adolescent can receive emotional support, develop new skills and sustain healthy relationships. Finally, the O-School distinguishes itself by providing a strong academic program that aligns with state and local standards within a therapeutic setting. This academic program is enhanced by a number of co-curricular activities—such as dances, student council, and teams—providing a more traditional school experience and facilitating each child’s transition back to their home school or to college. In order to ensure the highest standards, the School is accredited by a variety of state and independent organizations, including the Council on Accreditation, AdvancEd, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The O-School is also an affiliate of the Child Welfare League of America, the American Association of Residential Treatment Centers, the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers, and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs.