ACLD Tillotson School
General Information – ACLD Tillotson School
Reviews
ACLD Tillotson School is widely recognized for its strong commitment to serving students with complex learning needs, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges through a highly structured, supportive, and individualized approach to education. Reviews from families consistently emphasize how the school has transformed the academic and emotional progress of their children by offering a tailored curriculum, small classroom sizes, and therapeutic interventions that help students thrive. Many parents highlight the dedication of the teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and behavior specialists who work collaboratively to create a safe and nurturing school environment. Students benefit not only from academic instruction but also from life-skills training, social-emotional learning support, and individualized behavioral plans that help them build independence and confidence. The school also receives positive feedback for its communication practices, providing families with detailed updates, progress reports, and opportunities to engage with staff through meetings, workshops, and collaborative planning sessions. Educators at ACLD Tillotson School are noted for their patience, expertise, and consistent efforts to help students reach developmental milestones and academic goals that may have seemed unattainable elsewhere. Though the school is specialized, it fosters a sense of community and inclusion that helps students feel valued and celebrated. Overall, reviews describe ACLD Tillotson School as a life-changing environment where students’ abilities are recognized, nurtured, and strengthened.
Contact Informations
Address: 1900 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Phone Number: (412) 881-2265
Email Address: info@acldtillotson.org
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1950 |
| Motto | “Supporting Ability, Encouraging Growth” |
| School Type | Private Special Education School |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approx. 6:1 |
ACLD Tillotson School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| Country Ranking | Specialized; Not Ranked Traditionally |
| Global Ranking | Not Applicable |
ACLD Tillotson School Academics
ACLD Tillotson School Faculties / Departments
- Special Education Department
- Behavioral Support & Intervention
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Life Skills & Independent Living
- Transition Services
- STEM & Technology Integration
- Arts Education
- Health & Physical Education
ACLD Tillotson School Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Individualized Special Education Curriculum
- Behavior Support Programs
- Functional Academics
- Life Skills & Community Readiness
- Career Training & Vocational Skills
- Communication Skills Development
- Social Skills Instruction
- Assistive Technology Integration
- Physical & Motor Skills Development
- Transition Planning & Workforce Preparation
Online Courses / Online Learning
ACLD Tillotson School offers limited online learning options, as most students benefit significantly from in-person support and hands-on instruction. However, the school does use digital tools and virtual platforms to supplement learning, especially when reinforcing communication skills, practicing academic concepts, or providing continuity during special circumstances. Teachers may assign interactive activities online and offer individualized digital learning plans when necessary to maintain student progress.
Degrees
Not applicable; the school serves K–12 learners.
Summer School
The school provides summer programs designed to maintain academic growth, support behavior stability, and reinforce communication and life skills. Summer instruction includes hands-on activities, therapies, and structured learning tailored to each student’s needs.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not Applicable |
| ACT | Not Applicable |
| GRE | Not Applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Due to the specialized nature of the school, retention is based on individualized goals and IEP team recommendations. Graduation rates reflect successful completion of personalized transition plans rather than traditional academic metrics.
ACLD Tillotson School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Not applicable; admissions are based on specialized learning needs and evaluations.
ACLD Tillotson School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Based on eligibility and IEP team recommendation |
ACLD Tillotson School Application Requirements
Admissions at ACLD Tillotson School prioritize matching each student’s learning profile with the specialized supports the school provides. Parents and districts must submit a current IEP, psychological evaluations, and any relevant medical or therapeutic documentation. The admissions process includes meetings with school administrators, observations, and discussions about placement to determine whether the school can appropriately meet the student’s needs. Families appreciate that the process is supportive and collaborative, allowing staff to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. The school ensures that all applicants are evaluated thoroughly and respectfully to ensure placement aligns with the student’s best interests and long-term development.
Enrollment
Enrollment varies by program availability and student needs.
Application Process
- Submit current IEP
- Provide psychological and educational evaluations
- Participate in an intake meeting
- Schedule a student observation or trial visit
- Receive placement decision
- Complete enrollment paperwork
ACLD Tillotson School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Process | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Applications | Year-Round |
| Intake Meetings | Scheduled by Appointment |
| Summer Program Signup | Spring |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable.
ACLD Tillotson School Scholarships
Not applicable; funding typically comes through districts and special education placements.
ACLD Tillotson School Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Coordinated through school district placements |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
ACLD Tillotson School serves a diverse body of students with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and communication needs. Students typically range from ages 5 to 21, depending on individualized transition timelines. The school enrolls a balanced mix of male and female students and represents a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Diversity is reflected not only in demographics but also in students’ unique learning strengths and challenges. The school works to create classroom environments that celebrate student individuality while promoting respect, acceptance, and community belonging.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school specializes in serving students with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Many students come from low-income households and receive additional supports through district-funded services, therapeutic programs, and social-emotional resources. The school ensures equitable access to all services regardless of financial background.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~150 |
| International Students | Not Applicable |
| Students with Disabilities | Nearly 100% |
University Diversity
ACLD Tillotson School emphasizes diversity as an essential part of its instructional philosophy, focusing heavily on individual strengths, inclusive communication, and respect for differences. Students come from many cultural backgrounds, and the school celebrates this diversity through classroom activities, collaborative learning opportunities, and community-building exercises. The staff incorporates culturally responsive teaching practices that help ensure all students feel heard, represented, and supported. Diversity at the school also includes the wide spectrum of learning abilities and behaviors that students bring with them. Teachers and specialists work collaboratively to design individualized plans that honor these differences while promoting academic growth and personal development. This environment of acceptance and respect helps students develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and the social confidence they need to succeed in future community settings.
Average Earnings
Not applicable.
Graduation Rate
Graduation is determined through the completion of personalized transition goals rather than traditional academic requirements.
ACLD Tillotson School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The staff at ACLD Tillotson School includes certified special education teachers, therapists, behavioral specialists, paraprofessionals, and support personnel dedicated to individualized student success. The school maintains a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure close supervision, personalized instruction, and continuous support across academic and behavioral domains.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members specialize in areas such as behavioral intervention, autism support, communication development, assistive technology, and life-skills education. Many hold advanced degrees or specialized training in applied behavior analysis, special education, and therapeutic services. Teachers often participate in professional development and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes.
ACLD Tillotson School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, ACLD Tillotson School does not provide housing, but the campus is designed with therapeutic and structured learning environments in mind. Facilities include sensory rooms, therapy spaces, adaptive equipment, small classrooms, and outdoor areas for safe physical activity. Students enjoy a supportive and routine-driven environment that helps reduce anxiety, encourage positive behaviors, and promote consistent engagement with learning activities.
Transportation
Transportation is generally provided by students’ home school districts, ensuring safe and reliable commuting options. The school is accessible for private transportation as well, with clearly designated drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure smooth arrival and dismissal procedures for all students.
Job Openings
ACLD Tillotson School periodically offers positions for special education teachers, classroom aides, therapists, and behavioral support staff. Candidates with experience in specialized education environments, therapeutic interventions, or disability services are highly encouraged to apply.