Brehm Preparatory School is a co-educational boarding institution for grades 6-12, dedicated to empowering students with learning disabilities and differences to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives, offering a tailored educational experience to meet their academic, social, emotional, and functional needs. Our comprehensive, individualized curriculum provides enrichment and remediation, ensuring every student benefits from a high-quality, personalized education.
Our team, comprised of experienced educators and caring professionals, fosters a safe, compassionate community. We provide specialized support, including 1:1 assistance from Speech-Language Pathologists, targeting communication and language processing needs.
The boarding program at Brehm emphasizes nurturing independent living skills and confidence, essential for success beyond the classroom. Uniquely, Brehm is the only boarding school in the world to offer the Arrowsmith Program, a cognitive therapy training that targets and strengthens brain neuroplasticity. This innovative program has led to significant academic and personal improvements for our students, helping them make better sense of their world.
Located in Carbondale, Illinois, Brehm is a fully accredited, non-profit school, committed to rejuvenating hope, awakening potential, and broadening future possibilities of our students.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-12, PG
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $86,346
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $51,303
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 6 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Brehm Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 277 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
n/a
Year Founded
1982
1907
Campus Size
80 acres
125 acres
Student Body
% Students of Color
16%
27%
% International Students
3%
20%
% Students Boarding
70%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
72%
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$86,346
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$51,303
$36,000
% Students on Financial Aid
13%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$31,694
$25,000
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
100%
64%
Director of Admissions
Donna Collins
Associate Director of Admissions
Rose Calhoun
Application URL
School Notes
- Welcome to Brehm Preparatory School: Empowering Students with Learning Disabilities
- At Brehm Preparatory School, our mission is to empower students with learning disabilities and differences to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives. We understand that every student is unique, and we are dedicated to providing specialized education for students with learning disabilities. Our co-educational boarding school, serving grades 6-12, offers comprehensive programs designed to address the challenges these students and their families face. With our empathetic and supportive approach, we embody our mission by helping students thrive.Specialized Education for Students with Learning DisabilitiesBrehm Preparatory School is a leader in providing specialized education for students with learning disabilities. We recognize that these students require individualized attention and support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our experienced team of educators and support staff is trained to address the unique needs of students with specific learning disabilities and developmental disorders, aligning with our mission to optimize their potential.
- Comprehensive and Individualized Curriculum
- Our comprehensive and individualized curriculum lies at the heart of Brehm's educational approach, echoing our mission. We embrace the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that every student has access to quality education. Through personalized instruction, we cater to diverse learning styles, adapting our teaching methods to meet the needs of each student. By embracing technology and innovative teaching techniques, we create an engaging and inclusive learning environment that fosters the recognition and realization of students' potential.Boarding Program Focused on Independent Living SkillsBrehm's independent living skills-focused boarding program exemplifies our mission by offering a nurturing and structured environment that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. We understand that transitioning to independent living can be challenging for students with learning disabilities. Our program equips students with essential life skills, including time management, organization, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility, aligning with our mission to optimize their potential throughout their lives. Through hands-on experiences and guidance from our dedicated staff, students gain the confidence and independence they need to succeed.
- Specialized Speech and Language Program
- Communication is key to success in academics and beyond, reflecting our mission to empower students. That's why we have developed a specialized Speech and Language program at Brehm Preparatory School. Our experienced speech-language pathologists work closely with students, targeting their individual communication needs. Whether it's improving speech articulation, enhancing social communication skills, or developing effective strategies for language processing, our program provides the support and resources necessary for students to thrive and realize their potential.
- Arrowsmith Program: Unlocking Neuroplasticity
- Brehm Preparatory School is proud to offer the renowned Arrowsmith Program, aligning perfectly with our mission and based on the principles of neuroplasticity. This innovative cognitive training program targets the underlying causes of learning disabilities by strengthening weak cognitive areas. Through targeted exercises, students can enhance their memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning skills. By harnessing the brain's remarkable ability to change and adapt, the Arrowsmith Program empowers students to overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential, aligning harmoniously with our mission.
- Brehm Preparatory School accreditations: The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Small Boarding School Association (SBSA)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Brehm Preparatory School cost?
Brehm Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $86,346 for boarding students and $51,303 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Brehm Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Brehm Preparatory School is 100%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
What is Brehm Preparatory School's ranking?
Brehm Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for Brehm Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Brehm Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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The nearest boarding school to Brehm Preparatory School is Thomas Jefferson School (86.6 miles away)
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