What BREHM PREPARATORY SCHOOL does

Brehm Preparatory School is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) coeducational boarding school founded in 1982 in Carbondale, Illinois, serving approximately 30-60 students in grades 6 through 12 (ages 11-21) with diagnosed learning disabilities and differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Level 1, executive functioning disorders, and processing deficits. The school delivers a holistic 24/7 education platform combining a Common Core-aligned academic curriculum, integrated Speech-Language Pathology services (provided to 95% of students at no extra cost through three full-time ASHA-certified pathologists), a CASEL-framework Social Emotional Learning program, and the Arrowsmith Program — a neuroplasticity-based cognitive retraining methodology for which Brehm is the only boarding school in America. Residential programming operates as a cognitive apprenticeship model with a 5:1 teacher-to-student ratio, average class sizes of eight in core content and five in learning cognition, and an 18-year average faculty tenure, all delivered on a 50-acre campus with family-style dormitories.

The business model is tuition-driven with subscription-style annual billing: $88,500 for 7-day boarding, $84,000 for 5-day boarding, and $56,000 for day students for the 2025-2026 academic year, augmented by a $75 application fee, ancillary charges (Arrowsmith licensing, recreation, international student fee, computer insurance), and a four-week Summer Program ($8,600-$8,700 boarding, $5,163 day). Approximately one-third of students receive full tuition reimbursement from public school districts under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), creating a meaningful public-payor channel that depends on district-level contracting and special-education policy stability. A complementary foundation runs an Annual Giving Campaign and scholarships, supplemented by leadership-level donations. Distribution is direct via a multi-step admissions funnel (discovery conversation, neuropsychological evaluation submission, online application, campus tour, rolling decision) led by Director of Admissions Donna Collins and Head of School Dr. Rich Collins, with international enrollment authorized under federal law. The platform extends beyond K-12 through OPTIONS Transitions to Independence, a wholly-owned post-secondary program with off-campus apartments in Carbondale.

Name

BREHM PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Legal name

Brehm Preparatory School

Website

https://brehm.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Brehm Preparatory School is a not-for-profit boarding school in Carbondale, Illinois, serving 30-60 students in grades 6-12 with learning disabilities through a 24/7 holistic model that combines academics, the Arrowsmith cognitive retraining program, Speech-Language Pathology, and SEL, the only boarding school in America to offer Arrowsmith.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Boarding School

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Nonsectarian Independent Boarding Schools (EDAJABAB)

Keywords

• Special education boarding school
• Learning disabilities program
• Cognitive retraining services
• Speech language therapy
• College preparatory boarding

Headquarters

HQ city

Carbondale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Academic Year Tuition - Boarding: Primary revenue stream from 7-day boarding ($88,500/year) and 5-day boarding ($84,000/year) for the 2025-2026 school year. Tuition is primarily all-inclusive, covering individualized educational plan, residential living, assigned dorm room, meals, required textbooks, speech and language therapy, Apple laptop with assistive technology, standard medical and clinical support, basic recreational clubs, and weekend staff-planned activities.
2. Academic Year Tuition - Day Students: Day student tuition is $56,000/year for the 2025-2026 school year, including individualized holistic educational plan, lunch in dining hall, after-school tutoring, social skills training, and transportation to school-related activities.
3. Summer Program Tuition: Summer boarding program at $8,600-$8,700 for 4 weeks (June 28 - July 25, 2026), with day student tuition at $5,163. Includes individualized educational plan, residential living, academic curriculum, adventure activities, social pragmatics, and ASHA-certified speech-language therapy.
4. Variable / Ancillary Fees: Additional fees including International Student Fee ($1,000), Computer Insurance ($150), Recreation ($1,750), Arrowsmith Licensing Fee ($5,000 full-time, $3,000 part-time), plus variable expenses for counseling, occupational therapy, airport transportation, driver's education, and overnight trips.
5. School District IDEA Funding: Approximately one-third of students receive full tuition reimbursement via their school districts under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Some settlements are negotiated where school districts pay tuition and parents pay for room and board.
6. Foundation Donations and Grants: The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization raises funds through its Annual Giving Campaign, supporting scholarships and tuition assistance. Recent $50,000 Leadership Matching Challenge led by Dr. Rich Collins and Donna Collins.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Brehm Preparatory School is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) coeducational boarding and day school for students grades 6-12 (ages 11-21) with learning disabilities and differences. It delivers a holistic, individualized educational program that integrates a college-preparatory Common Core-aligned Core Curriculum with ASHA-certified Speech-Language services, CASEL-based Social Emotional Learning, the Arrowsmith cognitive retraining program, and 24/7 residential independent-living instruction. A 5:1 classroom teacher-student ratio and 1:6 dorm staff-student ratio support the curriculum on a 50-acre Carbondale, Illinois campus.

Product overview

Brehm Preparatory School offers a unified holistic education platform specifically designed for students with learning disabilities and differences (grades 6-12+). The core program integrates multiple specialized products: the Core Curriculum delivering academic instruction aligned with Common Core Standards; the Speech & Language Program providing credentialed SLP services to 95% of students; Social Emotional Learning (SEL) based on CASEL framework; and the Arrowsmith Program (the only boarding school in America to offer this neuroplasticity-based cognitive retraining). The Living programs include a Boarding Program with family-style dorms and independent living skills training, plus Recreation & Activities spanning on-campus and off-campus experiences. Medical & Clinical Services provide integrated health and psychological support. A Summer Program offers a four-week immersive experience for students ages 11-18. The OPTIONS Transitions to Independence sub-brand extends services to post-secondary students. All components work together within a 5:1 student-teacher ratio and 24/7 supportive environment to serve neurodiverse learners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Core Curriculum Comprehensive academic program aligned with Common Core Standards offering cross-curricular competencies in English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Electives for students in grades 6-12 with learning disabilities.
• Speech & Language Program Credentialed Speech-Language Pathologists provide integrated services addressing social pragmatics, language, cognition, listening, and speech for 95% of students at no extra cost.
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL) CASEL-framework-based program focusing on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making delivered daily across all programs.
• Arrowsmith Program Cognitive retraining program using neuroplasticity-based targeted exercises to improve verbal and mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding. Brehm is the only boarding school in America offering this program.
• Boarding Program Family-style residential living with 24/7 supervision using a cognitive apprenticeship framework to teach independent living skills including time management, organization, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility.
• Recreation & Activities Program Structured recreational activities including on-campus options (basketball, weightlifting, frisbee golf) and off-campus experiences (hiking, fishing, SIU recreation center access) plus individual lessons in horseback riding, music, tennis, and martial arts.
• Medical & Clinical Services Health and Well-Being department with Nursing (medication management, appointments) and Clinical (counselors, social workers, clinical psychologists, support groups) providing integrated medical and emotional support.
• Summer Program Four-week overnight and day program (June 28 - July 25) for students ages 11-18 featuring adventure learning, academics, social awareness, and specialized services including Orton-Gillingham and speech-language therapy.
• OPTIONS Transitions to Independence Post-secondary transitional program for graduates or GED recipients with learning disabilities, featuring off-campus apartments in Carbondale and comprehensive independence training.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of students receive Speech-Language services at no extra cost
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrehm students benefit from the school's partnership with nearby Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, which is named one of The Princeton Review's Best Schools in the Midwest. Students have access to the SIU-C Recreational Center, Campus Lake, Student Center, and Art Center. The proximity provides enrichment opportunities and access to university facilities and programs.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Winston School: Network of private schools (San Antonio, Del Mar, and online) for students with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. Comparable to Brehm in LD-specific curriculum design and small-group instruction, with regional rather than single boarding campus.
• Eagle Hill School: Hardwick, Massachusetts-based private boarding/day school serving students with language-based learning disabilities, ADHD, and dyslexia. Closely comparable to Brehm in mission (LD boarding), curriculum structure, and tuition tier.
• The Lab School of Washington: Washington, D.C.-based private school (with boarding component) for students with learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Direct peer in integrated LD education with strong clinical support.
• The Forman School: Litchfield, Connecticut-based private boarding school for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Closely comparable to Brehm in residential model, small enrollment, and integrated clinical/academic support.
• Bayhill High School: Oakland, California-based private high school for students with learning disabilities, Asperger's, and other neurodiverse profiles. Comparable to Brehm in mission and integrated therapeutic/academic approach, though primarily day rather than boarding.
• Landmark School: Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts-based private boarding and day school specifically for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Direct competitor in the LD boarding market at a similar price point.
• Newgrange School: Princeton, New Jersey-based private school for students with language-based learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Comparable to Brehm in academic-therapeutic integration and small cohort model.
• The Gow School: South Wales, New York-based private boarding school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. Direct peer in the small LD boarding school category with similar therapeutic and academic approach.
• Kildonan School: Amenia, New York-based private co-ed boarding and day school specifically for dyslexic students. Direct peer using Orton-Gillingham methodology and similar tuition tier to Brehm.
• Vanguard School: Paoli, Pennsylvania-based private boarding and day school for students with language-based learning disabilities. Direct peer in residential LD education, similar size, and integrated speech-language support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@brehmpreparatoryschoolinc.9921/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/Brehm.Preparatory.School
• Instagraminstagram.com/brehmprepschool
• TikToktiktok.com/@brehm.preparatory?lang=en

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BREHM PREPARATORY SCHOOL