COTTING SCHOOL A tradition of innovation and excellence since 1893
Welcome to the
Cotting Community Cotting School students and families often say they feel like they’ve finally found the place where they belong. We believe it’s more than that we foster academic achievement, skill development and social-emotional maturity in an inclusive environment. Our community celebrates kindness, diligence, teamwork and achievements big and small. We meet the unique needs of students with a broad range of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions by providing an array of collaborative services. Our day and boarding programs are designed to enable students to realize their highest potential, both during and after their enrollment. Rolling admissions. DESE-approved. NEASC-accredited.
Our mission is to enable students with special needs to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence.
Over 125 Years of Innovation and Excellence In 1893, two pioneering orthopedic surgeons from Boston’s Children’s Hospital, Dr. Augustus Thorndike and Dr. Edward Bradford, founded the first school in the U.S. for children with physical disabilities. Now known as Cotting School, we are located in Lexington, Massachusetts, and serve children with a broad spectrum of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions.
Cotting’s Day Program Individualized instruction within a comprehensive curriculum for students ages 3-22
FREE
Cotting’s Continuum of Services Our continuum of services supports students and school professionals both at Cotting School and in school settings across the state. “Cotting has helped Sienna flourish not just academically, but socially. Since her first day, we have felt a sense of belonging and acceptance like no other place.” GINA, COTTING PARENT
Special Interest Events
HOPEhouse
COTTING’S Continuum of Services Summer Enrichment Options Extended year academic program for students ages 3-22
Unique 5-day boarding program on the Cotting School Campus for young adults ages 17-22
Consultation Program and districtwide student-focused evaluation and assessment
“I’m amazed at the passion every person associated with Cotting School has for making a difference in the lives of children and young adults, helping them achieve their potential. Every aspect of growth is considered, from educational development to physical achievement to social maturity and expansion. Cotting is a shining example of no child being left behind, moving it from words to action.” JOHN, TRUSTEE AND COTTING ALUM PARENT
Cotting School Fast Facts 8:1:1
student:teacher:aide ratio
10+
specials and electives, such as performing arts, industrial arts and visual arts
60+
different cities and towns served in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
35+
extracurriculars, including after school programs, sports, ski trip, prom, senior trip and family-inclusive traditions
14
hours of academic instruction per week for every student
6+
hours per week of vocational programming available for students ages 18-22
“Before coming to Cotting, Shane had such a protective shell that was really hard to crack. Here he finally feels safe to be himself; he’s supported and he knows it. We are thinking about his goals and his future as a young adult in so many positive ways.” ANNE AND SCOTT, COTTING PARENTS
Our Collaborative Care Model emphasizes
a multidisciplinary approach to supporting each student’s progress and integrates assistive technology and therapies with classroom learning.
COTTING SCHOOL 453 Concord Ave, Lexington, MA 02421 admissions@cotting.org | (781) 862-7323 | www.cotting.org