Attention
Safe Haven School will begin the 2020-21 school year on August 12, 2020. All learning will be done remotely until August 28. After surveying parents and students, beginning August 31, 2020, half of the students will return to the building for in-person instruction as indicated on the survey; the other half will continue to learn remotely as indicated on their surveys.
Stringent protocols established by the Department of Health and the Illinois State Board of Education are in place to ensure the safety of everyone who enters our building.

The Need For Safe Haven School
As Founder and Executive Director of Safe Haven School, I have a strong commitment to special needs children. Students who are intellectually age-appropriate, or even gifted, may be emotionally fragile. Children with these issues need a safe, nurturing environment away from ridicule or intimidation.
They need protection from verbal or physical aggression because these stressors perpetuate emotional problems. They also cause children to “relive” the original causes of PTSD.
Safe Haven School works to draw students out of their depression or anxiety. We teach coping skills and self-esteem at a young age. Our goal is to prevent them from being among the young adults who turn to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, self-injury or suicide. To learn, grow and thrive, our students need a physically and emotionally safe place. They deserve it. We will do everything in our power to see that they get it.
Holly Schaefer, Founder/ Executive Director
Our Mission
Safe Haven School provides a safe, nurturing therapeutic environment for children aged 5-18 facing various challenges, such as emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, autism, and other health impairments by:
- Developing trusting relationships with our students
- Partnering with families, schools, and community
- Engaging students in creative learning
- Providing coping skills and building tolerance for frustration
- Practicing social skills and building peer relationships
- Embracing diversity and enhancing strengths
- Strengthening areas of challenge
- Building self-esteem and self-respect
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