THE SCHOOL
Cotting School, founded by two orthopedic surgeons from Children’s Hospital, was the first day school in the country for children with physical disabilities. Over 100 years later, Cotting is housed in a modern, fully accessible facility in historic Lexington, MA. The architecture reflects the attitude–physically and philosophically, Cotting School is without barriers. Children with complex disabilities are able to move through the
day with a high degree of independence.



  THE STUDENTS
Currently, 120 Cotting students ages 3-22 travel each day from more than 72 cities and towns throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. We welcome students with moderate to severe learning disabilities; multiple physical challenges; moderate to severe communication needs; and complex medical conditions.* HOPE House, a post-graduate transitional residence, serves eight young adults.

  THE PROGRAM
At Cotting, the term
“education” reflects a balance between meeting individual academic goals and fostering social-emotional development.
To achieve these goals, we offer individualized academic, prevocational, vocational, and social experiences to strengthen skills, build confidence, and enhance self-esteem. The curriculum helps students to reach their optimum potential in future educational, vocational, and living experiences. The staff/ student ratio is four-to-one, with at least one program assistant in each classroom. Individual and small group tutorials are offered to many students.

  FACULTY & STAFF
Faculty and staff members continually share and develop their areas of expertise. Seventy-five percent of the professional staff hold advanced degrees. On-going staff development and training ensure that instructors and clinicians keep pace with the latest developments in special education.

To complement the work done in the classroom by certified special education instructors, a wide range of support services are offered, including the following:

Communication Therapists (5)
Physical Therapists (5)
Occupational Therapists (5)
Tutorial/Remedial Specialists (4)
Registered Nurses (6)
Psychologist

Faculty & Staff (contd.)
Pediatric Physician
Nursing Assistants
Dentists (3)
Optometrists (3)
Guidance Counselor
Employment Transition Coordinator
Family Support Services
Nutritionist
Adaptive Physical Educators (1)
Industrial Arts Director
Coordinator of Instructional Technology



  EXTRACURRICULAR
OPPORTUNITIES
Cotting offers a variety of activities and opportunities to meet student interests and ability levels.

Students are encouraged to develop new interests, and to join friends in social activities. Activities and teams include basketball, golf, track & field, softball, cheerleading, drama, music, outing club, dances, and field trips.