We believe that education is a joint effort between school and home. Communication is essential for success and should be continuous to maintain quality and openness within our program. Each child is unique and special and will learn and develop at different rates. Learning to accept each other creates a peaceful and caring atmosphere where each child has the right to safety, love, and learning.
We are accredited by the prestigious Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and recently earned re-accreditation through a multi-year self-study process.
Our curriculum is determined by the individual needs of the student. With an average student/teacher ratio of 7 to 1, each child receives the attention they deserve. Our school serves students of various ages, religious beliefs, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Not only do we provide an educational and spiritual program for children ages 5-21, but we also offer the Practical Assessment Exploration System® (PAES) Lab to enhance vocation training for transition-age students. Tuition assistance is available for qualified families.
The teachings of Jesus are embodied in all we do. Our baptized students have the right to religious education and everyone needs to have a relationship with God. Mutual respect must be present and the attitude of a Christian spirit must prevail.
Founded in November 1955 by Monsignor John E. Boyle of St. Patrick’s Church, Pottsville, we are the only private non-residential school for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Schuylkill County. Originally known as St. Joseph Day School and renamed St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in 1985, we moved to our current one-level, accessible site at 2075 West Norwegian Street in Pottsville in January of 1989.
Our building is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and has a handicapped-accessible playground on site which is used for recreational as well as therapeutic purposes. We offer speech and language therapy, Conductive Education, occupational therapy, psychological evaluations, vocational-technical services, a work experience program, and sacramental preparation.