Our Mission is as Unique
as Each of Our Students
We transform our students from self-doubters to self-champions.
Hear about what makes HPDS unique in our new video
Our approach is what sets us apart.
It’s what makes our students successful.
Individualized Program
Our students are not expected to adapt to standard instruction. Instead, we employ talented staff, state-of-the-art technology, and integrated services to develop deeply individualized academic programs.
Research-Based
We constantly reference current industry-leading research and studies for ongoing guidance on curriculum and general life skill development, and our nimbleness allows us to make updates quickly.
Success Attributes
We evaluate each student’s self-awareness, pro-activity, perseverance, goal setting, use of support systems, and emotional coping strategies on an on-going basis to determine readiness for transition.
Positive Culture
We create a safe, nurturing environment that’s designed to foster self-esteem, confidence, and a genuine interest in learning for each student.
Dream(s) for the Future
Here is a poem made by the Chicago Campus. Students submitted their own dreams for the future and created this piece collectively. Click here to read their poem.
Key Dates for the 2022-2023 School Year
| August 22, 2022 | First Day of School |
| November 23-25, 2022 | Thanksgiving Break |
| Dec 24, 2022 – Jan 8, 2023 | Winter Break |
| January 9, 2023 | First Day Back from Winter Break |
| March 27-31, 2023 | Spring Break |
| June 2, 2023 | Last Day of School |
Calendar PDF
Save the Date!
This year’s Annual Gala, The Stars Are Out at HPDS, will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the Bryn Mawr Country Club! We can’t wait to see you there!
Online Gifts and Payments
We cannot thank you enough for the immediate and powerful impact your generous gifts make to our school. Online donations are handled securely through a third-party credit card processor. Donate through Paypal today.
Please note that transactions may appear on credit card statements under our legal name, the Leslie Shankman School Corporation.
HPDS Spirit Wear Shop
Show your HPDS pride wherever you go! Visit our spirit wear shop to purchase HPDS clothing, tote bags, magnets, and more!
Bellick Family Community Education Program
Thank you to everyone who attended the Bellick Family Community Education event on December 7, 2022 featuring Dr. Mark Seidenberg, Vilas Professor and Donald O. Hebb Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as speaker! Dr. Seidenberg’s research is concerned with basic questions about the nature of language and how it is acquired, used, and represented in the brain. This event was entitled Raising Reading Achievement: We Can Do More and was filled with fascinating insights. We’re gratified to be able to offer such esteemed speakers.