Linwood School

Linwood School describes a small, structured, positive learning environment in which collaborating with families is a cornerstone and programming is designed around each student’s strengths and interests. Instruction is data-driven and individualized (based on IEPs, assessments, and curricula) and delivered through a multidisciplinary, wraparound model supporting academics, behavior, related services, and vocational programming. They use a range of strategies (e.g., discrete trial instruction, small-group instruction, sensory integration, social skills training, and community-based instruction) with an emphasis on generalizing skills across environments and teaching replacement behaviors.

Linwood School is an MSDE-approved, nonpublic special education program (Type I full-day and residential) serving students with autism and multiple disabilities (ages 6–21; elementary grades 1–8 and secondary grades 9–12), and students considered for admission must receive special education services and have an IEP. (linwoodcenter.org) Referrals are made through a student’s local school system (LSS), which submits referral documents to Linwood for review (rather than families submitting a standard direct application). (linwoodcenter.org) After referral documents are received, Linwood’s admissions team reviews the student’s records to determine eligibility and this process includes a parent tour and a meeting with the team; if accepted, Linwood then coordinates with the referring LSS to begin intake, and the site directs school-program inquiries to the Education Director/Assistant Education Director. (linwoodcenter.org) The website does not publish admissions deadlines or “key dates” for applying; it notes the program runs 12 months and posts school-year calendars (e.g., 2025–2026) for the academic schedule. (linwoodcenter.org) The site indicates capacity is about 60 students and does not describe a formal waitlist process or any priority/preference categories beyond being an LSS referral with an IEP and an appropriate student profile (autism spectrum and/or related developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability). (linwoodcenter.org)