Clare Woods Academy, operated by Bartlett Learning Center, Inc. is a private not-for-profit alternative day school.  Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Clare Woods Academy provides specialized educational services, in a therapeutic day school setting, for youth ages 5 to 21.

Clare Woods Academy strives to:

• Assist learning disabled and developmentally disabled youth to become self-sufficient and self-directed in the areas of personal growth, education, social and emotional well-being, as well as functional living skills and vocational training.
• Provide a unique learning environment with specialized services such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, and Counseling.
  
• Provide a loving and trusting environment in which individuals can function to their fullest potential without regard to race, sex, creed or religion, enabling them to become responsible, respected members of , community and society.

A Little Bit of History

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis closed their community college in Bartlett in the late 60s.  Responding to a need in the area, they opened their building for a new school for special needs children.

The school opened its doors in 1968 with an enrollment of five children. Clare Woods Academy was named for St. Clare of Assisi. Clare was an important part of the Franciscan movement that was integral to the sisters’ lives. The Academy was also named for the many trees that surround the school.

Bartlett Learning Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 institution governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.