Allan Cott School

At Glenwood’s Allan Cott School, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through specialized instruction and caring support, we help students build confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

Allan Cott School was Glenwood’s founding program, starting in 1974. This was the first school established in Alabama to offer educational and therapeutic services to children with autism. Glenwood touches the lives of over 10,000 families across Alabama annually. Located on our Sicard Hollow campus, this certified special education program serves both residential and day students ages 6-21 diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Students who attend Allan Cott School may live at home with their families or be provided with residential care through Glenwood’s Children’s Residential Services. Parental involvement is encouraged through classroom visitations, attendance at care team meetings, and family involvement activities. Regularly scheduled collaboration meetings address each student’s progress and help families and staff identify immediate and future goals.

  • 6-21 years of age
  • Primary diagnosis of autism
  • Day students must have referral from and support of their Local Educational Agency
  • Residential students must meet criteria for Residential Placement at Glenwood
  • Evidence-based teaching methods and curriculum based on extended standards of Alabama Department of Education
  • Multi-disciplinary approach, including related services such as speech, occupational and ABA therapies
  • Excellent student-to-staff ratio
  • Year-round programming
  • Special art and music activities
  • Recently updated facilities, including a sensory room, gross motor lab, life skills training center/mock apartment, swimming pool, and gym