Cotting School

In 1893, a beacon of hope ignited for children with disabilities. Right here in Lexington, Massachusetts, the Cotting School opened its doors. It was America’s first day school dedicated to these children. Cotting School wasn’t just a school, it was a revolution. Founded by Drs. Edward H. Bradford and Augustus Thorndike, orthopedic surgeons at Children’s Hospital Boston, it initially bore the name “The Industrial School for Crippled and Deformed Children.” The Cotting School’s mission wasn’t just education, but empowerment. The school aimed to equip students with the skills to live independently and contribute to society. The original location in Boston at 241 St. Botolph Street held decades of history. In 1986, Cotting School merged with the Krebs School, expanding its reach and expertise. This merger led to the relocation to this very campus on Concord Avenue in Lexington in 1987. Today, Cotting School continues its legacy of innovation. The school provides a comprehensive education. It caters to a diverse range of learning differences, physical challenges, and complex medical conditions. Cotting School utilizes a collaborative care model. This approach combines academics, therapies, and assistive technologies. The goal is to create personalized learning experiences for each student. Cotting School also has a vibrant community. It boasts a range of extracurricular activities, from sports to arts, fostering friendships and personal growth. The school believes in inclusion, ensuring every student can participate fully. Cotting School is not just a place of learning. It is a place of transformation, where students discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for a future filled with possibilities.