Where Clare Woods Began
“People don’t understand us the way you do.”
Years ago, a student shared those words with a teacher.
They remain a powerful reminder of why Clare Woods exists and the difference that understanding, acceptance, and individualized support can make in a person’s life.
Our story began in 1968 when Bartlett Learning Center—known today as Clare Woods—was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis.
At a time when many students with disabilities had limited educational opportunities, the Sisters envisioned something different: a place where every student would be recognized for their abilities, supported in their challenges, and empowered to reach their full potential.
That vision welcomed its first five students in September 1968.
As families and school districts learned about the program, enrollment steadily grew. Bartlett Learning Center became known for its commitment to individualized education and its willingness to serve students whose needs were not being fully met in traditional settings. Strong partnerships with families, educators, and local school districts helped establish a foundation that continues to guide our work today.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, enrollment steadily increased as Bartlett Learning Center earned a reputation for excellence in special education. Administrators worked closely with neighboring school districts, parent organizations, support groups, and families searching for meaningful educational opportunities for their children.
As the organization grew, so did the community that surrounded it. An active parent organization emerged, and on December 4, 1972, the first Board of Directors convened. Comprised of Sisters of St. Joseph and respected community leaders, the board helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth and development while ensuring the mission remained at the center of every decision.
As educational philosophies evolved, Bartlett Learning Center continued to evolve alongside them. During the mainstreaming movement of the 1970s, many students attended the school while also participating in classes within their home school districts. At the same time, local districts increasingly referred students with behavioral, developmental, and intellectual disabilities whose needs required more specialized support.
In response, the organization broadened its educational approach. Functional academics, practical life skills, vocational training, and social-emotional development became integral components of the program. Success was no longer defined solely by academic achievement, but by a student's ability to build independence, develop meaningful skills, participate in their community, and prepare for adulthood.
Partnerships with local businesses created opportunities for students to gain real-world job experience through community-based employment and vocational training programs. Supported by dedicated staff, students developed workplace skills, confidence, and greater independence while contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.
As the organization's understanding of lifelong support deepened, leaders recognized that many individuals and families needed services beyond the traditional school day. Residential programming became an important extension of the mission. At its peak, the organization operated two dormitories for girls and three dormitories for boys, providing supportive living environments that complemented educational programming and fostered personal growth and independence.
Over time, changing educational models and evolving needs led to the gradual transition away from student residential services. By the late 1980s, the residential program had been reduced to one dormitory for girls and one for boys. During the 1990–1991 school year, the organization transitioned from a five-day residential model to a year-round day program.
At the same time, a new chapter began with the establishment of Cupertino Home, known today as Clare Woods Group Home, a community-integrated residence for adult men with developmental disabilities. Clare Woods Group Home continues to extend the organization's commitment beyond the school years, providing adults with opportunities to live with dignity, independence, and meaningful support while remaining active members of their community.
The beginning of the 21st century brought another period of transformation. The Sisters of St. Joseph undertook the development of their 96-acre property, creating the multigenerational continuing care retirement community now known as Clare Oaks. During this time, Bartlett Learning Center adopted the name Clare Woods Academy, honoring both its heritage and its future while maintaining its commitment to serving students with diverse learning and developmental needs.
As construction progressed, classrooms were temporarily relocated. It soon became evident that the existing facility could no longer adequately support the needs of the growing school community. In 2012, Clare Woods Academy relocated to Wheaton, Illinois, providing a more centrally located campus and creating new opportunities for community engagement, employment experiences, and partnerships throughout the region.
The move to Wheaton further strengthened the organization's commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Expanded access to local businesses and community resources created new opportunities for vocational training and real-world learning experiences. One significant milestone was the opening of the Cardinal Gift Shop, now known as the Clare Woods Gift Shop. Today, the Clare Woods Gift Shop provides meaningful vocational opportunities for students and program participants while showcasing handcrafted items and creative talents developed through Clare Woods programs.
As the years progressed, one reality became increasingly clear: while services existed for children and students, far too many families faced uncertainty about what would happen when their loved ones reached adulthood. Graduation often marked the beginning of a service gap rather than the continuation of a journey.
In response, Clare Woods continued to expand its vision of lifelong support.
In 2026, Clare Woods launched the Clare Woods Adult Day Program in Warrenville, creating new opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to continue learning, building relationships, participating in their communities, and pursuing meaningful lives after graduation. The program was designed to address a critical gap in services and reflects the organization's longstanding belief that support should not end when school does.
That same year, Bartlett Learning Center officially became Clare Woods, Inc., reflecting the organization's evolution from a single educational program into a comprehensive continuum of care serving individuals across multiple stages of life.
Today, Clare Woods operates Clare Woods Academy and the Clare Woods Gift Shop in Wheaton, as well as Clare Woods Group Home and the Clare Woods Adult Day Program in Warrenville. Together, these programs create pathways for education, employment, independence, community engagement, and lifelong growth.
What began with five students in 1968 has grown into a vibrant organization serving children and adults across multiple programs and communities. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains constant: our belief that every person deserves to be valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to empowering people of all abilities through support, education, and advocacy—helping each person grow with confidence, belong in community, and achieve lifelong resilience.
The words spoken by that student many years ago continue to guide us today:
“People don’t understand us the way you do.”
Where we are today
Our programs are tailored to provide the best care, community, and education for people of all ages.
Academy—Building Foundations for Success
Our therapeutic day school empowers students with complex needs through individualized education, integrated therapies, and meaningful opportunities to build confidence, communication, independence, and belonging.
Learn with us →
Transition & Vocation—Creating Pathways to Independence
Through vocational training, community employment experiences, and hands-on learning at our Gift Shop in downtown Wheaton, individuals develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to explore meaningful careers and contribute to their communities.
Forge your path →
Group Home—Supporting Life in Community
Our community group home provides a safe, supportive, community-integrated living environment where adults can build relationships, develop daily living skills, and experience greater independence while remaining connected to the world around them.
Find your community →
Adult Day Program—Continuing the Journey
Our adult day program helps bridge the gap beyond age 22 by providing structured opportunities for skill development, community engagement, social connection, and lifelong growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.