Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Expanding to Serve More Students

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, December 1st, 2025

 The Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (SNS) is expanding with a new special education center to increase its impact in the community. An accredited and specialized institution providing education and therapeutic programming, SNS serves people of all disabilities from age three to 22 and offers a Young Adults Learning Life Skills (YALLS) Program for those over 22.
 
With a waiting list of about 175 students, the 7,000 square foot addition will expand the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett’s reach and capacity. The space is adjacent to the school’s current building and features six classrooms for up to 60 students, plus therapy rooms, faculty offices and community areas. The school’s approach to education is to create one-of-a-kind plans and goals for each student—including programs such as in-house Applied Behavior Analysis, speech and occupational therapy, music, art therapy and physical fitness.

The expectation is to begin construction next summer with the facility opening slated for fall 2027. SNS has currently raised over $1.8 million of its $4.5 million goal to fund the expansion and continues to actively fundraise. Every contribution brings the vision closer to reality. More information is available on how to support the campaign at specialneedsschools.org/theywillgrow2.

“Our school is specialized and individualized—and it is for any student who has been overlooked and underestimated,” says Executive Director & CEO Jamie Hamilton. “This upcoming expansion will allow us to welcome even more students while continuing to instill in each individual a lifelong love of learning.”

Cooper Tacia, a rapidly growing construction company with a regional office in Atlanta, is partnering with the SNS by donating its services and construction costs toward the project. “We believe that building stronger communities starts with investing in the people who need it the most,” says John Cooper, the CEO and Founder of Cooper Tacia. “We’re honored to partner with the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett to expand its opportunities, accessibility and impact.”

Foreman Seeley Fountain Architecture (FSF Architecture), a Georgia-based firm known for its thoughtful and community-driven designs, is leading the architectural vision for the project. “As the lead design architect for this project, my goal was to create a simple, functional and welcoming learning environment, one that feels modern and open, with clear visibility throughout,” says Nadine Nacy. “By prioritizing daylight, openness and intuitive circulation, the building fosters a safe, engaging and inspiring environment for both students and teachers alike.”

Additional project partners include LBGM Associates, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC, Coltman Farms and Coltman Farms Racing.