The SPEN (Special Program for Elementary Needs) Program is a federal setting III self-contained program for students who have been diagnosed with an emotional behavior disorder. The SPEN Program is located within Northrop Environmental Learning Center and is composed of one classroom for students in grades K-5.

Northrop's SPEN classrooms are highly structured special education classrooms that provide individualized instruction to small groups of 8-12 students. A highly-structured, proactive approach to teaching appropriate social and classroom behavior is employed in the classroom. Behavior management techniques, based on behavioral principles and supported by research are used to address challenging behaviors.