Welcome
IDEAL is New York City’s only independent inclusion school. We serve students from kindergarten through Grade 12 and students from 18 to 21 years old in our Next Steps Transition Program. We are one of, if not the only, independent schools in the country to expand the definition of diversity to include academic ability.
The question I hear most often from prospective families is this: With so many great schools – public, charter, and independent, in the city – how will inclusion make a difference for my child?
The short answer is that your child will be seen and heard at IDEAL. They will have a voice and their perspective will matter. Your child will have friends, and they will leave IDEAL ready academically, socially, and emotionally for their next steps. At IDEAL, your child will be a leader and thrive.
The longer answer explains just how inclusion empowers children at IDEAL.
Every facet of IDEAL’s program is intentionally designed to foster confidence and community. Discussion and discovery-based pedagogy and small class sizes encourage students to learn from one another. Our diversity and identity curricula ensure that each student is able to express their full identity and thrive in our diverse community. Circle time, advisory, community time, and a wide range of extracurricular activities build skills and foster meaningful, lifelong relationships. At the heart of IDEAL is our exceptional and individualized arts program that cultivates self-expression, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
An Inclusive Education for All Learners
Research shows that children go further when their educational environment is an inclusive one, and IDEAL’s model corroborates the research. Staff members know our students in and out of the classroom. Through differentiated instruction, our talented team of general and special educators challenges and supports every student. Therapists, learning specialists, and associate teachers work directly with students who need additional support to meet their goals. Our curriculum builds social-emotional and executive functioning skills. Students K-12+ engage in real-world opportunities to apply their academic skills.
Although we graduated our first class of seniors in 2018, IDEAL already has a proven track record of acceptances to colleges and postsecondary programs reflecting our students’ unique goals. Even more important than academic outcomes are the people our students become as a result of their IDEAL experience. The IDEAL approach develops in our students a powerful recognition of their own potential and a transformative ability to bring people together.
I invite you to learn more about IDEAL and explore how our school can bring out the best in your child.
Sincerely,
Janet Wolfe
Head of School