High School

Welcome to the IDEAL High School

Dear Students, Families, and Friends,

It is with great excitement – and a deep sense of purpose – that I welcome you to the High School section of our new IDEAL website. As I step into the role of Interim High School Head while continuing to serve as Head of School, I do so with pride in our community and immense optimism for what lies ahead.

IDEAL High School is as unique as the students who bring it to life each day. Here, our learners are known, seen, and celebrated for who they are. We believe in the power of individuality and the strength of diversity – not just as values, but as essential ingredients for a vibrant learning community. At IDEAL, students are empowered to be themselves, to value others, and to discover the ways in which their voices and choices can shape their futures.

What makes our High School exceptional is the way we partner with students and families to carve personalized, meaningful paths forward. Our academic program is intentionally flexible, with classes designed to align with students’ goals, strengths, and aspirations. Our teachers and therapists seem to know just how to help each student build upon their strengths, interests, and passions. Whether they are exploring rigorous coursework, collaborating on a submission to our annual Black Heritage Month Door Decorating Contest, playing on our small but mighty basketball team, practicing a new instrument for a High School band, or leading a Student Council initiative, IDEAL students are surrounded by a community that encourages curiosity, confidence, and creativity.

I invite you to explore this section of our website, which reflects the dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered nature of our High School. It’s a window into a learning environment where every student can thrive, and where being your full self is not only accepted – it’s celebrated.

Warmly,

Janet Wolfe
Interim High School Head
Head of School

Welcome High School Head Rachael Joe!

Rachael Joe will be IDEAL's new High School Head beginning in 2026-27

Originally from New Jersey, Rachael Joe spent her formative years in Louisiana, where a deep appreciation for inclusivity, resilience, and community helped shape her path in education. With nearly two decades of experience, Miss Joe’s career has spanned teaching and leadership roles across a wide range of grade levels and subjects.

After many years in the classroom, Miss Joe transitioned into school leadership, where she has championed innovative curriculum development and comprehensive systems of support for both students and educators. A strong advocate for personalized learning, informed in part by early experience with Montessori education, she believes deeply in tailoring instruction to individual strengths while fostering restorative, connected school communities.

Miss Joe is drawn to The IDEAL School of Manhattan’s commitment to inclusion, individualized learning, and emotional safety. In her leadership, she has worked to cultivate school cultures where students are known, valued, and challenged to grow, and where educators are supported in delivering responsive, student-centered instruction. She is excited to continue that work at The IDEAL School as she partners with faculty, students, and families to lead a high school community where compassion, rigor, and creativity come together to support every learner holistically.

In her personal time, Miss Joe enjoys traveling, spirited game nights, and exploring new corners of Harlem, where she lives.