a co-ed, independent, inclusion school for grades k-12+

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Welcome to The IDEAL School of Manhattan's Scholarships and Financial Aid page! At IDEAL, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to our transformative educational programs, regardless of financial circumstances. We understand that investing in your child's education is a significant decision, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

APPLY TODAY

Tuition, Financial ASSISTANCE, AND REIMBURSEMENT

Our approach to financial aid varies depending on the program your child is enrolled in, ensuring that families have access to the support they need:

For Students Enrolled in the Standard Program: Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • Families with students enrolled in our standard program may apply for scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition.

  • Our financial aid program is designed to make an IDEAL education accessible to families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Tuition for students in the standard program is $55,997.

For Students Enrolled in the Zenith and Dylan Programs: Reimbursement from the DOE

  • Students enrolled in our Zenith and Dylan Programs are eligible to seek reimbursement from the Department of Education (DOE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Families seeking reimbursement are eligible for an Amended Tuition Payment Plan (ATPP) that allows families to pay toward their contract at a level affordable for them while they await the reimbursement decision.

  • We work closely with families to navigate the reimbursement process and ensure that they receive the support they need to provide their child with an exceptional education. A list of lawyers that our families work with is available upon request.

  • Tuition for students in the Zenith Program is $95,401. Tuition for students in the Dylan Program is $169,294.

Scholarships

The IDEAL Scholarship 
All prospective Standard Program students, Grades K-8, are eligible and considered for The IDEAL Scholarship, irrespective of need. The IDEAL Scholarship is a merit-based award that can also be combined with a financial aid award to offset tuition costs. For the 2024-25 school year, The IDEAL Scholarship will cover 75% of tuition. IDEAL Scholars are selected by IDEAL admissions personnel and the Head of School on an annual basis. We will evaluate students to identify those who go above and beyond the qualifications for admission, for a unique connection to, passion for, and/or ability to contribute toward one or more of the school’s core values. This evaluation will include the applicant’s essay answers in the written application, personal and family interviews, recommendations, school observations, and any supplemental or portfolio material submitted in support of the application. The IDEAL Scholarship renews annually until the recipient graduates from Grade 8, as long as the recipient continues to meet the school’s academic and community standards.

The Open Door Scholarship 
The Open Door Scholarship is a full scholarship that supports students currently enrolled in the Standard Program whose families could not otherwise sustain an IDEAL education. The Open Door Scholarship is awarded to students in Grades 2-8 who have been enrolled at IDEAL for at least three years, who have demonstrated a unique commitment to or passion for one or more of the school’s core values, and whose families have demonstrated financial need. It covers 100% of the school’s tuition for a small number of students each year.

Whether you're seeking scholarships, financial aid, or reimbursement, our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and provide assistance every step of the way. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and we're committed to partnering with families to make that vision a reality.

To apply for scholarships, financial aid or an amended tuition payment plan please follow this link to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS), a service of NAIS, to complete the Parent Financial Statement. The school code for IDEAL is 4255.

APPLY TODAY

DOE REIMBURSEMENT

Tuition Reimbursement for Placement Made by Parents in a Private School

  1. You have the right to a free appropriate public education for your child.

  2. If you are the parent of a child who previously received special education programs and/or services through the school district and you place your child in a private school, you are responsible for the cost.

  3. However, if you can prove at an impartial hearing or State-level court appeal that the school district did not provide your child with a free appropriate public education in a timely manner prior to that enrollment in private school and that the school you choose is appropriate to meet your child’s educational needs, the school district may be required to reimburse you for the cost of the placement.

  4. Your reimbursement may be denied or reduced if you do not:
    a) Inform the school district at the most recent CSE or CSPE meeting you attend that you are rejecting the placement proposed by the school district and state your concerns and that you will be placing your child at a private school at public expense, or
    b) Provide the school district with written notice of at least ten business days prior to placing your child in the private school. Note that there are exceptions for special circumstances.

  5. If the school gave you written notice prior to your removing your child from public school that it wants to evaluate your child, you must make your child available for the evaluation. If you refuse to make your child available, any request for tuition reimbursement may be reduced or denied.

  6. If you do not inform the school district or make your child available for the evaluation, or if there are other unreasonable actions on your part, an impartial hearing officer or court may reduce or deny the reimbursement of costs of the private school for your child.

Source: The University of the State of New York
The State Education Department
VESID
Albany, NY 12234

 
The IDEAL School of Manhattan does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance, and other school-administered programs.