Green Chimneys School

previous
Green Chimneys School Photo #1
next
Green Chimneys School Photo #1
Green Chimneys School is designed for students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional educational program and benefit from a small, structured and therapeutically supportive setting.
Small class sizes, high staff-to-student ratio, well-trained clinicians and educators, and a safe, therapeutic environment are just a few things that make Green Chimneys School the right choice for so many students with special needs.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1947
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
50%
State avg.: 41%

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling

School Notes

Green Chimneys School is a New York State 853 school with a therapeutic special education program incorporating academic, behavioral and emotional support in a comprehensive learning environment to help each child achieve new skills and confidence, and return to their home school district with the best chance of success.

Green Chimneys` philosophy is based on the belief that if children are given a chance to explore and discover their inherent strengths in a safe and structured nature-based environment, their self-esteem, compassion, coping and social skills will improve. Green Chimneys School offers a fully integrated approach that includes a complete staff of educators, clinicians, social workers, therapists, farm and wildlife experts, and outdoor specialists who are trained in social skills development, behavior management techniques to assist students in self-regulation skills, and crisis prevention and intervention.

Green Chimneys is uniquely a therapeutic day school, residential treatment center, and working farm. Nearly 250 students ranging in age from 5 to 17 attend Green Chimneys School daily, and about 100 of those students are residents, as well. The Brewster Campus serves day and residential students in grades K-12. The Clearpool Campus in Carmel, NY provides smaller classes and a more intimate environment for day students in grades 4-8. Green Chimneys School is a year-round program.

Green Chimneys School offers:

  • Enriched academic curriculum meeting New York State standards
  • Experiential learning environment
  • Innovative nature-based approach
  • Focus on individual needs and abilities
  • On-site clinical services and therapeutic support
  • High staff-to-student ratio (12:1:2 or 8:1:2)
  • Dedicated special education staff and intervention professionals

Green Chimneys is recognized as a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs. The Farm & Wildlife Center is home to over 300 animals and is a primary component of Green Chimneys` educational and therapeutic programs. Animal-assisted activities range from play with a dog, cat or rabbit during a session with a trained adult, to assisting with everyday tasks of feeding, grooming and collecting eggs, to comprehensive activities such as therapeutic horseback riding. Beneficial nature-based activities also include horticulture therapy including greenhouse and garden work, adventure activities, and a dog interaction and training program to help prepare rescued dogs for adoption. Over time, these interactions help children develop critical skills such as trust, self-esteem, empathy, emotional regulation and responsibility.

Referral is through a student's home school district and is reviewed by the Green Chimneys Admissions team who then works with parents, school districts, hospitals, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, medical doctors, advocates and/or attorneys to identify the needs of the student, and assess the appropriateness of the Green Chimneys educational and therapeutic program. Admissions are on a rolling schedule and referrals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for Green Chimneys School?
The application deadline for Green Chimneys School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
My son started at the Green Chimneys Clearpool campus He graduated and is going to Green Chimneys Brewster. Green Chimneys is amazing. Without them, we as a family would be lost.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter has been at Green Chimneys for 5 years. They have a great program awesome staff. She is on the honor roll and her special needs issues are much better. Glad we found them!
- Posted by
5  
Having worked at Green Chimneys after teaching in a NYC public school for 26 years, I am impressed and delighted at the level of care and support that these children receive.
- Posted by

Endorse Green Chimneys School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York is $21,426 for elementary schools and $27,565 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links