The IDEAL School of Manhattan

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.
We strive to develop students who are intellectually curious, independent, and creative; are self-confident, have self-respect, and are willing to take risks; possess a sense of social responsibility toward their school and the community at large and are prepared to be responsible, productive citizens, and ethical and compassionate human beings.
IDEAL is moving to a new building specifically renovated to be a model of inclusion and accessibility. Beginning in September 2023, The IDEAL School of Manhattan will be located at 5 Hanover Square in the Financial District.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

The IDEAL School of Manhattan ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
We serve students with a wide array of abilities and learning profiles, including students with learning disabilities, language-based impairments, physical disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive delays.
Year Founded
2006

Student Body

Total Students
176 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
77%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
The IDEAL School of Manhattan Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
4 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Spanish, AP Statistics, English Honors
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Logo polo shirt required for all except high school

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
The tuition for The IDEAL School’s Standard Program is $51,278. The Zenith Program is $87,362 and the Dylan Program is $155,027.
% on Financial Aid
36%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$46,000
Acceptance Rate
41%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Hilary Smith
Admissions Associate
Alexa Arata

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking, Drama Club, Fashion, Glee Club, Joke Club, Ultimate Star Wars, Yoga

Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Music, Studio Art

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Golf, Volleyball

School Notes

  • The IDEAL School Of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.
  • We strive to develop students who are intellectually curious, independent, and creative; are self-confident, have self-respect, and are willing to take risks; possess a sense of social responsibility toward their school and the community at large and are prepared to be responsible, productive citizens, and ethical and compassionate human beings.
  • IDEAL is moving its campus to 5 Hanover Square in the Financial District starting in 2023-24. The self-contained five floors will be a model of accessibility and inclusion, uniting all of our students in one building.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The IDEAL School of Manhattan cost?
The IDEAL School of Manhattan's tuition is approximately $51,278 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The IDEAL School of Manhattan?
The acceptance rate of The IDEAL School of Manhattan is 41%, which is lower than the national average of 79%. The IDEAL School of Manhattan's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The IDEAL School of Manhattan offer?
The IDEAL School of Manhattan offers 6 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is The IDEAL School of Manhattan's ranking?
The IDEAL School of Manhattan ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for The IDEAL School of Manhattan?
The application deadline for The IDEAL School of Manhattan is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Calendar

View the The IDEAL School of Manhattan yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Spring Break
March 18, 2024 (Monday)
Spring Break
March 19, 2024 (Tuesday)
Spring Break
March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)
Spring Break
March 21, 2024 (Thursday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2024 (Friday)

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
Our last school, our third school in just 4 years, informed me that they could not provide sufficient services moving forward. My child, quite bright and outgoing, was not progressing. At 10 years of age and 4th grade he barely read at a 1st grade level. The gap was not closing, and his frustrations were escalating. I was at a loss.His former school gave me options, sending me on a wild goose chase to dozens of interviews and applications in the tri-state area. Finally, a counselor pulled me aside one day and said, "well, there is this other school, it is an inclusion school." I rolled my eyes, thinking how silly to think that kids with so many abilities could be in a classroom together. How would my child progress? But, upon my first visit, where I left in tears, I learned that it not only works, it thrives.As a country we are finally looking at diversity and inclusion as a priority. IDEAL is an institution that is leading the next generation in this effort. My child not only receives the necessary services moving him forward to close his gap, but is pushed to become an empathic strong leader that understands inclusion and how to implement it into our world. On top, he has the most individualized attention we have ever received. My son used to hold my leg crying and beg not to go to school. Now, he jumps to go, happy and engaged, and most importantly, he feels safe. He is seen and understood.The IDEAL school is NOT the other school, but rather it is THE school. I suspect that many other schools will seek to emulate its structure over the next decade. The children enrolled now will be ahead of their time as leaders and innovators.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter is a First grader at Ideal, and this is her second year at the school. In the beginning i wasn't quite sure this would be the best choice for my child but in the time since. I have seen how she has come out of her shell, a d grown in confidence. She loves her teachers and the friends she has made. The teachers are wonderful and committed to the students, and this reflects in the children. I can see how they flourish and become outgoing when they are treated with respect by their teachers and their peers. Any doubts that I had are behind me and I couldn't be happier that this was the right choice for us.
- Posted by
5  
My son is thriving at The IDEAL School because of its inclusive approach, with half of its student population being neurotypical mainstream and the other half having different abilities. It is academically rigorous - very much a college prep school in that regard, and yet it meets every student's needs. The teachers and staff have impressive backgrounds with my son creating a close relationship with each of them - critical to any student but even more so with a neurodiverse population. The small grade size (there are only 15 students in my son's grade) makes it a premiere school. Tough to get into this school (many of our friends' children did not get in) so apply early.
- Posted by
5  
I have had wonderful experiences at The Ideal School. My son with Autism now speaks, jokes around, ask questions and even makes suggestions on daily activities. The teachers are always willing to assist with class work and homework. And the school reflects often on their curriculum and student assistance. I couldn`t be happier.
- Posted by

Endorse The IDEAL School of Manhattan. 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)

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $42,877 for elementary schools and $48,288 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links