The IDEAL School of Manhattan Photo #6 - Members of the different High School basketball teams.

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 now offers 5-Borough accessibility at its new location, 5 Hanover Square in the Financial District.  IDEAL offers AP courses online through One Schoolhouse.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

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
172 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
64%
State avg.: 40%
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
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 $55,997. The Zenith Program is $95,401 and the Dylan Program is $169,294.
% on Financial Aid
36%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$50,000
Acceptance Rate
41%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Hilary Smith
Admissions Associate
Alexa Arata

Sports

Total Sports Offered
5 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking, Drama Club, Fashion, Glee Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Music, Studio Art

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Golf, Volleyball

School Notes

Academic Program and Support for Diverse Learners
IDEAL offers one inclusive academic program with three levels of support based on students' academic needs.
  • The Standard Program encompasses all elements of our differentiated curriculum and extracurricular program. All IDEAL students participate in advisory, receive additional help from their teachers, and can access our school counselor as needed.
  • The Zenith Program encompasses all elements of our differentiated curriculum and extracurricular program, as well as up to 180 minutes of related services, which include counseling, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. No student is pulled from core academic classes to receive therapy.
  • The Dylan Program encompasses all elements of our differentiated curriculum and extracurricular program, as well as up to 270 minutes of related services, which include counseling, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. No student is pulled from core academic classes to receive therapy. Students in our Dylan Program also have an associate teacher, a one-to-one specialist charged with ensuring that their assigned student is fully included in our program and community.
Community
In 2023, IDEAL relocated to a new building in the Financial District, where it occupies five self-contained floors that were completely designed and built to be models of accessibility and inclusion. The Lower School includes Grades K-5. The Upper School consists of a Middle School (Grades 6-8), a High School (Grades 9-12), and the postsecondary Next Steps Transition Program. Each division has its main classrooms on one floor of the building, starting with Lower School on the second floor, Next Steps on the third floor, Middle School on the fourth floor, and High School on the fifth floor. The school has a shared gym and multipurpose room, a nurse suite, and a Learning Center. The Lower and Upper School each have dedicated therapy suites, art, drama, and music rooms, and counselors.

The student body is culturally, economically, and academically diverse, reflecting the founders' vision of a school that is as dynamic and diverse as New York City itself. Learning within a diverse community cultivates a positive sense of self, empathy, and collaborative leadership skills within IDEAL students. IDEAL's High School provides a rigorous academic program, a variety of leadership opportunities, and an emphasis on social justice and the arts that together inspire students to strive for personal and academic excellence.

The student body includes 175 students, of whom 45% identify as African American, 23% identify as Caucasian, 16% identify as multiracial, 15% identify as Latinx or Hispanic, and 1% identify as Asian. 85% of the student body receives some form of financial aid or assistance. Within the Standard Program, 100% of students receive financial aid. Within the Zenith and Dylan Programs, the school is not able to offer financial aid but does offer amended payment plans, allowing families to pay smaller amounts each month based on need while they pursue reimbursement through the Committee on Special Education and the impartial hearing process in New York. 77% of families in the Zenith and Dylan Programs have an Amended Payment Plan.

The School by Division
IDEAL is an independent K-12+ inclusion school. The school currently enrolls 175 students and employs 110 faculty and staff members. Currently, there are 56 students in the Lower School (Grades K-5), 49 students in the Middle School (Grades 6-8), and 60 students in the High School (Grades 9-12). IDEAL offers a postsecondary 18-21 program, Next Steps. There are 7 students currently in that program. The average class size is 10 in the Lower School, 14 in the Middle School, and 10 in the High School. The student to faculty ratio is 3:1 in the Lower School and 4:1 in the Upper School. The school was opened in 2006, and graduated its first senior class in 2018.

Accreditations, Memberships, and Associations
High School Certificate of Registration from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New YorkK-12 Accreditation from the New York State Association of Independent SchoolsIDEAL holds an Absolute Charter, Grades K-12, from New York State and is accredited, Grades K-12, by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York also granted IDEAL its certificate of High School Registration in June 2018. The school is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York, the Guild of Independent Schools of New York City, and The Heads Network. IDEAL registered with the College Board in September 2017 as a Level II School to receive students' scores for AP, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT and to administer AP, PSAT/NMSQT. Additionally, the Level II code allows us to participate in AP Course Audit, to request College Board accommodations for students with disabilities, and to receive SAT and ACT publications. Our membership in One Schoolhouse's online independent school program increases student access to electives and AP classes (www.oneschoolhouse.org).
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 $55,997 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 5 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, 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 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

Inside DoDEA Schools: Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Inside DoDEA Schools: Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Explore the world of Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA), offering quality education to military families globally. Learn about their history, academic performance, teacher qualifications, and unique benefits for service members' children.
Overcoming the Tech Divide
September 23, 2024
Overcoming the Tech Divide
This comprehensive guide offers insights and strategies for educators, administrators, and policymakers to bridge the technology gap in education, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, tech-enabled learning experiences.
AI for Teachers: An Introduction
September 05, 2024
AI for Teachers: An Introduction
We provide practical steps for identifying and implementing AI tools that address specific classroom needs, focusing on solutions that save valuable prep time and are easy to learn. From widely adopted platforms to education-specific applications, discover how AI can enhance your teaching efficiency without overwhelming your schedule.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $45,938 for elementary schools and $49,604 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 62% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links