Cooke School is a private special education school serving New York City students, ages 5 through 21, with mild to moderate cognitive or developmental disabilities that impact their acquisition of academic, social and daily living skills. Our school is also very effective for students with language-based learning disabilities that significantly impact their development of academic and social skills. To register
Cooke has a proud history of adapting to changes in the special education environment to address a broader range of student disabilities and evolving parent interests. We draw from a variety of empirically-grounded methods and develop new instructional techniques that succeed with our unique mix of students. We encourage families to be partners in their children`s education and growth towards independence and welcome their input on program offerings. We innovate by incorporating experiential learning within and outside classroom walls, multi-disciplinary programming, alternative interventions, and transition-to-life planning and programming.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Yearly Tuition: $95,500
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Cooke School & Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Cognitive or developmental disabilities and language-based learning disabilities
Year Founded
1987
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
333 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
54%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
68%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$95,500
Tuition Notes
Funding available
Summer Program Cost
$13,650
Summer Program Cost Notes
Funding available
Acceptance Rate
20%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Billy English
Admissions Associate
Gail Gerzetic
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Musical Theater, Poetry Club, School Store, Student Council, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Anime Club, Art Studio, Chorus
Musical Theater, Poetry Club, School Store, Student Council, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Anime Club, Art Studio, Chorus
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cooke Lion
- Cooke School is a private special education school serving New York City students, ages 5 through 21, with mild to moderate cognitive or developmental disabilities that impact their acquisition of academic, social and daily living skills. Our school is also very effective for students with language-based learning disabilities that significantly impact their development of academic and social skills. To register
- Cooke has a proud history of adapting to changes in the special education environment to address a broader range of student disabilities and evolving parent interests. We draw from a variety of empirically-grounded methods and develop new instructional techniques that succeed with our unique mix of students. We encourage families to be partners in their children`s education and growth towards independence and welcome their input on program offerings. We innovate by incorporating experiential learning within and outside classroom walls, multi-disciplinary programming, alternative interventions, and transition-to-life planning and programming.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Cooke School & Institute cost?
The Cooke School & Institute's tuition is approximately $95,500 for private students and $13,650 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Cooke School & Institute?
The acceptance rate of The Cooke School & Institute is 20%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. The Cooke School & Institute's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Does The Cooke School & Institute offer a summer program?
Yes, The Cooke School & Institute offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Cooke School & Institute offer?
The Cooke School & Institute offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Cheering.
What is The Cooke School & Institute's ranking?
The Cooke School & Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for The Cooke School & Institute?
The application deadline for The Cooke School & Institute is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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