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.
Quick Stats (2022)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Students: 201 students
- Yearly Tuition: $44,935
- Acceptance rate: 41%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Rankings
The IDEAL School of Manhattan 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
Year Founded
2006
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
201 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
64%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
67 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
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)
(Logo polo shirt required for all except high school)
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$44,935
Tuition Notes
The tuition for The IDEAL School’s Standard Program is $44,935. The Zenith Program is $73,150 and the Dylan Program is $135,850.
% on Financial Aid
60%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$30,000
Acceptance Rate
41%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lori Murphy
Admissions Associate
Alexa Arata
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking, Fashion, Glee Club, Joke Club, Ultimate Star Wars, Yoga
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Music, Studio Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Golf, Volleyball
Baking, 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.
School Reviews
5 1/27/2021
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.
5 1/22/2021
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.
5 12/9/2020
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.
5 2/21/2019
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.
Endorse The IDEAL School of Manhattan. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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