The IDEAL School of Manhattan

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.

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.

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.

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.