The Whole Child Academy
The NEXT GENERATION of Special Education: Twice Exceptional Learning!
Authentic. Holistic. Organic. Discovery-based learning in a structured, warm environment.
Interest-based projects build motivation to succeed, stamina to persevere, and pride in achievement.
Our mission is to provide a cutting edge, clinically-integrated educational experience that raises the academic bar for highly capable students while building social and emotional strength and resilience to overcome their challenges.
Our 1:1 instructional model is augmented by daily opportunities to practice growing social and emotional skills. Individualized attention and academic instruction is informed by best practices of gifted education and clinical interventions, and designed to best satisfy your child`s individual capabilities, interests and growing levels of ability.
We are passionate about sharing the wonder and discovery of learning with all youth.
At Whole Child Academy, learning differences are celebrated and given room to flourish.
Friendships are built through mutual understanding, empathy and respect.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 25 students
- Average class size: 1 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Whole Child Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, ASD, PDA, Dyslexia, social emotional, sensory processing and executive functioning challenges, anxiety, depression
Year Founded
2016
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
25 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
1:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
1 students
Number of AP Courses
5 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Calculus, Global History
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Laurie Nordby
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Coding Club, Technology Club
Coding Club, Technology Club
School Notes
- We live by the truth that children will thrive when invited to thrive. They will be invested in their success when we are invested in them.
- Three cornerstones of healthy human development are autonomy, connectedness, and competence. Autonomous students take ownership of their work and their achievements. Connected students feel a deep sense of belonging to a greater learning community. Competent students trust that they will find solutions to challenges as yet undefined. The Whole Child Academy provides such an environment founded on a strengths-based approach to dreaming, learning and discovery. Imagine an education that challenges the mind but is not bound by the challenges of a mind that learns differently.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Whole Child Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, The Whole Child Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Whole Child Academy offer?
The Whole Child Academy offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Volleyball.
What is The Whole Child Academy's ranking?
The Whole Child Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Whole Child Academy?
The application deadline for The Whole Child Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 2/20/2022
We toured this school last month and are currently working with our district to send our son. After exhausting all options, we finally see a light at the end of a dark tunnel. He has done a few "shadow" days and what the staff does for these kids is mind-blowing. Dr. Richer is a determined woman who had a dream and it's a pleasure to see it become a reality. We have been following this school for 3 years but were hesitant since they are young. Call and ask for Tina. She is knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. She spent 2 hours on the phone with my wife and me during our initial call. Her enthusiasm is contagious. This has been a positive experience thus far and we look forward to continuing our journey.
5 9/15/2021
I know Dr. Richer, and her passion and brilliance. I wish we lived closer so my son could attend. She is truly one of a kind and ensures her staff is on the same page, gives their all, and stays dedicated to their students' success. If only we had more Dr. Richers in this world, it would be a dramatically different, more positive place for us all.
5 6/21/2021
Highly recommend taking a tour of this school. They are small but mighty. My child feels at home and has not been bullied once. Considering he was bullied every day, just this is a miracle. He is being challenged academically instead of just being pushed through. Our district settled for 100% of the tuition. It was a fight, but I would do anything for my boy. Happy to have found WCA.
5 5/26/2021
We recently toured this school and are excited about their expansion. It has a very warm feel with lots of love to share. Dr. Richer sat with us for 2 hours and gave us more information about my child's diagnosis than I have received in his lifetime. We have finally found our "people".
5 3/19/2021
Dr. Richer has a brilliant mind and undeniable passion for her students. Bravo!
5 1/15/2021
I had the pleasure of visiting the school for a virtual and then in-person tour. We were very impressed and look forward to hopefully sending our daughter in September. We were welcomed by happy faces from both the students and staff. The school has a cozy, warm feeling. My daughter has been through it all and our district simply can't handle her emotional challenges while still providing challenging academics. The future suddenly feels bright again. Thank you, Dr. Richer, for including us in your vision!
5 1/14/2021
This a wonderful place to work! It is a warm, supportive community that celebrates children with authentic learning experiences. Teachers really care about students here and learn how to reach them and make them shine.
5 12/3/2020
I highly recommend giving Dr. Richer a call and seeing if this school is a fit for your child. We have had outstanding success with our 2E son. Best of luck with your search.
5 12/3/2020
The Long Island Whole Child Academy has transformed my son. He has gone from surviving public elementary to thriving at The Long Island Whole Child Academy. Dr. Richer and her staff know their students at a level that goes above and beyond, and allows the child to soar under their guidance. I can not stress enough how high they bring a level of care and excellence to their entire philosophy of education. They truly understand the whole child.
Endorse The Whole Child Academy. 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
Recent Articles
Children With Learning Differences: How To Proceed
Facing the reality that your child has learning differences is never easy. But with a diagnosis from a qualified professional, and skilled experienced teachers who know how to remediate those differences, your child can learn to handle her differences. More here.
Enrichment Resources For Children Ages 10-14
I asked ChatGPT to list apps, YouTube Channels, and podcasts suitable for enriching the studies of students ages 10-14. (We'll look at resources for younger and older students in another article.)
February 13, 2023
Designing Assignments In The ChatGPT EraAI (Artificial Intelligence), specifically ChatGPT, poses some serious challenges for teachers. We explore the importance of teaching students how to attribute the work and ideas of others.
