Vincent Smith School

Vincent Smith is Long Island's premier choice for gr. 1-12 students with language-based Learning Disabilities, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Auditory & Language Processing Disorders.
We offer: Small classes (avg. 5 students/class); Multi-sensory, differentiated instruction; Strong Home/School Connection; Social-Emotional Learning; On-site Speech, Reading, Counseling & Occupational Therapy.
Our curriculum benefits average to above-average students without behavioral issues who simply haven't yet reached their full potential in traditional schools.
Reading specialists are Wilson Reading-certified, a science-based reading program based on Orton-Gillingham. Core subject teachers are special-education certified.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 1-12
  • Enrollment: 52 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $64,850
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Taking Care of Kids with Special Learning Needs - 05/30/2020
    The Vincent Smith School on Long Island in New York serves youngsters with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Some of the children also have sensory disorders (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity ...moredisorder (ADHD) or school anxiety. Back in early March, In anticipation of the remote-learning model that he realized was bound to occur in all New York schools, headmaster John Baldi set a plan in motion to serve his kids, way before politicians announced that schools would close. Out of concern that a lack of continuity would irrevocably set back his extremely vulnerable students, Baldi had his teachers and students training on Zoom early on, so they could hit the ground running once the inevitable occurred. When it did, they were able to convert to online learning in a heartbeat.Today, he Zooms from one online classroom to the next, so that schedules and routines are maintained. He also makes sure that each student continues to receive much-needed therapeutic services like speech, reading, and occupational therapy. Without that, these kids could fall behind quickly and, in some instances, irrevocably. Knowing that parents need as much support as students, Baldi spends much of his time talking, texting, and emailing them. He has even taught some of them how to use Zoom, alleviating their frustrations, and calming their fears.Baldi is also working hard to make sure his kids know they are cared about and missed by their teachers. He created a feel-good video montage of educators from the school, telling the students they`re missed. He`s also working to make sure that the students` families, including extended family members, don`t feel left out, by keeping the school`s social media platforms full of photos of the school`s remote-learning classes.The Vincent Smith School motto: "We teach differently because every child learns differently." That`s never been more apparent than during this very different environment of distance learning, and Baldi has been living and breathing that motto every day. hide

Top Rankings

Vincent Smith School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Language & Auditory Processing Disorders, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, School Anxiety, ADHD
Year Founded
1924
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
52 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
96%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Vincent Smith School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
5 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Khaki pants or skirts, collared white or blue shirts

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
20221-2023 tuition for grades 1-12 includes ALL necessary related services--Reading, Speech, Occupational Therapy, Counseling, etc.
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
John Baldi - Head of School

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Anime, Board Games Club, Chess, Dance, PSAT/SAT Review, Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Music

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Badminton, basketball

School Notes

  • Vincent Smith School is Long Island`s premier college prep school for students in grades 1-12 seeking small, supportive classes or who need helpfor language-based learning differences like Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/Dysgraphia, Auditory & Language Processing Disorders, or School Anxiety.
  • Our curriculum benefits average to above-average students without behavioral issues who simply haven't yet reached their potential in traditional schools.
  • We provide an exceptionally warm and nurturing learning environment, specifically differentiated for personal growth as well as academic success. 85% of our HS graduates go on to college.
  • Our students learn self-discipline, self-advocacy, and self-respect. We emphasize personal responsibility as an integral part of our academic and social-emotional program. Related service specialists are full-time and on-site, providing Speech, Reading, Counseling, and OT in dedicated therapy rooms for all students who need services. Reading specialists are certified in the Wilson Reading System, a science-based reading program based on Orton-Gillingham. Core subject teachers are all special-education certified.
  • Vincent Smith School is a not-for-profit organization, chartered by the NYS Board of Regents and accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.As an independent school, we are free of many public school restrictions such as state tests and common core requirements. We value individual assessment over rigorous testing.
At Vincent Smith School, we teach differently because we know that every child learns differently.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Vincent Smith School cost?
Vincent Smith School's tuition is approximately $64,850 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Vincent Smith School?
The acceptance rate of Vincent Smith School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.
What is Vincent Smith School's ranking?
Vincent Smith School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Vincent Smith School?
The application deadline for Vincent Smith School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
The Vincent Smith school helped my child regain the confidence they lost in a typical school environment. The teachers' support and care and the kids' kindness helped reduce my son's anxiety. I would say it healed so much of the trauma he experienced from Public school. Mr. Baldi couldn`t be a better head of school. He is the heart and soul of the school and is incredible. Incredibly grateful for what they gave to my son and family.
- Posted by
5  
Arlene Wishnew was the head of the school. She was tough and fair and always had the student's best interest. Mr. Kline was the best. The teachers were very good and taught me to think for myself. I`ve had a few careers so far but I`ve learned how to get the most out of each.
- Posted by
5  
Vincent Smith, helped my daughter gain entrance into college where she did very well. This is a good , caring school with very professional and intelligent instructors and staff. It been 20 years since my daughter graduated, and we still speak fondly of this great school with a big heart. Hooray!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 1-12
  • Enrollment: 52 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $64,850
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Nassau County, NY is $21,638 for elementary schools and $26,197 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Nassau County, NY is 77% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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