Our School
We believe in the potential of every student and we do whatever it takes to help them reach their potential.
Children’s Academy provides rigorous, language-based learning in classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist is a part of every classroom’s teaching staff for all K – 12th grade classrooms. This ensures that meaningful and therapeutic language assistance is seamlessly integrated throughout the day no matter the class. Occupational therapy is integrated into students’ day as well via individual sessions, multiple weekly groups, and daily push-in sessions alongside classroom staff. Each classroom is supported by an occupational therapist to build students’ gross motor, fine motor, handwriting, and keyboard/technology skills.
A hallmark of our approach is grouping students into the same skill-based levels for their academic subjects. Throughout the day students are strategically paired with peers at their academic level, not necessarily their grade level. This approach allows staff to meet each student where they are, challenge them, and ensure each student learns at an appropriate pace. In addition to the academic benefits, this approach enhances self-esteem since no student is “pulled out” of class for a given subject.
The Breakdown
- Rigorous, language-based learning in small classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). Licensed Speech & Language pathologist (SLP) is part of every classroom’s multi-disciplinary teaching staff
- Individualized attention within group learning
- Family & community support
- Individualized evidence-based Transition Planning for life after high school
- Arts & recreational after-school programming available
- Individual speech and language therapy
- Individual occupational therapy
- Group occupational therapy (3-5 children)
- Group speech and language therapy (Language Arts & Schematic Play/Social Skills)
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- A dedicated SLP in each classroom who provides individual and group speech & language therapy as well as support academic instruction across the day
- An individualized plan is developed for each child with strategies and goals designed to meet the child’s academic and social need
- Student specific & appropriately challenging academic curriculum
- 12-month academic program, 9am – 3pm daily
- In house learning specialists who conduct yearly academic assessments
- Fine Motor group run by occupational therapist
- Daily small group learning (3-5 children) for core academics
- Annual academic evaluations and reports
- Annual Comprehensive speech and language and occupational therapy evaluations and reports
- Trained staff to address behaviors that may occur with children who have speech, language and sensory struggles
Our Model
Knowledge is Power
With Manhattan as our canvas, our language based learning model focuses on establishing the basis for educational and social development. We set high expectations. Our comprehensive and immersive curriculums ensure our students achieve their own academic success. In addition to learning reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, our team of educators and therapists work to ensure our students are utilizing art, field trips, daily living skills and more within their daily lessons. As our students progress through high school, they learn even more independence.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Academic Supports
To support and enhance our unique model, each student also receives individualized speech, OT, and participates in our SEL classes utilizing The Social Thinking curriculum. With the goal towards independence, we work with students in a variety of settings to achieve their individualized goals. In addition to SLP's and OT's our team also includes learning specialists, social workers, a transition guidance counselor, and a family resource specialist to help our children and their families.
Individualized & Interdiciplinary Educational Approach
We are confident your child can learn when approached the right way. If something doesn’t work, we keep trying until we find what does. To accomplish this, CA staff having training in a variety of teaching interventions and therapeutic modalities. We are not a one-size fits all environment.
Highly Qualified & Trained Staff
Each classroom has highly qualified teachers and speech therapists with advanced degrees and a commitment to helping the students reach their goals. Our intimate student-to-teacher ratio allows our staff to approach each student individually, ensuring they get the most out of their experience at Children’s Academy.
Family Partnerships Are Essential
We partner with families to set goals, track progress, and ensure students are learning, happy, and confident. At Children’s Academy, we have an open door policy – you have an open invitation to observe during the school day so we can work in concert with families to ensure your child is growing and learning. We are committed to collaboration with families so learning is seamless between home and school.
Whole Student Focus
School isn’t just about academics. Having friends, building confidence, and taking risks are important life skills. We take a holistic approach, ensuring we are developing happy and confident students who are prepared for life both in and out of the classroom.
Academics
Our Academic Program
At Children’s Academy our educational philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practices and a commitment to meeting students where they are in their academic journey. We believe in providing a rigorous and comprehensive academic program that is aligned with state standards, while also recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of our students.
Evidence-Based Approach
Our academic program is informed by the latest research and best practices in education. We continuously review and update our curriculum to ensure that it reflects current educational standards and research findings. By incorporating evidence-based strategies into our teaching methods, we strive to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
READING:
Our reading program utilizes a combination of iReady and Magnetic Reading, both of which are grounded in the science of reading. This evidence-based approach emphasizes the importance of explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension—the essential components of reading proficiency. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students learn to decode words, recognize sight words, and develop fluency in reading.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
As students progress, our curriculum shifts to English Language Arts (ELA) to focus on reading comprehension and higher-level thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, critical thinking, and making connections between texts and real-world experiences. Central to our reading and ELA instruction is the iReady program, which employs a consistent Read, Think, Talk, Write model to scaffold student learning. Through this model, students are guided through the process of reading, comprehending, discussing, and responding to texts and/or prompts verbally and in writing. Lessons are scaffolded to build students' confidence as they develop critical reading skills, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.
MATH:
Our math program is dynamic and engaging, and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in mathematics. Our math program, powered by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) Into Math, offers a comprehensive approach to instruction that integrates whole-class, small-group, and computer-assisted learning experiences. Into Math is a research-based program that is designed to meet the diverse needs of students and align with state standards. The program’s purposefully structured lessons provide teachers with the flexibility to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of individual learners. This model aligns with research indicating that students benefit from exposure to varied experiences that combine teacher-guided and small-group learning with digital math programs (Cheung & Slavin, 2013).
Meeting Students Where They Are
Assessment-Driven Instruction
Identifying and Building on Strengths
Modifications and Accommodations
We recognize that some students may require additional support or accommodations to access the curriculum. Our team of educators works closely with students, parents, and support staff to identify any necessary modifications or accommodations and ensure that each student has the tools and resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s through differentiated instruction, assistive technology, or specialized interventions, we are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Accessing the Curriculum at Their Level
Our goal is to ensure that every student can access the curriculum at their own level. Whether a student needs additional support to master a concept or is ready for more advanced coursework, we provide a range of resources and instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, we empower students to become confident, independent learners who are prepared for success in school and beyond.
Join Us in Academic Excellence
We invite you to explore our academic program further and discover how Children’s Academy is shaping the future through evidence-based instruction, personalized support, and a commitment to meeting the needs of every student. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to partnering with you on your child’s educational journey.
High School
As a New York State Board of Regents Registered High School, All Children’s Academy students are eligible to earn New York State diplomas or commencement credentials if they meet the eligibility criteria. Students are encouraged to meet the requirements for the most rigorous option possible.
All high schools must provide students with the opportunity to take credit-bearing courses in grades 9-12. Both Regents and Local Diplomas require students to earn 44 credits. Students who meet specific criteria may be eligible to earn the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) commencement credential or the Skills and Achievement commencement credential in lieu of a diploma. These credentials are NOT equivalent to a high school diploma and do not have credit or exam requirements. They do not guarantee qualifications in situations where a high school diploma is required. For more details about our High School Program and Course Offerings, please review our 2023-2024 Course Catalog.
LIFE AFTER CHILDREN’S ACADEMY
At Children’s Academy, we understand that preparing students for life beyond high school is a crucial part of their educational journey. Our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, and we are dedicated to supporting students as they transition into adulthood.
Transition Coordinator Support
Our Transition Coordinator plays a vital role in helping students and families navigate the transition from high school to post-secondary life. Working closely with students, families, teachers, and community partners, our Transition Coordinator develops individualized transition plans that are tailored to each student's unique strengths, interests, and goals. Whether a student plans to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or participate in a vocational training program, our Transition Coordinator provides guidance, resources, and support every step of the way.
Community Partnerships
We believe that successful transition planning requires collaboration and partnership with the broader community. Our Transition Coordinator works closely with local businesses, colleges, vocational training programs, and community organizations to provide students with access to a wide range of resources and opportunities. Through these partnerships, students have the chance to gain real-world experience, develop valuable skills, and explore potential career pathways.
