Our Approach
Our School
Nurturing confidence, curiosity, and character
At The Children's Academy, we partner with families to nurture confidence, curiosity, and character so every child can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Children's Academy provides rigorous, language-based learning in classrooms with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist is part of every classroom's teaching staff for all K-12th grade classrooms, ensuring meaningful, therapeutic language assistance is seamlessly integrated throughout the day. Occupational therapy is integrated into students' day via individual sessions, weekly groups, and daily push-in sessions to build gross motor, fine motor, handwriting, and technology skills. A hallmark of our approach is grouping students into the same skill-based levels for their academic subjects, allowing staff to meet each student where they are.
The Breakdown
Rigorous, language-based learning in small classrooms with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). A licensed Speech & Language Pathologist is part of every classroom's multi-disciplinary teaching staff, providing individual and group therapy as well as academic support across the day. Students benefit from individualized attention within group learning, individual and group occupational therapy, and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our 12-month academic program runs 9am-3pm daily, with daily small-group learning (3-5 children) for core academics, annual academic and therapy evaluations, and arts & recreational after-school programming.
Our Model
At the heart of The Children's Academy is our 6:2:1 model — six students, two teachers, and one dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist in every classroom. This intentionally low ratio is the foundation of everything we do, ensuring each child receives the individualized attention, language-based instruction, and therapeutic support they need to thrive. With Manhattan as our canvas, the 6:2:1 model allows our educators and therapists to set high expectations while meeting every student exactly where they are. Beyond reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, this small-group structure gives us the flexibility to weave art, field trips, and daily living skills into lessons. Within the 6:2:1 framework, each student receives individualized speech and OT and participates in Social-Emotional Learning classes using the Social Thinking curriculum. 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. We are not a one-size-fits-all environment.
Our Academic Program
Our educational philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practices and a commitment to meeting students where they are. We provide a rigorous, comprehensive academic program aligned with state standards while recognizing the diverse needs of our students. Our reading program uses iReady and Magnetic Reading, grounded in the science of reading, with explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. As students progress, English Language Arts focuses on reading comprehension and higher-level thinking through a Read, Think, Talk, Write model. Our math program, powered by HMH Into Math, integrates whole-class, small-group, and computer-assisted learning. Assessment data drives instruction, allowing us to identify each student's strengths and tailor learning. Whether a student works above, at, or below grade level, we provide modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology so every student can access the curriculum at their own level.
High School & Life After Children's Academy
We remain steadfast in prioritizing each student's academic and therapeutic needs through an individualized approach. As a New York State Board of Regents Registered High School, Children's Academy allows students to earn academic credits toward New York State diplomas or commencement credentials, which may transfer to their next school. For students whose journey includes earning a high school diploma, their time here serves as an essential stepping stone toward a college preparatory program. Preparing students for life beyond high school is central to our mission. Our team works closely with students, families, teachers, and community partners to develop individualized transition plans tailored to each student's strengths, interests, and goals, whether they pursue higher education, the workforce, or vocational training. Through partnerships with local businesses, colleges, and community organizations, students gain real-world experience and explore career pathways. To learn more or schedule a meeting, please contact the school office.
