Inclusive NYC K-12 school specializing in support for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and learning differences
The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusive K-12 school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms the full identities of all students. Located in the Financial District, the school specializes in supporting students with a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and both language-based and non-language-based learning disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities.
The school offers specialized Learning Difference Programs and ADD/ADHD support within an environment that fosters academic excellence and creative leadership. With an average class size of 14 and a faculty where 85% hold advanced degrees, students benefit from highly qualified educators in a setting that encourages intellectual curiosity and risk-taking. For older students, the school provides access to AP courses online through One Schoolhouse.
IDEAL offers various program levels, including the Standard Program, the Zenith Program, and the Dylan Program, with tuition varying by program. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis and provides financial aid to approximately 36% of its students. Beyond academics, students can engage in diverse extracurriculars such as drama, studio art, and various athletic programs like basketball and volleyball.
At a Glance
TypeSchool with Special Program Emphasis
GradesKindergarten-12
Students172
Class Size14:1 ratio
Tuition$55,997
Fin. Aid36% receive aid
Est.2006
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
School Information
| School Type | School with Special Program Emphasis |
| Year Founded | 2006 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $55,997 |
| Tuition Notes | The tuition for The IDEAL School’s Standard Program is $55,997. The Zenith Program is $95,401 and the Dylan Program is $169,294. |
| Total Students | 172 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 95 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 85 |
| Average Class Size | 14 |
| Grades Offered | Kindergarten-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Hilary Smith |
| Admissions Associate | Alexa Arata |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Acceptance Rate | 41 |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 36 |
| Average Financial Aid Grant | $50,000 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 64 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Learning Difference ProgramsADD/ADHD Support
Learning Programs Supported
Language-based learning disabilitiesnon-language based learning disabilitiesdyslexiaADHDautismanxietyintellectual disability
Advanced Courses
Advanced SpanishEnglish Honors
AP Courses
AP Statistics
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Matriculation DataView data
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Badminton · Basketball · Cross Country · Track and Field · Volleyball |
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · Baking · Drama Club · Fashion · Glee Club · Arts and Music Programs: · Drama · Music · Studio Art · Recreational Athletic Programs: · Basketball · Golf · Volleyball |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| Offers Post Graduate Year | Yes |
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