Private School Spotlight: Manhattan Star Academy
Our second installment of school spotlight articles features Manhattan Star Academy, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, NYC. This private, special education school provides services for children with global developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language delays, and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
A Unique Model
Manhattan Star Academy takes a holistic approach, focusing on cognitive, intellectual, and social development as well as building up students’ mental and physical health.
The school combines a student-specific, tailored education program with a mix of adult-led and peer-led instruction — borrowing components from the Montessori philosophy. This learning model supports the acquisition of social skills (particularly important for this student profile) in addition to academic skills.
Specialized Supports & Programs
In addition to the wide array of supports offered, Manhattan Star Academy utilizes the Handwriting Without Tears and Get Set for School programs — both of which are appropriate for children in the school’s target demographic.
Manhattan Star Academy also has a fantastic sensory gym, and as a result, can offer adaptive physical education (APE). Cooking and yoga classes, which help build life skills, are also offered.
Perhaps the most distinctive (and impressive) aspect of this school is the layout of the physical space. The main floor is a barrier-free environment — there are no dangerous architectural features or unsafe pieces of furniture. Children can move freely in a safe space.
Moreover, the environment is also a learning tool. There are small and subtle details incorporated in the environment designed specifically for the children. For example, every wall surface is custom-built for sensory stimulation. Children can rub their hands along the wall and feel nubs or waves. Similarly, the acoustics in the hallway are very muted. And in the event that a student gets overstimulated, there are built-in nooks for children to take a break and relax in.
Lastly, the outdoor space is beautiful (and unique for a Manhattan school!). Outdoor time as well as physical education classes are held on the expansive terrace.
Marc and I work with families to find the best possible placement — a very individualized process. For some families, an environment like Manhattan Star Academy would best meet their child’s needs. If you are looking to send your child to a school like MSA, yet are struggling to make it work financially, feel free to contact us and we can help walk you through the tuition reimbursement process.
Jonathan Gottlieb
Partner
195 Montague Street
14th Floor
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
Jonathan@GottliebFirm.com
(646) 820-8506