Best Special Needs Schools in Brewster, New York (2026)

Green Chimneys School is a New York State approved 853 school that combines academic, behavioral, and emotional support in one comprehensive learning environment. Our program is designed for students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional educational setting and benefit from a highly structured, therapeutically supportive experience. We help each child build new skills and confidence with the goal of returning to their home school district with the best chance of success. Our signature nature-based approach sets us apart. Across 550 combined acres with a working farm, gardens, and outdoor adventure spaces, students learn alongside more than 300 animals and wildlife in a program that draws on the healing power of human-animal contact. A high staff-to-student ratio, on-site clinical services, and experienced special education professionals allow us to identify and build upon each student's strengths. Green Chimneys serves more than 80 school districts across New York State and parts of Connecticut, with most students coming from Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties. The Brewster Campus serves day and residential students in grades 2 through 12, and the Clearpool Campus in Carmel provides smaller classes for day students in grades 4 through 8.