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

Gersh Autism Academy is a specialized educational institution dedicated to empowering children on the autism spectrum. With over 30 years of experience, the academy's core mission is to unlock potential and redefine possibilities for its students, providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic, social, and personal growth. The academy offers a comprehensive range of programs and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students, including: - K-12 education with individualized teaching strategies to support academic success. - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, recognized for its effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. - Occupational therapy to help students develop essential life skills, including gross motor, sensory motor, and executive functioning skills. - Vocational training that prepares students for independence in the workforce, including job skills training and internships with local businesses. - Life skills programs focusing on self-care, home management, and community integration to promote independence. - Social skills development through classes, community outings, and real-world interactions to enhance communication and relationship-building abilities. - Early intervention services that begin as soon as a diagnosis is made, setting the foundation for future success. What sets Gersh Autism Academy apart is its commitment to lifelong support for students and families. The academy fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring that graduates remain connected and supported even after leaving the program. With a focus on individualized care, small student-teacher ratios, and a collaborative approach to education, Gersh Autism Academy is dedicated to helping each child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Private school

Juniors and seniors from 18 school districts in the Babylon, Smithtown and Huntington townships spend half of each school day at Wilson Tech and the other half at their home high school, riding a bus between the two. Our Huntington campus is one of several Western Suffolk BOCES career and technical education sites, and students sign up through their home school counselor. Huntington offers Construction Electricity, Graphic Design and Animation, Computer Game Design, Dental Chairside Assisting, Medical Assisting, Veterinary Medical Assisting, Early Childhood Education, Esthetics, and Diversified Career and Technical Education. Students learn in hands-on labs and can use our job placement services. We also run CTE Skill Programs, which follow the same curriculum at a moderate pace in a smaller setting: auto technology, business and computer, construction, culinary, electronics and robotics, graphic arts, health care and medical assisting, and small animal care. Exploratory Programs in hospitality and office procedures and in retail and customer service give students who need a more individualized curriculum and structured setting steady practice with workplace skills. Students move up to the next level as they progress.

• Public career and technical education center (grades 11-12)
• Career and technical education
• Health careers
• Small class settings