Top 10 Best Special Needs Schools in Staten Island, New York (2026)

The Seton Foundation for Learning, established in February 1985 through the dedication of parents seeking an alternative educational setting, serves children with special needs across three distinct schools: the Joan Ann Kennedy Memorial Preschool, the Mother Franciska Elementary School, and the Bishop Patrick V. Ahern High School. Catering to students from preschool age through high school, the foundation focuses on those with various diagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The educational approach is rooted in a child-centered philosophy that emphasizes individualized learning plans, therapeutic methodologies, and a nurturing environment designed to foster both academic and emotional growth. Each school provides a low student-teacher ratio, enabling personalized attention that is crucial for student success. Unique to Seton is its strong emphasis on family partnerships; staff members engage closely with parents to create a cohesive support system that extends beyond academics into social and emotional development. The schools also feature specialized facilities equipped with modern technologies and resources that enhance learning experiences, as well as opportunities for community engagement through events and outings. This comprehensive support network ensures that every child not only learns but thrives in a compassionate atmosphere where their individual needs are met with expertise and care.

The Lois and Richard Nicotra Early College Charter High School in Staten Island, NY, is dedicated to empowering students in grades 8 through 12, including those with special needs such as language-based learning disabilities. The school's core mission is to prepare students for future academic and professional success by integrating general education and special needs students in a supportive environment. Students have the unique opportunity to earn college credits at St. John's University while also gaining practical career skills through internships with local businesses, providing them with a significant advantage as they transition into higher education. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, offering a comprehensive wellness program that supports the diverse needs of its student body. What sets Nicotra Early College apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, fostering strong family partnerships, and creating an inclusive community that celebrates each student's journey toward achievement and personal growth.

Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School stands as a beacon of opportunity for students seeking a robust education that integrates academic rigor with practical career skills. Serving a diverse student body, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, the school is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. The core mission revolves around equipping students aged 14 to 21 with the tools necessary for success in both the workforce and higher education. At Ralph R. McKee, the educational approach is centered on hands-on learning through a variety of specialized programs. With eight distinct Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, students engage in fields such as Automotive Technology, Audio Engineering, Carpentry, and Graphic Design, among others. Each program is designed to provide not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The curriculum is enriched by strong partnerships with local businesses, offering valuable internship opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. What sets Ralph R. McKee apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and support for each learner. This nurturing environment is complemented by a strong emphasis on family involvement, creating a community where parents and guardians are active participants in their children's education. Additionally, the school hosts unique community events that celebrate student achievements and promote collaboration among families, educators, and local businesses. Through its comprehensive programs and supportive atmosphere, Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School empowers students to embark on successful career paths while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

P.S./I.S. 25R South Richmond High School is a NYC Public Schools special education cluster school with 23 sites across Staten Island. We serve about 600 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, or until age 21, in both standardized and alternate assessment programs. Our programs include day treatment, classes for students with autism, six work-study sites and seven inclusion sites in community intermediate and high schools. Our main building on Hylan Boulevard houses high school special education classes and the South Shore Day Treatment program. Classes run at 12:1:1, one special education teacher and one paraprofessional for 12 students, or 8:1:1 for students who need intensive supervision and behavior support. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and counseling are provided as related services. Work-study students earn a diploma part of the day and work the rest, in placements such as Staten Island University Hospital North, a snack stand at United Cerebral Palsy and a paraprofessional training program at our Sgt. Angel Mendez Early Learning Center. We prepare students for state exams, including Regents, PSAT and SAT, and compete in PSAL athletics.

Staten Island Academy is an independent co-educational day school serving students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all learners. The school's core mission emphasizes individualized education, particularly for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. Staten Island Academy employs innovative teaching methodologies, integrating therapeutic approaches that cater to the unique challenges faced by each student. With an average class size of just 16, educators are able to provide personalized attention and support, ensuring that every child's potential is recognized and nurtured. The school also prides itself on strong family partnerships, facilitating open communication between home and school to create a cohesive support system for students. Unique community events further enhance the educational experience, fostering connections among families and promoting a sense of belonging within the school community. This commitment to individualized care, coupled with specialized facilities and a focus on holistic development, sets Staten Island Academy apart as a leader in education for children with special needs.

Staten Island Children's Academy is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive educational environment for children with diverse learning needs, particularly those aged 3 to 21 who may have language-based learning disabilities or are twice-exceptional. The school's core mission revolves around fostering individual growth and academic success through tailored programs that integrate therapeutic methodologies such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills development. With a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, the academy ensures personalized attention that caters to each child's unique strengths and challenges. What sets Staten Island Children's Academy apart is its strong emphasis on family partnerships, enabling parents and guardians to play an active role in their children's education. Additionally, the school boasts specialized facilities designed to enhance learning experiences and hosts community events that promote inclusivity and engagement among students, families, and staff alike. This holistic approach not only cultivates academic achievement but also supports the social and emotional well-being of each student.

Staten Island Head Start was one of the first community agencies to deliver Head Start services in New York City, and President Lyndon B. Johnson praised our program's volunteers in a Rose Garden speech on August 31, 1965. Our Port Richmond Day Nursery at 166 Lockman Avenue is one of our four Staten Island facilities. We run Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms. Preschool classrooms follow the HighScope model, where children plan, carry out and reflect on their own activities, and our infant and toddler rooms use the HighScope Infant-Toddler curriculum across six content areas, from language and literacy to creative arts. We take part in QUALITYstarsNY, New York State's quality rating system for early childhood programs. Families are central to our program. Many of our staff are former Head Start parents, and we offer parents job training and literacy programs, a parenting curriculum and a men's group. Applications are available in English and Spanish, and our service area runs from Port Richmond and West Brighton to St. George, Stapleton and Dongan Hills.

Staten Island Technical High School is dedicated to nurturing the potential of its students through a robust college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes engineering and technology. Serving a diverse student body, the school focuses on fostering exemplary character, scholarship, service, leadership, and citizenship among learners. The mission is to create passionate, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in a multicultural global society. The school's approach integrates engaging academics with a variety of student activities, athletics, and community service, all designed to cultivate essential 21st Century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. By leveraging modern technologies and promoting ongoing professional development for faculty, Staten Island Technical High School ensures that students are equipped with the literacy and communication skills necessary for success in college and future careers. What sets Staten Island Technical High School apart is its commitment to equity and excellence, ensuring that every student has access to the supports and interventions they need to reach their fullest potential. The school fosters strong partnerships with families, encouraging active involvement in the educational process. With a focus on creating meaningful learning experiences and a culture of health and fitness, Staten Island Technical High School stands out as a nurturing environment where students can grow academically and personally.

The David Marquis School of the Arts is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around collaboration among students, educators, families, and community partners to ensure that every child can thrive academically and socially. Through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional learning and communication skills, the school employs innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. What sets the David Marquis School apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and a deeper understanding of each child's strengths and challenges. The school actively cultivates meaningful partnerships with families, ensuring that their voices are integral to the educational process. Additionally, the school hosts unique community events that promote engagement and celebrate the achievements of its students, reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride within the school community.

P.S. 62, The Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability, is a New York City public elementary school on Bloomingdale Road in Staten Island, serving Pre-K through fifth grade. Five core values shape daily life here: compassion, teamwork, leadership, curiosity and perseverance. Our teamwork motto is simple: together is better. Math follows the enVision program in every grade through a workshop model. Teachers model each lesson, students practice as a group and then work on their own, and those who need more help meet in small groups while others take on enrichment tasks. Literacy is taught through Reader's and Writer's Workshop, and we support multilingual learners and their families. Our Lighthouse Team organizes school-wide efforts such as our fall food drive, and students and families gather for our Harvest Parade on the school track. An NYCID aftercare program is available to our families, and our kindergarten through fifth graders take part in the city's NYC Kids Rise college savings program.