School Bio

Cooke School (grades K-12) serves students with mild-to-moderate cognitive or developmental disabilities and severe language-based learning disabilities. A multi-faceted curriculum—focused on integrating academics, life skills, and social/emotional growth—is taught in small classes of eight to 12 students. Our teachers and therapists instruct students within appropriately-structured and supportive settings to build on each student’s strengths and developmental needs. We offer a specialized high school that meets a critical need in New York City by offering superior, individualized special education not accessible to most high school students with special needs. Cooke Upper School is recognized for its rigorous academics and integrated therapeutic programs, which offer students the opportunity to develop academic, social, vocational and adaptive living skills at a pace best suited to their individual needs and abilities. Upper School students participate in off-site education activities with dozens of community partners and select internship placements that match their unique strengths and interests. Students also develop their independent living skills, from navigating public transportation, to banking and grocery shopping, to preparing meals and doing laundry in the school’s Daily Living Lab. Our school building (1713 Madison Avenue) was designed to promote learning from the early years up through preparation for high school. The school houses a science lab, art studio, movement spaces with traversing walls, rooftop garden, and playground.