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ACADEMICS WEST

We are an independent high-support college preparatory program embracing the most innovative tools to help students with learning and social-emotional differences blossom into productive self-valuing adults.
At Academics West, we view every student as a hero meant for great things.
We strive to empower each student by harnessing evidence-based tools to teach our kids how to be effective lifelong learners.
We invite you to participate in our amazing journey.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 80 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $89,000
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

ACADEMICS WEST ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Yes
Year Founded
2011
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
80 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
ACADEMICS WEST Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
5 students
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Summer Program Cost Notes
Courses are also available a la carte. Tuition is prorated based on number of courses and services included in individualized program.
% on Financial Aid
5%
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Eleanor Wefing

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art, Robotics, Sports Club, Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:
Music

School Notes

Students Who Are/ Who Experience:
  • 2E
  • Neurodiverse
  • ADHD
  • Chronic Social-Emotional Struggles
  • Mild to Moderate Learning Differences
  • School Avoidance
  • College-bound
  • In need of an alternative pathway to a college/vocational setting.
Students Who Need:
  • Social-Emotional Support
  • Executive FunctioningRemediation
  • A Small Class Structure
  • After-Care Placement/Credit Recovery
  • A Flexible Academic Program
  • A Gender-Affirming Environment
Academic Curriculum:
  • New York State Common Core
  • Testing for progress throughout the year(reading, writing, math)
  • Small class sizes (5:1:1 and 10:1:1)
  • Individualized approach to learning
  • Independent study
  • Credit-bearing internships
Available Support Services:
  • Individual Therapy/Group Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Yoga & Mindfulness
  • Executive Functioning Support Program
College Preparatory Program:
  • 100% of college applicants have matriculated
  • College Transition Classes
  • Comprehensive College Guidance Support
  • Customized Transition Program ("Gap Year")
  • Alternative/Vocational Preparation
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ACADEMICS WEST cost?
ACADEMICS WEST's tuition is approximately $89,000 for private students.
What schools are ACADEMICS WEST often compared to?
ACADEMICS WEST is often viewed alongside schools like Aaron School K - 12 by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of ACADEMICS WEST?
The acceptance rate of ACADEMICS WEST is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. ACADEMICS WEST's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Does ACADEMICS WEST offer a summer program?
Yes, ACADEMICS WEST offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does ACADEMICS WEST offer?
ACADEMICS WEST offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Track and Field and Weightlifting.
What is ACADEMICS WEST's ranking?
ACADEMICS WEST ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for ACADEMICS WEST?
The application deadline for ACADEMICS WEST is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
A unique place. Made me a better person. Loved the teachers there.
- Posted by
5  
At first, I was shy and didn't know stuff. I wasn't in school for a while, and it was strange coming. But everyone was so nice, and it was like a family. All ages are together. Like a big family. Wish I was still there.
- Posted by
5  
Place is small and nurturing. Teachers all care tremendously about the students. Sometimes there is a disconnect with admin, but I think it has gotten better. I would recommend it to parents looking for a school like this.
- Posted by
5  
Had my daughter here for 5 years. Staff are amazing! They understood her needs and helped her realize that her deficits didn't define her. We ended up leaving after middle school, but we would have stayed. We ended up moving out of state. Wonderful, dedicated staff and her peers had their own challenges, but she made some good friends.
- Posted by
5  
Academic West provides an inclusive and caring setting for kids who may be struggling elsewhere. So happy to have found this unique and special program.
- Posted by
5  
I didn't graduate from there. I stayed till 11th and then went to another school. But I really loved that place and have great memories of the teachers there. They actually cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. Now I am at college doing pretty well, and I don't think I would be here without Academics West. Nothing else to say, but I needed them badly then. Thanks!
- Posted by
5  
I love teaching, and teaching kids who struggle is an incredible event for me. When they have the all of a sudden I got it moment, it is the reason why I teach. Academics West students are great students who have been in schools that force them to do it there way. At Academics West, we are able to meet the student where they are because it is so individualized. It is a special place, and I highly recommend it for any family to consider.
- Posted by
5  
Great place and a wonderful caring community. Students who come here learn about themselves (strengths and weaknesses) and develop strategies to be successful in school and beyond.
- Posted by
5  
Great school. Small, and the teachers care more than any place I went to. I was there for about 3 years. I have really bad ADHD and hate going to school. It is a chill place, and I made some good friends. Def recommend it if you want a small place where people actually want to help you. You are not just a number.
- Posted by
5  
Been a parent of Academics West for two years now and am so impressed by the level of sophistication and competence of the staff here. My son has grown so much, both emotionally and academically over the last two years and I'm so grateful to have found a school that values education AND mental health. My child's confidence has improved so much since he's worked on his executive functioning and poor reading abilities, and can now read at grade level and remember where he last put his assignments! He has amazing peers, therapists, and teachers that do understand his needs and want to see him succeed.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 80 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $89,000
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $46,046 for elementary schools and $49,300 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 62% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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