Green Chimneys School

Green Chimneys School is a New York State 853 school with a therapeutic special education program incorporating academic, behavioral and emotional support in a comprehensive learning environment to help each child achieve new skills and confidence, and return to their home school district with the best chance of success.

Green Chimneys` philosophy is based on the belief that if children are given a chance to explore and discover their inherent strengths in a safe and structured nature-based environment, their self-esteem, compassion, coping and social skills will improve. Green Chimneys School offers a fully integrated approach that includes a complete staff of educators, clinicians, social workers, therapists, farm and wildlife experts, and outdoor specialists who are trained in social skills development, behavior management techniques to assist students in self-regulation skills, and crisis prevention and intervention.

Green Chimneys is uniquely a therapeutic day school, residential treatment center, and working farm. Nearly 250 students ranging in age from 5 to 17 attend Green Chimneys School daily, and about 100 of those students are residents, as well. The Brewster Campus serves day and residential students in grades 2-12. The Clearpool Campus in Carmel, NY provides smaller classes and a more intimate environment for day students in grades 4-8. Green Chimneys School is a year-round program.

Green Chimneys School offers:

• Enriched academic curriculum meeting New York State standards
• Experiential learning environment
• Innovative nature-based approach
• Focus on individual needs and abilities
• On-site clinical services and therapeutic support
• High staff-to-student ratio (12:1:2 or 8:1:2)
• Dedicated special education staff and intervention professionals

Green Chimneys is recognized as a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs. The Farm & Wildlife Center is home to over 300 animals and is a primary component of Green Chimneys` educational and therapeutic programs. Animal-assisted activities range from play with a dog, cat or rabbit during a session with a trained adult, to assisting with everyday tasks of feeding, grooming and collecting eggs, to comprehensive activities such as therapeutic horseback riding. Beneficial nature-based activities also include horticulture therapy including greenhouse and garden work, adventure activities, and a dog interaction and training program to help prepare rescued dogs for adoption. Over time, these interactions help children develop critical skills such as trust, self-esteem, empathy, emotional regulation and responsibility.

Referral is through a student's home school district and is reviewed by the Green Chimneys Admissions team who then works with parents, school districts, hospitals, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, medical doctors, advocates and/or attorneys to identify the needs of the student, and assess the appropriateness of the Green Chimneys educational and therapeutic program. Admissions are on a rolling schedule and referrals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.