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 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 equine care and handling. Beneficial nature-based activities also include horticulture therapy including greenhouse and garden work, and outdoor exploration/adventure learning. 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.