The Shefa School is a Jewish community day school in Manhattan serving students in grades 1-8 who benefit from a specialized educational environment in order to develop their strengths while addressing their learning challenges. We specifically serve students with language-based learning disabilities who have not yet reached their potential levels of success in traditional classroom settings. Shefa is a pluralistic community school serving families across the range of Jewish involvement and observance.
Even among the excellent schooling options available to families, there existed an unmet need at the nexus of Jewish day schools and secular special education schools. Shefa fills this gap by offering families in the tri-state area a new choice: a school providing excellent research-based instruction to children with language-based learning disabilities that creates deep connections to Jewish community, culture, and traditions. At the Shefa School, students experience a comprehensive Jewish-values based education that prioritizes each individual child`s learning needs.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 1-8
- Enrollment: 207 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language Based Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia
Year Founded
2014
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
207 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
2%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Ilyssa Strauss
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
School Notes
- The Shefa School offers families a unique educational choice: high-quality, research-based instruction for children with language-based learning disabilities that is seamlessly integrated with Jewish community, learning, culture, and traditions. For students who have struggled to find a school where they can thrive, the search is finally over.
- Each child`sshefa- their abundance of unique gifts, talents, skills, and insights - is the launching point for an individualized instructional plan that fosters academic, social, and emotional competence and confidence. By celebrating a child`s strengths, encouraging their interests, and giving them the tools to overcome their challenges, we create a warm, supportive community, where students feel understood, accepted, and valued.
- Our Lower School and Middle School programs feature a low, 3:1 teacher-student ratio and expert small group instruction. Our comprehensive curriculum utilizes evidence-based multisensory instruction, including PAF (an Orton-Gillingham reading program), The Hochman Method (a writing program designed for students with learning disabilities), and Multisensory Math. Our Educational Leadership team is comprised of leaders in the fields of reading and writing, language development, special education, social-emotional learning, and Jewish Studies.
- We know that our students sometimes need a little extra help to achieve their academic goals. That`s why additional supports like speech-language and occupational therapy are embedded into our classrooms and curriculum. Our teachers collaborate with a variety of specialists to deliver instruction and design a comprehensive plan that provides each student with the skills and confidence that will empower them to succeed.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Shefa School offer?
Shefa School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Basketball.
When is the application deadline for Shefa School?
The application deadline for Shefa School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school and elementary school to Shefa School is Professional Children's School (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Abraham Joshua Heschel School (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
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Location
Miles
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Students
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