Manhattan's Only Therapeutic College Prep Independent School
Manhattan's Only Therapeutic College Prep Independent School
We know that you are looking at top Manhattan schools. All offer small class sizes, excellent academics, sports, and a broad range of extra-curricular activities. Stevenson offers all this, and we go further. We have designed our program so that children challenged with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders can thrive, succeed and prepare for college.
Stevenson provides therapeutic support that informs every aspect of our work with adolescents. No other independent school in NYC does this.
The blending of three key program components makes a Stevenson education unique:
Stevenson offers the full suite of academic coursework expected from top college preparatory independent schools. Our course curricula are thoughtfully based on what universities expect, what leading schools do, and what a willingness to innovate can make possible. High-interest content promotes engagement and facilitates development. Principles of mindfulness and the language of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are incorporated into our classes.
Stevenson fills the cracks through which students too often fall. Before our students arrive each day, all faculty and clinical professionals meet to discuss students’ progress and immediate and ongoing needs. Our research-based therapeutic approach permeates all aspects of our program, informing everything from schedule design to daily instructional practices.
Faculty are also advisors, meeting with students at least three times a day. Advisors help students to develop and refine executive function skills and address immediate academic and social challenges. Short- and long-term goals are created and monitored for each student during advising sessions.
Teaching gifted adolescents who have not realized their potential involves special responsibilities. Teachers at Stevenson are sensitive to individual needs, but also provide the leadership and control necessary for students to feel secure. While setting clear limits, they accept their students sincerely and are quick to give recognition to every sign of effort and achievement.
Our teachers excel in their academic fields and are involved in ongoing training and supervision to enhance their pedagogical skills and psychological understanding. Ongoing professional development brings leading authorities in psychology and psychiatry to support skills-based coaching, teaching, and treatment. We provide specialized professional development in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for all teachers and specialists. We explicitly teach the language of emotions.
Stevenson’s school schedule is purposefully designed to be responsive to our students’ needs. We begin the day for students at 9:00 AM. This later start gives students more opportunity to get to school on time.
Our day is also paced so that students have no more than two classes in a row without at least a 15-minute break. In addition, there are built-in daily times when students can meet with teachers to receive additional personalized instruction.
Please check the COVID-19 news page on our website for more information and details.
Our Admissions Office is up and running! We are actively reviewing applications and are now holding remote interviews. Please email admissions@stevenson-school.org with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
