BIRCH FAMILY SERVICES - SUSSER

Teens with autism or developmental disabilities whose families are looking for a small, year-round, individualized high school program focused on independence, communication, and real-world life skills.

• Student-teacher ratio of roughly 6:1 gives each teen a level of attention that's rare even in other special education settings.
• 12-month program means schooling continues through July, which helps prevent the summer regression common for students with autism.
• Award-winning arts program with local exhibitions gives students a real venue for self-expression and public recognition.
• Unusual offerings like horticulture and student government extend learning beyond academics into real-life roles and routines.
• Multisensory, person-centered approach means goals and methods are built around each student rather than the other way around.

• This is a specialized placement for students with autism and developmental disabilities — it's not a general high school alternative.
• There is no subway access within walking distance, so logistics depend on bus, car service, or specialized transportation arranged through the school district or OPWDD.
• The posted tuition figure of $51,907 reflects the full cost of the program; in practice, families typically do not pay this out of pocket — it's funded through OPWDD, school district placements, and Medicaid, but the pathway varies by family.
• With only 80 students total across four grade levels, peer groups are small and social opportunities outside the program depend on what's arranged externally.
• Admissions are rolling rather than deadline-based, which is helpful for families whose needs arise mid-year.