At a Glance
A specialized autism program where small classes and individualized support define daily life
Families with children on the autism spectrum (ages 5-12) who need a specialized, therapeutic classroom environment with evidence-based autism programming and highly individualized IEP-driven instruction. Best when local district recommend a non-public school placement or when a family wants a dedicated autism program over integrated classroom options.
- STAR Autism Program — an established, research-backed autism intervention
- Small class sizes with high adult-to-student ratios
- Full-day preschool program NYSED-approved
- Creative Curriculum and HealthSmart curricula integrated into special education framework
- School is NYSED Chapter 853 approved, the regulatory standard for private special education
- Tuition of $46,157 is significant but typical for specialized private special education
- Only serves students with autism ages 5-12 — not a fit for students with other disabilities
- Limited public parent feedback available — you're relying heavily on your own tour and conversations with staff
- Southern Staten Island location means commute can be lengthy depending on where you live on the island
- Rolling admissions means you can apply anytime, but spaces may be limited
A Chapter 853-approved private special education school serving students with autism spectrum disorder in grades K-5, with a preschool program also available
This is a tight-knit community of families who have children with similar learning profiles — many have navigated the special education system and chose a dedicated autism program over a integrated classroom. Parent feedback is limited but warm, with families describing the staff as becoming like family.
Tottenville-Charleston sits on the southern tip of Staten Island, a residential area known for its quiet, suburban feel and strong family community. It's one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Staten Island for housing, though families considering this school may be commuting from elsewhere on the island.
The school is located in a car-dependent area typical of southern Staten Island. Most families will drive, and transportation logistics — particularly getting a young autistic child across the island — are worth factoring into your decision.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
One parent review states: The staff at SI Prep have become family and I have no complaints regarding the educational process; I am truly grateful and thankful. However, only one parent review source is available.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Tottenville-Charleston.
- What grades does NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL serve?
- NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL?
- NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL in?
- NYSARC - STATEN ISLAND PREP SCHOOL is in Tottenville-Charleston, Staten Island.
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