At a Glance
A specialized Flushing program supporting children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan
Best suited for
Families of children or adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual/developmental disabilities who want a small, continuous, multidisciplinary program in the Flushing area.
What stands out
- Lifespan model — programs run from preschool (ages 3-5) through school age (5-21) and into adult day and evening services, providing rare continuity for families.
- Very small setting (46 students, 6.6:1 ratio) allows highly individualized programming appropriate for students with significant needs.
- Pure Vision Arts studio offers a creative-arts track specifically designed for artists with ASD.
- On-site multidisciplinary evaluations, which can streamline the often-fragmented process of getting assessments and services.
Things to consider
- Parent reviews are mixed — some families praise staff dedication, while others raise concerns about staff dynamics, academic quality, frequent administrator turnover, and communication.
- This is a specialized program, not a traditional private school; families looking for general academics, college prep, or a typical school experience should look elsewhere.
- Enrollment is very small (46 students) and the listed grade span (PK-5) is narrower than the full program reach (through age 21), so confirm which specific classroom or age band your child would enter.
- The 12-minute walk to the nearest subway means the commute may be car- or bus-dependent for many families.
Identity
A nonsectarian, coed combined program dedicated to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The mission centers on partnering with families to help learners lead full, meaningful lives, with programs spanning preschool through adulthood. It is one of the few private settings in Queens offering continuous services across such a wide age range.
Community
With a diversity index of 0.81, the student body reflects the broad mix of backgrounds found across Queens, including substantial Hispanic, Black, Asian, and White representation. Families typically seek out Shield because of its specialized services rather than demographic fit, drawing from across the borough and beyond.
Neighborhood
The program sits in Murray Hill-Broadway Flushing, a working- and middle-class Queens neighborhood with a median household income around $69,000 and a college-degree rate near 31%. The surrounding community is densely populated and culturally varied, reflecting the broader Flushing area. Roosevelt Avenue puts the program along a busy commercial corridor with steady foot traffic.
The Flushing-Main St 7 train stop is about a 12-minute walk, which is doable but not door-to-door; many families likely drive or use bus connections.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Mixed reviews - some parents report staff dedication and caring environment, while others describe concerning issues including alleged staff bullying, favoritism, poor academics, frequent administrator changes, and irresponsible practices; one positive review noted staff care and health monitoring
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Murray Hill-Broadway Flushing.
- What grades does SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING serve?
- SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING?
- SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING public, charter, or private?
- SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING is a private school.
- What neighborhood is SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING in?
- SHIELD INSTITUTE OF FLUSHING is in Murray Hill-Broadway Flushing, Queens.