The Child School/Legacy High School is an academically rigorous, yet supportive community addressing the needs of a diverse population of special children, many of whom have not found success in other schools.
Our children learn differently because of disorders in thinking, listening, speaking, reading, spelling, touch, or perception, etc.
The School fulfills a vital function in the New York City Public School System, serving the needs of children with learning, social/emotional and developmental disabilities throughout the five boroughs.
It is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York to accept youngsters whose needs cannot be satisfied within the public education system.
Under this authorization, The Child School is classified as an approved non-public day school, whose students may qualify for 100 percent tuition payment by New York State.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 1-12
- Enrollment: 289 students
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Child School - Legacy High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Disabilities Speech Language Autism Emotional and Other Health Impaired
Year Founded
1971
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
School Mascot
White Tiger
Student Body
Total Students
289 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
52%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
12 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
$0 (Covered by State for approved students)
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
College Now, National Honor Society, New York Cares, SAT Prep, School Newspaper, Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Dance, Musical Theater/Drama
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bicycling, Ice Skating, Skiing, Swimming
College Now, National Honor Society, New York Cares, SAT Prep, School Newspaper, Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Dance, Musical Theater/Drama
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bicycling, Ice Skating, Skiing, Swimming
School Notes
- The Child School/Legacy High School has a campus of four buildings located on Roosevelt Island and accessible by car, tram or the F Train. Our campus includes:
- Library
- Science Lab Equipped to meet Regents Requirements
- Computer Labs in MS and HS
- Smart Boards in all Classrooms
- Stage with Professional Lighting and Sound
- 4840 Square - Foot Gymnasium with a Weight Room
- Art Studio
- Music Studio
- Fully Equipped Teaching Kitchen
- Multi-Purpose Rooms for Lunch and Meetings in Elementary, Middle, and High School
- Full Time Nurse
- Landscaped Organic Garden with a Waterfall and Fish Pond
- Fully Air-Conditioned Buildings
- Access to Roosevelt Island Playing Fields
- Individual Suites for all Related Services - OT, PT, Speech, and Counseling
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does The Child School - Legacy High School offer?
The Child School - Legacy High School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Track and Field.
What is The Child School - Legacy High School's ranking?
The Child School - Legacy High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Child School - Legacy High School?
The application deadline for The Child School - Legacy High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 12/31/2020
My daughter will be starting once the school open up again, and I am excited.
5 2/23/2019
I will like for my 2 kids to come to this school
5 9/8/2012
My child has been at the Child School for 3 years and we absolutely love it. He is a bright, talented student who did not do well in public school because the environment was overwhelming and his learning disabilities were not accommodated. He now reads above grade level and enjoys learning. The school is very nurturing and the arts/sports programs are superb. Our student body is diverse - I have no idea where this website got "12% students of color," as TCS is a demographic microcosm of New York City.
5 4/9/2012
l would like to have an application for my son alex g he is attending the rebecca school right now. l woul like to know more information about the school for september coming
Endorse The Child School - Legacy High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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