Announcements

The Green Chimneys School offers an enriched academic environment with a vast array of innovative programming, including life skills, music and art, animal-assisted therapy programs, and outdoor education, all based in experiential learning. The fully integrated approach to education at Green Chimneys includes: Academics, Therapeutic Education, Clinical & Related Services and Animal & Nature Program.
Green Chimneys School complies with—and often exceeds—all standards and educational mandates set by New York State, and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). We follow New York State Common Core learning standards and standardized testing for all grades, modifying instruction and activities to meet the abilities of our students. Our teachers are certified special education professionals.
Green Chimneys School academics are complemented by age-appropriate, therapeutic educational programs offered to students in all grades as part of their weekly class schedule. Many incorporate Green Chimneys’ unique nature-based approach, providing experiential learning and opportunities to develop important skills related to the care of and interaction with animals, plants and the environment.
Green Chimneys School offers on-site clinical services and therapeutic support from staff professionals who help students develop a sense of understanding and individual uniqueness, as they gain the ability to apply what they learn at Green Chimneys to daily life.
Green Chimneys was founded on the belief that children will benefit from their interaction with nature and animals. As a core component of our programming for children with special needs, the main criteria for each animal’s presence are that they thrive in our care and play a supportive role in our education and animal-assisted therapy programs. Outdoor experiences and nature activities are also incorporated as a means to both educate and emotionally strengthen the children we serve.
Donkeys Gracie and Reba have been residents of the farm since 1996 and are particularly valuable partners for the children because they offer immediate feedback on behavior. They are patient, shy and headstrong but because donkeys only acknowledge humans who appear calm, this pair helps children learn the skills necessary to approach them gently and quietly. Gracie and Reba also have an extraordinary bond and have difficulty being apart so students must keep this in mind, even for basic tasks such as walking them. If the donkeys lose sight of each other they will start calling to one another so students work together to make sure the pair can see each other for their entire journey outside.