Our Approach

The following core components of Cooke's program have fostered the independence and growth of our children for more than 20 years.

Inclusion/Partner Schools

Cooke lower and middle school classrooms are located in our general-education partner schools, where students learn among their typically developing peers. Our students are not visitors, but welcomed as integral members of the school community.

Cooke students participate in school-wide music, art and physical education. They also join their general-education peers for field trips, holiday parties and school-wide community service projects. Where appropriate, and with in-classroom support from Cooke staff, some students take academic subjects with their general education peers.

Our Full Inclusion program enables students with special needs, from pre-K to second grade, to integrate into a general education classroom full time. Cooke staff provides in-classroom academic support and modifications that allow students to learn alongside their peers.

At the Cooke Center Academy -- a dedicated Cooke high school in SoHo -- our students participate in community inclusion. A rich program of off-site education, community service, and paid internships makes our students a vibrant part of the fabric of their community.

Strengths-based instruction

Our instruction follows an academic sequence based on New York State standards. Instructional strategies are individualized to build on students' strengths and meet their developmental needs. This strengths-based approach supports strategies that foster independent learning skills.  

Integrated Education

Related service providers-- speech and language therapists, occupational and physical therapists and counselors-- work with students both in the classroom and in a one-on-one setting. By collaborating regularly with classroom teachers, they help deliver an individual and comprehensive education for each child.

Community Involvement and Transition Planning

From kindergarten to high school, our students are preparing for an independent life and making a meaningful impact in their communities. Our Lower and Middle school students participate in service learning projects, raising money for local charities, visiting the sick, and collecting food for local food pantries. Our high schoolers participate with local employers and cultural institutions in a variety of service, job training and employment opportunities.

Parents as Partners

Cooke sees parents as our most important partners. They are an integral part of the child's instructional team, participating in educational planning, setting goals and reviewing their child's progress.