The Smith School
The Smith School is a private Manhattan college preparatory school founded in 1990, serving approximately 50 students in grades 6-12 with learning differences such as ADHD, anxiety, and school refusal at a 4:1 student-teacher ratio with average class size of 5.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Smith School does
The Smith School is a private, Manhattan-based college preparatory school founded in 1990 by Karen Smith, serving students in grades 6-12 who require individualized academic, social, and emotional support due to learning differences such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, school refusal, and Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The school is intentionally small, with approximately 50 total seats, a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, and an average class size of 5 students, drawn from all five NYC boroughs and the tri-state area (New Jersey, Connecticut). Core academics span English, History, Science, Math, Spanish, and French, supplemented by electives in Music, Studio Art, Computer Science, Robotics, Film, and Graphic Novels, and a block schedule that reduces daily transitions for students who struggle with change.
The school's technology stack centers on the Alma platform for homework, grades, report cards, and parent communication, alongside conventional educational tools (Raspberry Pi / Python via Thonny IDE, Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, Replit and Twine) for instruction in Computer Science and Robotics. Wraparound student support services include weekly individual and group counseling, speech-language and literacy services (including the Orton-Gillingham-based WordSmiths program), Learning Specialist support, the EXCEL! extended-day program, Pause Days, Smith Talks life-skills series, Book Clubs, and a Token Economy behavior system. Co-curricular programming includes the Metro League athletics program (the Smith School Squids), 17+ documented college placements, and a 60-hour community service graduation requirement.
The Smith School operates as a founder-led, independent private institution with no disclosed venture or private-equity backing. Revenue is generated primarily through annual tuition, which is described as comparable to other NYC private schools, supplemented by Board of Education, Carter, and Connors funding for eligible students, and a one-time $50 application processing fee. The school markets through its website (smithschool.org), social media, parent workshops, college tours, and earned media including a 2025 national television feature on All Access with Andy Garcia broadcast across CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, and HLN. It holds accreditation with Middle States Association and is affiliated with the NYS Board of Regents, NYSAIS, ISAAGNY, Parents League of New York, and Tri-State Special Education Admissions Leaders.
The Smith School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Smith School
- Legal name
- The Smith School
- Website
- https://smithschool.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- The Smith School is a private Manhattan college preparatory school founded in 1990, serving approximately 50 students in grades 6-12 with learning differences such as ADHD, anxiety, and school refusal at a 4:1 student-teacher ratio with average class size of 5.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Smith School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Special Education Private School
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialized Programs & Classrooms (Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, Intellectual/Developmental, Multi-Disability) (EDAJAKAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Therapeutic/Behavioral & Residential Treatment K–12 Schools (EDAJABAI)
Keywords
Where The Smith School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Smith School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition Revenue: The Smith School operates as a private special education school with tuition comparable to other private schools. The school works with parents and the Board of Education to explore financial options and ensure affordability. Carter and Connors funding may be available for qualifying families.
- Application Processing Fee: One-time application processing fee of $50 required for admission consideration. Payments may be made online or by check.
- Board of Education Funding: The school accepts families who work with lawyers or advocates to get funded by the Board of Education, including Carter or Connors funding for eligible students.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Tuition (Comparable to Private Schools) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Application Processing Fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
The Smith School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Smith School is a private, accredited college preparatory school for grades 6–12 that delivers a full academic curriculum (English, History, Science, Math, Foreign Languages) together with embedded supports for students with learning differences including ADHD, anxiety, depression, school refusal, and Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The offering includes on-site therapeutic services (speech-language pathology, Orton-Gillingham literacy, individual/group counseling, learning specialist support), electives (Music with recording facility, Studio Art with AP tracks, Computer Science, Robotics), EXCEL! extended day program, athletics in the Metro League, and a 60-hour community service graduation requirement. The school serves approximately 50 students with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and average class size of 5.
Product overview
The Smith School is a private college preparatory school founded in 1990, serving students in grades 6-12 who require smaller class sizes and individualized academic, social, and emotional support. The school operates as a unified educational program with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and average class size of 5 students. Core academic offerings span English, History, Science, Math, and Foreign Languages (Spanish and French), complemented by elective programs in Music, Studio Art, Computer Science, Robotics, Film, Graphic Novels, and Elective Writing. Student support services include EXCEL! (extended day program), WordSmiths (Orton-Gillingham literacy support), Speech Language Therapy, Counseling Services, Learning Specialist Support, and a comprehensive College Counseling Program. The school utilizes the Alma platform for academic management. Co-curricular programs feature Clubs, Athletics (Smith School Squids competing in Metro League), Community Service (60-hour graduation requirement), Smith Talks (life skills sessions), Book Clubs, Pause Days, and annual traditions including Showcase events, field trips, and school-wide celebrations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- EXCEL! Extended Day Program An extended-day program providing students with additional support for executive functioning, homework completion, and test-taking skills. Students work with an assigned coach to set goals, practice organization, and advocate for themselves as learners. Intended for enrolled Smith School students.
- Community Service Program A mandatory community service program requiring all high school students to complete 60 hours of community service by graduation, with 15 hours expected each year. Students partner with organizations including Riverside Park Conservancy and Ronald McDonald House.
- Smith Talks Biweekly lunchtime talks delivered by teachers and sometimes students on real-life skills such as apartment searching, community service, public transportation navigation, skincare, voting, investing, and college life preparation.
- Book Clubs Semester-based book clubs where students choose from a variety of books ranging from classics to manga, nonfiction to science fiction. Clubs meet on Pause Days and include discussions, activities, and projects.
- WordSmiths Literacy Group An after-school literacy group using the Orton-Gillingham Reading Approach with multi-sensory, systematic methods to enhance reading and writing skills for students of all reading levels.
- College Counseling Program A comprehensive college counseling program beginning in 11th grade that provides individualized guidance on college selection, application processes, financial aid, and accommodations for students pursuing higher education.
- Individual & Group Counseling Weekly individual and group counseling sessions covering executive functioning skills, social-emotional development, life skills, and personal goal setting, provided by social workers and guidance counselors.
- Block Schedule Program A block scheduling system with longer class periods allowing deeper exploration of subjects, hands-on activities, and meaningful discussions while reducing daily transitions for students.
- Pause Days Program Designated days focused on social-emotional and educational needs, featuring extended study hall, book clubs, and self-care activities including SAT preparation, music enrichment, and games.
- Athletics & Physical Education Physical education combining theory and practice with a focus on biomechanics, flexibility, strength, and injury prevention. The school competes in The Metro League in soccer, basketball, and ping pong as the Smith School Squids.
- Clubs & Extracurricular Activities Various student-led clubs including Art Club, Anime Club, Board Game Club, D&D Club, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Music Club, Pokemon Go Club, Sports Club, Student Government, Video Game Club, Yearbook Club, and Yo-Yo Club.
- Student Showcase Events Semi-annual showcases celebrating student achievements in music, studio art, and computer science. Students present performances and exhibitions at the end of each semester.
- Field Trips Program All-school field trips twice yearly for socialization and team building, plus class-sponsored field trips to venues such as Tenement Museum, Museum of Natural History, and Broadway shows.
- Computer Science Program A comprehensive computer science curriculum covering digital editing, coding, and game design using tools including Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Replit, and Twine, with students exchanging feedback on Slack.
- Music Department Music program offering instruction in guitar, ukulele, drums, bass, piano, voice, music theory, and music production. Includes a professional recording facility and performances at Fall and Spring Showcases.
- Studio Art & AP Art Programs Art curriculum covering drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media. Includes AP 2D Art and AP Drawing courses with portfolio submissions to the College Board for potential college credit.
- Rotating Electives Community-oriented electives including Elective Writing, Exploring Graphic Novels, Foundations of Film Analysis, and Robotics that respond to student interests and staff expertise.
- Robotics Elective Elective course where students work with Raspberry Pi Pico microcontrollers and Python programming in the Thonny IDE to create autonomous robots capable of obstacle avoidance, LED programming, and sensor reading.
- Learning Specialist Support Individualized learning support provided by two Learning Specialists, including pushing into classes, collaborating with teachers, conducting assessments, and providing professional development for personalized learning plans.
- Speech Language & Literacy Services Speech language therapy and literacy support targeting communication, social communication, phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills using evidence-based techniques.
- Parent Speaker Series Quarterly expert-led sessions for parents covering topics such as gaming, school avoidance, planning and organizing with ADHD, neuropsych evaluations, and social media and mental health for adolescents.
Quantifiable outcome
- Students have graduated and attended colleges including Fairleigh Dickinson, Berklee College of Music, Whittier College, FIT, The New School, Skidmore, Pace, Hunter, Hofstra, NYU, University of Vermont, Drexel, Sarah Lawrence, Baruch, John Jay, Alfred State, and University of Richmond.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Smith School
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Smith School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
The Smith School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Riverside Park ConservancyminorDedicated Community Service Day partner. Students collaborate with Riverside Park Conservancy on hands-on projects enhancing the local environment and community twice yearly (Fall and Spring).
- Ronald McDonald HouseminorAnnual Pantry Food Drive partner supporting families in need. Students have partnered with Ronald McDonald House for community service projects.
- Bideawee Animal ShelterminorCommunity service partner where students engage in meaningful service projects.
- CityArtsminorCommunity service partner organization for student engagement in service learning.
- Xavier Food PantryminorIndependent community service location where students complete service hours.
- YMCAminorCommunity service partner where students independently fulfill service hours.
- JCCminorCommunity service partner where students independently fulfill service hours.
- Beth Torah TempleminorCommunity service partner where students independently fulfill service hours.
- AlmacoreComprehensive online platform partner for homework assignments, grades, report cards, and parent communication. Alma is featured in Alma's Partners in Education Spotlight for The Smith School's nurturing model.
- Metro LeagueminorAthletics organization membership. The Smith School Squids compete against other private, independent and charter schools in soccer (7 vs. 7), basketball, and ping pong throughout the NYC metro area.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Smith School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- LearningSpring School: NYC elementary school for students with language-based learning disabilities and/or autism; similar small-class model with embedded speech-language and occupational therapy services.
- The IDEAL School of Manhattan: NYC independent inclusion school serving students with language, learning, and developmental differences; similar small-class structure and individualized academic/social-emotional supports.
- The Churchill School: NYC private school serving students grades K-12 with language-based learning disabilities; similar small-class, individualized instruction model and integrated clinical-academic approach for NYC families.
- The Gateway School: Manhattan private school for students with learning differences and social-emotional challenges; overlapping student profile (ADHD, anxiety, processing differences) and small-class integrated clinical model.
- The Parkside School: NYC private school for students with language-based learning disabilities and ADHD; comparable small-class structure, integrated therapies, and Manhattan-based college preparatory focus.
- The Quad Preparatory School: Manhattan-based private school for twice-exceptional and gifted students with social-emotional and learning challenges; comparable small-class integrated model serving a similar NYC/tri-state population.
- The Aaron School: NYC private special education school with multiple campuses serving students with learning disabilities; comparable individualized instruction, small classes, and integrated speech/language/OT services.
- Cooke Center Academy: NYC private school serving students with learning disabilities and social-emotional challenges through individualized instruction and small classes.
- Mary McDowell Friends School: Brooklyn-based private school for students with learning disabilities; comparable small-class instruction, integrated clinical supports, and college preparatory outcomes.
Broad incumbents
- The New York Institute for Special Education: Established Bronx-based special education institution serving students with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and emotional disturbances; broader scope but overlapping NYC student population and special-ed mission.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Smith School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Smith School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
The Smith School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Smith School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Smith School
What does The Smith School do?
The Smith School is a private, accredited college preparatory school for grades 6–12 that delivers a full academic curriculum (English, History, Science, Math, Foreign Languages) together with embedded supports for students with learning differences including ADHD, anxiety, depression, school refusal, and Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The offering includes on-site therapeutic services (speech-language pathology, Orton-Gillingham literacy, individual/group counseling, learning specialist support), electives (Music with recording facility, Studio Art with AP tracks, Computer Science, Robotics), EXCEL! extended day program, athletics in the Metro League, and a 60-hour community service graduation requirement. The school serves approximately 50 students with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and average class size of 5.
Is The Smith School a public or private company?
The Smith School is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Smith School founded?
The Smith School was founded in 1990.
Where is The Smith School based?
The Smith School is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Smith School make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Tuition Revenue is the primary driver. The others are application Processing Fee and board of Education Funding.
Who are The Smith School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are LearningSpring School, The IDEAL School of Manhattan, The Churchill School, The Gateway School, The Parkside School, The Quad Preparatory School, The Aaron School, Cooke Center Academy and Mary McDowell Friends School. The New York Institute for Special Education is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Smith School have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Smith School.
What industry is The Smith School in?
The Smith School's product category is Special Education Private School. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAKAH, Specialized Programs & Classrooms (Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, Intellectual/Developmental, Multi-Disability), with a secondary code of EDAJABAI, Therapeutic/Behavioral & Residential Treatment K–12 Schools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.