Like all parents, Jonathan and Christine Mir want the best for their children.

So when their son, Nicholas, graduated from the YAI/New York League for Early Learning (NYL) Roosevelt Children's Center, which serves preschoolers with multiple disabilities, they wanted to find a school that would celebrate and build on their son's strengths, and work collaboratively with the entire family to help him learn and grow.  

"Nicholas' needs are complex and intertwined," said Jonathan. "When we heard about the Manhattan Star Academy and its mission, it seemed like an obvious and fabulous choice."

The Manhattan Star Academy opened four years ago to support and empower children age 5-12 with global developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language delays, and neuro-developmental disabilities.

The school was created in response to the requests of parents whose children had graduated from YAI/NYL preschools and had difficulty finding the same high quality, personalized educational experience thereafter.

For the Mir family, the school's connection to YAI was a major plus, given their experience at the Roosevelt Children's Center. "YAI is an amazing organization with a very high caliber of professionals who have a deep body of knowledge," Jonathan said. "Manhattan Star draws on their experience and expertise."

At the Manhattan Star Academy, which serves children with a wide range of learning challenges and styles, each child is recognized as unique, learning is individualized and labels are left at the door. Classes are inclusive and provide opportunities for every student to be a role model and to learn from his or her peers.

"It's such a natural idea, to create a classroom where every student can model their strengths and have peers who can teach them something," said Jonathan. "For students with a broad range of developmental challenges it's a great environment. These kids all have potential."

The school began with one classroom located in the YAI/NYL Gramercy Preschool in Manhattan. Since then, it has expanded and will soon relocate to a larger space in the Lincoln Square Synagogue on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

"We are thrilled to be moving to such a beautiful area with an array of resources,” said Rae Eisdorfer, Assistant Director. "With so many museums, schools, cultural organizations and of course Central Park, the new location provides endless opportunities for community inclusion." 

Since starting at the Manhattan Star Academy, Nicholas, now 7, has flourished. His expressive language has expanded, his gross motor skills have developed and he is making tremendous strides in reading and writing. According to Jonathan, working closely with Nicholas' teachers and therapists has made a difference for everyone.

"What's important to understand about Star's approach is how connected they are to families in terms of a student's progress and what should be integrated at home. The staff is so accessible, responsive and creative. This is a place where you can really figure things out along the way and get a lot of practical strategies to bring home with you. Nicholas' attitude and energy at school are so hard working and happy. The bus comes in the morning and he's happy to go."

The school is becoming acquainted with its new neighborhood in anticipation of its relocation later this year. It was recently featured in the West Side Spirit and also opened its doors to the community at an art show featuring students' work.  Applications are being received on an ongoing basis and the school, which is fee-for-service, will enroll 55 children.  

"For us the Manhattan Star Academy offered something distinctive that we couldn’t find anywhere else," said Jonathan. "Star has met such an unbelievable need for Nicholas and for us. We had such trust in YAI as an organization and we couldn't be more grateful. I don't know what we'd do without this program."

For more information about Manhattan Star Academy, contact Rae.Eisdorfer [at] yai.org, 212.420.0510.