The Biondi Education Center is for students K-12 with a learning disability, emotional disorder, autism, and/or other health impairment.

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that reduces a student’s ability to process information. This can negatively impact a student’s performance in reading, writing, and math, and can hinder academic success. Biondi’s evidenced-based curriculum and therapeutic supports address a student’s specific learning disability or disabilities, so the student can learn more readily.

In general, an emotional disorder affects a student’s ability to pay attention in school and control his or her emotions. The student has difficulty learning even when there is no evidence of a neurological disorder or other health factors. The student may have difficulty relating to teachers and peers, or have feelings of fear and anxiety about school. Truancy and unsafe behavior also are signs of an emotional disorder.

“Other health impairments” is a term for a serious chronic health condition that interferes with a child’s academic progress. Other health impairments include chronic conditions that limit a child’s strength, vitality, or alertness, and negatively affect educational performance. The category is broad and includes diagnoses such as attention deficit disorder, diabetes, a heart condition, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and cancer, among other conditions.

In the elementary school, there are one teacher and one certified aide for every 12 children, or 12:1:1. We follow the same protocol in the middle and high school of having one teacher and one certified aide for every 12 children.

The Biondi Education Center is a state-approved special education school certified by the Middle States Association of College and Schools. It is recognized as a National Association of Special Education Teachers School of Excellence. All teachers, clinicians, support staff, and aides are highly trained and experienced in working with students with special needs. What’s more, Biondi is part of Rising Ground, an award-winning human services organization with more than 55 programs to help children, adults, and families rise above adversity.

You cannot apply directly to Biondi. First, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) has to determine that your child has a learning disability, an emotional disorder, autism, and/or other health impairments. Once that is determined, you can ask for the Biondi Education Center by name during your CSE meeting. In New York City, the Central Base Support Team will refer your child to us. In other school districts, the CSE will make the referral. Remember, it is your choice and your choice alone as to which school you pick for your child.

Yes! The Biondi Education Center is an 853 Special Education School approved by the New York State Education Department, accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, and recognized as a National Association of Special Education Teachers School of Excellence.

Biondi is a New York State accredited non-public special education school, and the cost is covered by your local school board. There are NO tuition costs to parents. Ancillary costs, such as uniforms, are minor. The elementary school provides a nutritious lunch at no cost to the family. Families of students attending the middle and high school can apply for free and reduced-price meals.

The Biondi Elementary, Middle, and HIgh Schools are The Bronx at 463 Hawthorne Avenue, Yonkers, New York.

Yes. Students are required to wear uniforms—a Biondi shirt and khaki bottoms— throughout the 12-month school year. Uniforms are available for purchase at Biondi.

The Biondi Education Center follows a 12-month school year. The year starts at the beginning of July, and lasts through June. There is a three-week break in August, as well as vacation times throughout the year.

For the Biondi Education Center, we follow school closings of Yonkers Public Schools.

Your local school district will arrange transportation by bus at no cost for your child to Biondi.The Committee on Special Education will contact the Office of Pupil Transportation, which will make transportation arrangements for your child to get to school. We have transportation coordinators on staff who are happy to help you with any transportation issue.

We encourage parents to get actively involved in their children’s education. There are many opportunities for parent-teacher-counselor meetings. The Biondi Elementary School has a Parents Teacher Association and invites parents to attend many different programs and performances. At the Middle and High School, parents are invited to celebrations and performances as well. Parents also play an important role as volunteers at the Biondi Education Center.

For children 12 years and older who are struggling to live safely at home, our Residential Treatment Center can provide the 24/7 support they need while they pursue their education. Students live in small group cottages close to the Biondi Middle and High School on our scenic 33-acre Hudson River campus.