The Windward School The Windward School
Admissions at Windward

Windward recognizes that moving your child outside a mainstream educational environment to enroll them in a specialized school is a serious decision—one we don't take lightly.

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Admissions at Windward

Windward recognizes that moving your child outside a mainstream educational environment to enroll them in a specialized school is a serious decision—one we don't take lightly. Through thoughtful and comprehensive screening, we are able to offer seats to applicants who would benefit from our program.

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Admissions Criteria

Students We Serve

Our program is designed for students with a written diagnosis or evidence of dyslexia or a language-based learning disability, average to superior intellectual potential, and no behavioral or emotional problems that would interfere with the instructional program. Geographically, Windward students come from more than 90 school districts from the tri-state metropolitan area, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland counties, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The Windward School is not a state-funded school, so need-based financial aid is available for families.

Learn about the admissions procedure

Evidence-Based Remediation

Why Early Intervention Matters

Studies have shown that the earlier we intervene to remediate a child’s language-based learning disability, the better the outcome. Allowing children to struggle stifles their growing sense of independence, diminishes their confidence, and injures their sense of self-worth at a critical period of emotional and social development.

While early intervention is best, it’s never too late – Windward’s program can give your child the tools they need to put them on the path to academic success and allows them to return back to a mainstream educational setting after an average stay of only 3–5 years.

Learn more about the importance of early intervention

Financial Aid

Affording a Windward Education

As part of its mission, the School is committed to making a Windward education accessible for all who need it. Windward does not take into account an applicant’s financial status when deciding whether to accept them for admission. We invite any student who needs Windward and fits the admissions criteria to apply. The application for financial aid is 100% confidential and is independent from the admissions application.

Learn more about financial aid at Windward

What Our Community Says

"This is our son's first year at Windward. I respond to anyone inquiring about Windward with "It's a magic school!"

“We need Windward all over the country, because there is no school like it.”

"I just want to say how happy we have been with camp. My daughter loves the teachers, instructors, and other campers. She has just enjoyed herself so much the past few weeks. We just can't thank you and your team who have gone above and beyond to keep the kids so happy during these times."

"I just want to say how happy we have been with camp. My daughter loves the teachers, instructors, and other campers. She has just enjoyed herself so much the past few weeks. We just can't thank you and your team who have gone above and beyond to keep the kids so happy during these times."

"Firstly I just wanted to say that my kids had a great first day at Windward’s Summer Program despite their reluctance to do academics during the summer. My daughter even said she wants to do it again next year! Thank you for creating a program that is fun, engaging and has put them at ease so much."

“We were very satisfied with the Summer Program at Windward. My son would come home and share everything he was learning. 'Did you know who invented the potato chip, and how it was a accident!' It was a win-win; he was learning and having fun. Thank you Windward!”

“Thank you so much for running a terrific program. My son really enjoyed the summer lessons and celebrating all the skills he had learned this year! It was all in all a very rewarding cooperative experience. … You really teach the kids to celebrate the learning and in doing so make them want to come to school to learn. This is top notch quality education. Ben Franklin and all the founders of our education would be thrilled to see the Windward staff in action!”

“This community is willing to invest in teachers' knowledge and development in a way that far exceeded my initial expectations. At Windward, teachers never stand in front of students ill-equipped. Our preparedness is a requirement that encourages all-around success."

"It was only after I left Windward that I became aware of my growth. Now I treasure my time at Windward; without it, I could not be the determined and engaged scholar I am today."

"Teacher training is part of the heart and soul of The Windward School, and it really keeps The Windward School at the forefront of research-based instruction."

"One of the takeaways from Windward was witnessing the incredible work ethic of everyone there. It was the indefatigable energy of the adults at Windward that helped our children to reach their highest abilities. My family will forever be grateful. Thank you!"

"I am appreciative of the continued professionalism, compassion, and dedication at Windward. Students at the school are extremely fortunate. I only wish more were receiving the specialized, hands on, multisensory experience that Windward provides."

“For decades, we have helped children achieve reading and writing proficiency so they can transition seamlessly back into mainstream schools. The level of support and specialized education provided at The Windward School is unparalleled, offering families opportunities and guidance that they simply won’t find anywhere else.”

“Speaking as both an employee and a parent of an alumnus, I didn’t set out to send my son to Windward, but when he was struggling to learn to read in first grade, I knew Windward was what he needed to thrive in the academic setting and beyond. If Windward offers a seat for your child, you cannot be in better hands.”

“A key part of our success is the integration of Windward’s knowledge-building curriculum, designed to help students not only to develop strong literacy skills, but also to deepen their understanding of the world around them. They gain lifelong skills to think critically, solve problems, and engage meaningfully with complex content.”

“Starting as a math and science teacher at Windward in 1996, I have been fortunate to see the positive impact that educators at Windward have on their students. Our unique approach to education is powerful and I wanted others outside the Windward community to experience it, so I led the development and launch of the Windward Summer Program.”

“At the heart of a sound educational leadership philosophy will always be relationships and authenticity. My philosophy is to display my authentic self: Competencies paired with any unmasked vulnerabilities so that a student is safe to be themselves, and an organization is afforded the clarity and direction to excel. In no other place is that work more important than a school that serves struggling learners.”

“As an experienced educator and devoted parent, including a child with dyslexia, I have experienced both the struggles and victories that come with language-based learning disabilities firsthand. My personal and professional journey fuels my empathy and advocacy to provide strong support, proven resources, and confidence-building opportunities that empower students to not only succeed but to truly thrive. At The Windward School, I have found my true home—a community dedicated to championing the success of every learner.”

QUESTIONS?

For information about Westchester Lower School and Westchester Middle School: Please contact Christine Ortiz at (914) 949-6968, ext. 2258. For information about Manhattan Lower School and Manhattan Middle School: Please contact Becky Lindon at (914) 949-6968, ext. 3149. For general admissions inquiries, please email admissionsinquiry@thewindwardschool.org.

Connect with Our Admissions Team

We have openings in grades 1, 2 and 8 in NYC and grades 1-4 and 6-8 in Westchester. Fill out the form below to be connected to our admissions team to learn more!

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