GNC Description and Services

The Greenburgh-North Castle Union Free School District is committed to providing students with a rigorous academic program aligned with New York State Standards that is suited to meet their individualized needs. Its ratio of faculty to students is among the highest of any special act school district in New York State.

The philosophy of the school district is based on a supportive, psycho-educational approach with superior academic programming. The GNC education staff, along with students, their counselors and therapists, work with parents in the development of an appropriate plan to best optimize the students academic functioning.

In order to best meet the challenges of our students, the staff provides the following:

• Curriculum that parallel general education classes;
• Materials to support students at their current reading levels with a progression of materials to further support advances made as reading levels increase;
• Diagnostic testing designed to provide immediate information about the student’s academic level of functioning and individualized learning style;
• Individually designed schedules that ensure students are satisfying New York State diploma requirements;
• Close oversight by the GNC school district’s Committee on Special Education to ensure that each student is provided the academic and related services outlined by his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

A full range of middle and high school courses are offered at Greenburgh-North Castle in small classroom settings. Class size ranges from 6 to12 students with a teacher and a teaching assistant. Our teachers are certified both in their area of instruction as well as in special education.

Students are placed in classes based on their academic level, age, and social-emotional development. As students progress, we can and do transition them into less restrictive classroom settings. As youngsters improve and grow, they are placed with peers, particularly in specialty classes, like art, music and physical education.

Each of the school sites offers an educational plan unique to each student's need. GNC is the state’s only special act school district where every student is provided an opportunity to earn a New York State Regents diploma. Required courses in language arts, social studies, science, math, physical education and health, art, music and foreign language are available to all students. Many elective courses, including driver's education, cosmetology, vocational and pre-vocational education, are also a part of the program's offerings. Additionally, students participate in SAT and PSAT preparation courses.

The GNC School District also offers a comprehensive range of co-curricular programs that include sports, music, drama, and art in addition to the required and elective academic courses.