NYC School for Kids with Developmental Delays Thrives in Westchester
Rebecca School North in Mount Vernon is seeing early success with its unique approach for children with developmental delays
Mount Vernon, New York, Rebecca School North, Developmental Delays, Neurodevelopmental
MOUNT VERNON: Nancy Christensen is thrilled to see her eight-year-old son gaining confidence at Rebecca School North. This new school is all about helping kids with developmental delays, and it’s really making a difference.
After searching high and low for the right fit in New York City and Westchester, Nancy feels like she hit the jackpot. She loves the small class sizes and the way teachers build relationships with the kids.
“My son comes home so happy from school, and that’s what matters most to me,” she shared. “I can see him engaging more with other kids now, which is a big change.”
Rebecca School North opened its doors in September at 1 Bradford Road in Mount Vernon. The place used to be an office building, but now it’s a vibrant school with classrooms, sensory gyms, and even a rooftop terrace for outdoor play.
In December, kids were busy with their own schedules—some were painting, while others were working with therapists or playing with toys. It’s all about individualized learning here.
Tina McCourt, the executive director, is excited about the school’s progress. They started with 30 students and plan to grow. The school can eventually hold up to 112 students, and they’re aiming to fill more classrooms in the coming years.
The original Manhattan location has been around since 2006 and has seen its student numbers more than double since then. It’s a unilateral private school, so parents can get reimbursed if the district approves their child’s placement.
“We’re really happy to be here. The space is perfect for our kids, with plenty of room to move around,” McCourt said.
They’ve done a great job transforming the old office into a school, keeping some of the original features while creating a welcoming environment for the kids. The project even won an award for its creative renovations.
Helu Wang covers real estate, economic growth, and development for The Journal News/lohud and USA Today Network. Reach her at hwang@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NYC’s Rebecca School sees early growth in expansion into Westchester