Clearpool Day Program - Green Chimneys

As part of vocational education, Green Chimneys School students are working at local businesses. This image shows 3 individuals under a car at Brewster Shell, two of whom are Green Chimneys students.

Transition Planning Helps Students Prepare for Adulthood

April 16, 2021

Clearpool Day Program

The Green Chimneys School offers an enriched academic environment with a vast array of innovative programming, including life skills, music and art, animal-assisted therapy programs, and outdoor education, all based in experiential learning. The fully integrated approach to education at Green Chimneys includes: Academics, Therapeutic Education, Clinical & Related Services and Animal & Nature Program.

Academic Program

Green Chimneys School complies with—and often exceeds—all standards and educational mandates set by New York State, and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). We follow New York State Common Core learning standards and standardized testing for all grades, modifying instruction and activities to meet the abilities of our students. Our teachers are certified special education professionals.

Therapeutic Education

Green Chimneys School academics are complemented by age-appropriate, therapeutic educational programs offered to students in all grades as part of their weekly class schedule. Many incorporate Green Chimneys’ unique nature-based approach, providing experiential learning and opportunities to develop important skills related to the care of and interaction with animals, plants and the environment.

Animal & Nature Program

Green Chimneys was founded on the belief that children will benefit from their interaction with nature and animals. As a core component of our programming for children with special needs, the main criteria for each animal’s presence are that they thrive in our care and play a supportive role in our education and animal-assisted therapy programs. Outdoor experiences and nature activities are also incorporated as a means to both educate and emotionally strengthen the children we serve.

Barred Owl

This barred owl fell from his nest and ended up on the ground in New Paltz, NY where he was rescued and cared for but it was quickly apparent that he was severely disfigured. He had a twisted, crooked beak, his wing feathers weren’t fully developed and one eye was shut while the other did not look as it should. This was not a bird that could be released back into the wild. Green Chimneys wildlife specialists worked with a local veterinary hospital to improve the bird’s health and determined that the owl was totally blind in one eye and 80-90% blind in the other.