Students receive a NYSED Approved Curriculum during a typical structured school day (8 a.m. to 2:30). Established in 1980 as an approved Article 89 school, instruction is based on NYSED learning standards, assessments, and curricula. The program is designed to prepare students to pass Regents examinations through grade level courses and earn the necessary credits toward their high school graduation.
Our small classes provide a 6:1:1 ratio, offering students who have previously struggled academically with an opportunity to receive individualized academic and therapeutic support. Students also receive access to unique hands-on, experiential programming, offering a well- rounded educational experience that enhances students’ various preferences and styles of learning.

A Child Study Team, composed of both educators and clinicians, monitors student progress and assesses learning difficulties, with frequent updates to families. Remediation is provided through Academic Intervention Services and instruction is provided by experienced and knowledgeable faculty.
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The Equine Therapy Program is a major part of every student's individualized treatment plan and experience at The Charlton School. For over a decade, our Equine Therapy Program has grown to include nine horses, including one mini horse, and the construction of our Equine Learning Center, an indoor riding arena that is utilized year-round. All of our students and their families participate in this program on a regular basis. 

As a collaborative component of individualized clinical and educational support, Equine Therapy fosters the opportunity for meaningful connection between the students, the horses, and their peers, while heightening self-awareness and personal growth.Starting with learning the proper care of the horses and tending to their stables, the students learn to interact and build trust, ultimately achieving opportunities to improve their equestrian skills.    Students are guided by our licensed Equine Therapist to enhance responsibility, emotional intelligence, and mutual trust. It has quickly become one of The Charlton School’s most innovative programs and receives ancillary support from fundraising and grants.

Each spring, the accomplishments of the students are showcased at The Charlton School’s Annual Equine Expo, where staff, families, and community members can see firsthand the progress being made in the students’ confidence, self-esteem and equestrian skills. 

When words fall short, art is there to break down barriers and provide an outlet to effectively gain insight into emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Our Expressive Arts program places an emphasis on self-expression, empowerment, and identity formation through the creative process. Through a combination of Music Education, Art Education, and Therapeutic Arts, students participate in various activities that strengthen their ability to express themselves. When topics and issues become too difficult to confront directly in traditional talk therapy, they can often be expressed through the arts. The studio can become a training space, as students learn about commitment, dedication, responsibility, risk-taking, and  processing their failures and successes. The ultimate goal for the Expressive Arts program is to increase availability and accessibility of diverse experiences of art-making through different methods and materials to promote individualized opportunities.

Our robust Campus Life programs offer students the opportunity to develop and practice a wide variety of social, emotional, and personal development skills through active participation in structured, therapeutic, recreational, and occupational programs. In addition to the newly constructed dorms that provide modern and comfortable amenities and a sense of community, students also experience well-rounded programs beyond the school day, through the support of our residential and clinical staff.  On weekdays after-school, students engage in structured therapeutic and recreational programs designed to help with learning skills in self-regulation, frustration-tolerance, cooperation with peers and adults, and physical exercise for the mind and body.

Structured weekend activities with peers and adults strengthen confidence in developing healthy relationships with oneself and each other. We work to provide a safe, nurturing, consistent, and predictable environment, where conflictual relationships are rebuilt and new skills are discovered. We foster opportunities for healthy choices and personal accountability to enhance progress.

Programs for students may include Equine Therapy, Expressive Arts, sporting activities, volunteerism, culinary skills, community events, life-skills development and more. Physical activity that boosts mental wellness is intentionally intertwined and can include various activities on our sprawling campus, such as hiking, fishing, running, and biking. We also partner with other community businesses for physical wellness programs, such as kickboxing, soccer, dancing, and more, facilitated by our Certified Recreational Therapist and residential staff.

Fostering community connections is always a focus, and weekends and school vacations tend to be more relaxed, with opportunities to head out to the movies, local fairs, beaches, walking trails, roller rinks, and bowling alleys. Through our Family Connections program and through family therapy, regular home visits are encouraged on weekends, holidays, and during school vacations. These visits are a key part of our treatment plan. 

As students progress, opportunities are customized for their individual interests and abilities. Increased levels of independence are gained as progress is made within the residential program. As students exhibit positive relationships with peers and adults, enhanced success in their daily living routines (including hygiene), care of personal and community spaces, regular school attendance, and active participation in after-school and evening programs, they are offered increased levels of responsibility with peers on campus and within the community.