Founded in 1948, the Reece School is one of the oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit private special education elementary schools located in New York City. As a New York State approved “853" school, students with disabilities are referred to Reece by New York City Committees on Special Education when they determine that the student needs more support than can be provided in their home school district or BOCES. The mission of the Reece School is to provide a nurturing educational environment for children who are significantly challenged by multiple diagnoses including mental illness and autism spectrum, emotional, behavioral, and social disorders as well as learning and speech disabilities. The Reece School assists each child to develop their self-esteem, abilities, talents, accomplishments, academic, social, and independent living skills, along with a love of learning to ensure their success in the greater community and future educational settings. The New York City funded program includes a full-day of Core Curriculum academics as well as therapeutic services, such as occupational and speech therapies modified to meet each student's needs as expressed in their Individual Education Plan. Currently, 106 students, (ages 5-13, grades K-7) attend Reece from throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City.