PS 256

PS 256 is a public school that is part of the NYC SPECIAL SCHOOLS - DISTRICT 75 school district, located in SYOSSET, NY with about 444 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade. With about 110 teachers, PS 256 has a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

PS 256, located at 525 Convent Road in Syosset, New York, is a specialized educational facility operated under the auspices of the Nassau BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services). It is a highly specialized school designed to support students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The school focuses on creating a structured, therapeutic environment that integrates rigorous academic instruction with intensive clinical and behavioral support services to help students succeed.

The school is well-regarded for its small class sizes and personalized approach, which allows for highly individualized education plans (IEPs). By employing a multidisciplinary team—including special education teachers, social workers, psychologists, and speech therapists—PS 256 strives to address the unique social-emotional and academic barriers their students face. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide students with the necessary coping mechanisms, academic skills, and confidence to eventually transition back to a less restrictive school setting or to move toward independent post-secondary goals.

For more information, contact PS 256 at (516) 921-0450 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.