Tiegerman School
at Woodside
High (Grades 9-12+)

Mrs. Nina DeVita

Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Cohen

Coordinator

Ms. Rebecca Baron

Coordinator

Classroom Ratios: Personalized Support for Every Learner
Grades: 9-12+

8:1:2 Classroom Ratio

Tiegerman School at Woodside’s 8:1:2 classrooms provide a highly specialized and supportive environment for students with significant disabilities. The teacher and support staff work together to deliver personalized and comprehensive education, focusing not just on academic skills, but also on social, emotional, and behavioral development. These classes benefit our students by providing more effective behavioral and emotional support, greater flexibility in instruction, enhanced social skills development, increased safety and supervision, stronger collaboration among staff, improved academic outcomes,  and tailored support for life skills.

12:1:2 Classroom Ratio

Tiegerman School at Woodside’s 12:1:2 classrooms provide a structured, specialized environment for learners with unique developmental needs. The teacher provides individualized instruction and the additional support staff assist with specialized tasks like behavior management, communication, or academic support, depending on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).These classes benefit our students by providing improved behavior management, enhanced support for emotional and social development, increased safety and supervision, promote collaboration and teamwork, and improved academic progress.

Program Highlights

  • Intensive and structured 12-month educational programming from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM for students in 9th Grade through 12th Grade
  • Curriculum and instructional programs aligned with NYS Learning Standards and the Next Generation Standards
  • An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed and implemented for each student, including strategies and goals tailored to their academic and social needs
  • Rigorous, language-based learning in small classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratios: 8 students, 1 certified special education teacher, and 2 teaching assistants (8:1:2) or 12 students, 1 certified special education teacher, and 2 teaching assistants (12:1:2)
  • Transdisciplinary model focused on language development, enhancing each student’s social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills
  • School-Wide Behavior Plan which encourages appropriate social skills, in the form of a token economy
  • Reading Specialist and reading services offered for diagnostic purposes and additional reading support
  • Specialty classes such as dance, music, technology and art
  • Individual Occupational Therapy 
  • Group Occupational Therapy (3 to 5 students)
  • Individual Physical Therapy
  • Daily Reading and Writing classes
  • Speech and Language Pathologists trained to work with students with apraxia, central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), and hearing loss
  • Speech-Language Pathologists trained in PROMPT therapy and DTTC 
  • Individual Speech and Language Therapy
  • Family and community support, including Parent Training
  • Field trips, theme days, school-wide celebrations, and more
  • All high school students receive Tiegerman-issued Chromebooks
  • Group Speech and Language Therapy (up to 5 students)
  • Group Speech and Language Therapy target language and play/social skills
  • Individual Counseling Services
  • Group Counseling Services (up to 5 students)
  • On-site support from a Behavior Specialist and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • Registered Nurse on premises
  • Assistive Technology (H.A.T, tablets, etc.)

Teaching the Extraordinary

Empowering Futures: Skills for Success!

Vocational Learning

Vocational programming at Tiegerman School at Woodside is integrated into the curriculum and aligned with CDOS standards. The Business Technology pathway builds skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Transition planning is ongoing and personalized to support each student’s unique needs, strengths, and interests throughout their high school journey.

Retail / School Store Program

Through our on-site Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein store, the Retail/School Store program offers students hands-on training in a real-world setting. They build skills in teamwork, customer service, inventory, and financial literacy while gaining confidence, connecting with peers, and preparing for future academic and career success in a fun, enriching, and community-focused environment.

Work Based Learning (WBL)

Work-Based Learning (WBL) bridges classroom learning and future employment, giving students hands-on experiences that support personal and professional growth. Through partnerships with Walgreens, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Woodside on the Move, McDonald’s, and more, WBL helps students apply acquired skills in real-world settings and prepares them for success beyond high school.

Coordinators Office of Student Activities (COSA) 

COSA supports the mission of Tiegerman School at Woodside by offering programs and social activities that foster leadership, growth, and inclusion. Collaborating with faculty, staff, and the community, COSA empowers students through events like socials, field trips, theme days, fundraisers, assemblies, and the Big Brother Big Sister Mentor Program.

Student Government

Tiegerman High School’s Student Government Program promotes an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment. Students develop leadership skills in advocacy, social inclusion, and mentorship. Activities include student campaigns, elections, government meetings, assemblies, and field trips—such as visiting City Hall—offering meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence, responsibility, and active participation within the school community.

A Day in the Life at Tiegerman School Woodside!

Newsworthy Events!

Calling All Professionals! Join Us for Career Day on Friday, March 28th! 🌟

We are excited to host Career Day and are actively seeking guest speakers to inspire and guide our students. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise and help prepare the next generation for the workforce. How You Can Participate:💼 Guest Speaker Sessions:Share insights about your career in 15-minute sessions as students rotate and

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This Is Queensborough Magazine: January 2025 Edition

In the January Edition of This Is Queensborough Magazine, Irene Scalfani, Director of Development wrote this article about Tiegerman’s 40th Anniversary. This Is Queensborough Magazine is mailed to 2,500+ members of The Queens Chamber of Commerce. The glossy magazine is published by BQE Media. Read the digital PDF here.

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An Independent Future for Tiegerman Kids

Tiegerman Schools has created a unique vocational training program that prepares students with developmental disabilities for the world of work. By partnering with PVH retail brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, the High School has developed two retail stores within the school so students are provided with the skill set to work in retail upon

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PVH CQ

Thank you PVH for including Tiegerman’s School Update to your 2021 issue. This magazine is distributed to all PVH staff, vendors and partners. We are proud of partnership and the work our students contribute each and every day in our stores.

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More to Explore at Tiegerman School at Woodside

PreSchool

3 and 4 Year Olds

Elementary School

Grades K-6

Middle School

Grades 7-8

High School

Grades 9-12