Discover Our Story
A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1958, The Karafin School has helped students discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve academic success for over six decades.
As an 853 program approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Karafin serves students who have not found success in traditional educational settings and benefit from a more personalized approach to learning.
Our experienced educators, counselors, and support staff work closely with each student to create a supportive and therapeutic environment where they feel understood, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Summer School (ESY)
6-week Extended School Year (ESY) based on the student's IEP running July to August
Approved Classifications
Autism (AU), Emotional Disability (ED), Learning Disability (LD), and Other Health Impairments (OHI)
Classroom Organization
6:1+1 classroom ratio. Maximum of 6 students in a classroom with a teacher & teacher’s aide
Diplomas
We are approved by NYSED to issue Regents and local diplomas
About Us
Students are Trusted to Advocate for Themselves
At Karafin, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed when provided with the right combination of academic support, personal guidance, and encouragement. Through individualized instruction, therapeutic supports, and a structured learning environment, students develop the skills needed to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals.
For generations, Karafin has remained committed to helping students reach their maximum potential while preparing them for success in college, careers, and their communities.
Explore Our Diverse Range of Courses
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English
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Math
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History
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Science
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World languages
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Arts
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Humanities
Your Journey to Success Starts Here
This is a very great school that help students with their disabilities strive for their education and success so they can meet their academic criteria.
Anonymous
When mainstreaming for your special education student is not going well think about Karafin where challenging academics and a therapeutic environment meet. We are a very happy family to have found Karafin!
Anonymous parent
Parent involvement in higher level education is always challenging. The Head of School and staff are committed to students. My child has thrived here.
Anonymous parent
My son has only been in the Karafin school for about 4 months and he has never been happier. He made a lot of friends and has a social life again. The staff is wonderful and very caring.
Anonymous parent
My son is halfway through his junior year at Karafin, and we all agree it's the best school he's ever attended [...] Karafin truly is a place that challenges and encourages my son to be best person he can be. And they're helping him get ready for the next step...college!
Anonymous parent
Karafin is a unique and eclectic environment. The creative personalities of its students definitely contribute to the atmosphere Karafin exudes. Many stories have been told about Karafin, but they are hard to believe unless you have experienced.
Shannon S.
Karafin is not predictable. You can walk into the school and think it well be a bad day, but you will be proven wrong. Karafin is a crazy, happy, fun place that you can call a home. It is full of different kinds of people, people you can call family.
Alexandra M.
Karafin is somewhere I honestly enjoy going, which is a blessing I never thought I’d get from a school.
Lina C.