Welcome To TAL Academy

A School Where
Every Student Thrives

Apply Now

TAL Academy is an elementary school built for students with language-based learning challenges. We provide specialized instruction and individualized attention within our Judaic and general studies curriculum.  Our students receive the educational support they need to develop their individual strengths and talents within a warm and nurturing Torah environment.

A Foundation of Torah,
Language, and Literacy

Our goal is to give our students the foundation they need to return to their neighborhood schools with learning strategies, self-confidence, and a love of Torah and Mitzvos.

Why TAL

What Sets Us Apart

We understand how our students think, learn, and grow.

Three girls in school uniforms seated around a table with small green apple toys arranged in rows.
Expertise

Evidence-Based Learning

Research-based techniques focusing on abilities, not limitations. We engage sight, sound, and touch to strengthen language skills and build lasting understanding.

Smiling boy wearing a yarmulke studies with an open book at a classroom table with a teacher nearby.
Support

Individual Attention

Students learn in a warm, encouraging environment where they feel understood, capable, and valued.

Three students at desks in a classroom, two raising their hands, one smiling at the camera.
Empowerment

Confidence to Thrive

Our goal is to equip students with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need for success in school and beyond.

Academics

Teaching Built Around the Learner

Our curriculum is built on decades of research into how our students learn best. Every lesson is tailored to each student's needs and pace.

  • Structured literacy instruction grounded in research

  • Individualized learning plans that evolve with each student

  • Explicit, systematic teaching of reading and writing skills

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TAL in Action

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Experience

A Day at TAL Academy

Students thrive in small classes where teachers know them well. Beyond academics, they discover talents, build friendships, and grow in confidence.

Trained Educators

Our teachers work together with our team of language pathologists to support students with dyslexia and language-based learning challenges, creating a classroom environment where every child is given what they need to succeed.

Supportive Environment

By learning alongside peers with similar challenges, students gain confidence, form meaningful friendships, and experience the comfort of being part of a community that understands, supports, and values them.

Experience

A Day At TAL Academy

Students thrive in small classes where teachers know them well. Beyond academics, they discover talents, build friendships, and grow in confidence.

Four smiling boys wearing yarmulkes holding plates with donuts at a social gathering.

Trained Educators

Our teachers work together with our team of language pathologists to support students with dyslexia and language-based learning challenges, creating a classroom environment where every child is given what they need to succeed.

Supportive Environment

By learning alongside peers with similar challenges, students gain confidence, form meaningful friendships, and experience the comfort of being part of a community that understands, supports and values them.

A Closer Look at TAL

Watch how TAL Academy transforms student confidence and learning

Man in black suit and hat and boy in glasses holding a book with Hebrew text smiling indoors.
Six smiling girls standing close indoors, wearing school uniforms with skirts and sweatshirts.
Group of boys and men posing indoors on a polished wooden floor, one holding an orange basketball.
Smiling boy wearing a black shirt and kippah reading a book at a desk in a classroom.
Group of boys and men in formal attire holding blue books posing indoors on a wooden floor.

A Message From Our Principal

Smiling woman with brown hair and glasses wearing a black and red striped sweater.

Sara Taib
Principal

It is with great excitement that I write to you as the founding principal of TAL Academy. TAL Academy was born of the vision of dedicated individuals who saw a need within our community and felt compelled to fill that void. We are a school of excellence that meets the needs of students with language-based learning disabilities by providing focused, research-based instruction within an Orthodox yeshiva environment. Despite the herculean efforts of parents and educators, these young children are struggling to meet expectations within their mainstream school environments. The toll this takes on their self-esteem is incalculable. And yet, these are very capable and talented students. The dissonance between their potential and their school performance leaves them feeling confused and unsure of their own abilities.

Thankfully, we live in an exciting and pivotal era in the realm of educational research. While significant new advances in the science of reading continue to emerge, the most effective approach for teaching reading is clear. Similarly, we know a lot today about fostering the language development of students with processing difficulties; helping them to read and listen with comprehension and to express themselves both orally and verbally with clarity.

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I am inspired by the dedication of the parents and children I am meeting. I am honored to be part of a team of educators par excellence who share the same passion and vision for the school. I am humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children at these most crucial stages of their growth, allowing them to know for themselves the great potential that they have and the cherished role they play within our Jewish community.

Questions

Find answers about TAL Academy, our approach, and what to expect

Who does TAL serve?

TAL Academy serves students with dyslexia and language-based learning challenges. These students are bright and capable, and they learn best with specialized instruction tailored to how their minds work.

Why a special school?

TAL students have come from schools where they have struggled because traditional educational approaches and teacher training do not adequately address their learning needs.

TAL offers a research-based, direct, multisensory instructional program with ongoing teacher training focused on how students learn. Instruction can be individualized, allowing students to progress at their own pace while remaining part of the classroom community. Our dual curriculum ensures that both Judaic and General Studies are taught in ways that are accessible and aligned with how our students learn best.

Which grades does TAL serve?

TAL Academy serves students in grades one through eight. We work with families to ensure each student is ready for the next phase of their education.

How long do students typically stay at TAL?

Every student's journey is unique. Some students return to mainstream schools after gaining the skills and confidence they need, while others benefit from the structure and support of the TAL program through graduation.

Where do TAL families live?

Families come from throughout the New York metropolitan area, including all five boroughs, with many families traveling from Queens, Brooklyn, and the Five Towns to attend TAL Academy.

What is TAL's homework policy?

Homework is designed to reinforce concepts taught in school rather than introduce new material. Regular practice in reading comprehension, math skills, and Kriah helps support consistent learning. Homework assignments are intended to take approximately 30–40 minutes per evening.

Is my student eligible?

If your student has dyslexia or a language-based learning challenge and is in grades one through eight, we encourage you to reach out. Contact us to discuss your student's specific needs and whether TAL might be a good match.

What are language-based learning challenges?

Language-based learning challenges affect how a student processes, understands, and uses language. Students may experience difficulty with reading, writing, comprehension, organization of ideas, reasoning, or communication. TAL Academy uses specialized instruction and learning strategies to help students build these skills and succeed both academically and socially.

Which related services are available?

Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy services are integrated into the school day whenever appropriate. Therapists work closely with teachers to support students within the classroom environment and promote a cohesive learning experience.

How do you teach reading?

We use structured literacy instruction grounded in decades of research. Our teachers use multisensory methods that engage sight, sound, and touch. Every lesson is explicit, systematic, and tailored to each student's pace.

What is the class size?

Small classes are central to our approach. Teachers know each student's strengths, challenges, and learning style deeply. This allows for the individualized attention that helps students thrive.

What is required for admission?

Families are typically asked to submit:

A neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation completed within the last two years
Recent report cards
An IEP, if applicable
A teacher questionnaire
Relevant related-service evaluations, such as speech-language or occupational therapy reports
A completed TAL Academy application
Any relevant medical documentation

Additional requirements may apply depending on grade level and individual circumstances.

Do you have an application deadline?

TAL Academy follows a rolling admissions process. While most families apply for the upcoming school year, applications are accepted throughout the year based on availability.