P.S. X721- Stephen McSweeney School

The Stephen D. McSweeney School serves children aged 13 to 21 with intellectual disabilities. Because these students do not receive a regular high school diploma they need work experiences that will lead to employment upon graduation, according to the 2016-17 Comprehensive Education Plan. [photo of students from a YouTube video posted by a flamenco music and dance residency]

The quality of teaching is good and students participate in work-study programs in the community or at the school, including in three food service rooms and the wood shop, according to the 2014-15 Quality Review.

Twelve students are working at various departments at Montefiore Hospital and one student has already obtained full time employment after graduation, the Quality Review said. However, it added, in some settings it was difficult for students to receive meaningful feedback at their work sites.

ADMISSIONS: Citywide. PS X721 is part of District 75, a network of 69 schools dedicated to New York Citys students with disabilities who require increased attention. District 75 provides educational, vocational, and behavioral support programs for students who are on the autism spectrum, have significant cognitive delays, are significantly emotionally challenged, have a sensory impairment or have multiple disabilities. (Katie Safter & Hugo Segal, web reports, August 2017)