St. Matthew's School

Welcome to St. Matthew's!

DIANA DINZEY PRINCIPAL OF ST MATT'SA Note from Our Principal

 
 At St. Matthew’s, we are committed to guiding our students toward developing essential values like trust, respect, responsibility, and collaboration—both with their peers and their community. These principles are at the heart of  everything we do; as we believe they form the foundation for students to grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals.
 
Our students have the unique opportunity to explore both the school and the wider community, engaging in academic and vocational skills, character education, positive social interactions, and leisure/recreational activities. This well-rounded approach helps foster not only their academic growth but also personal and social development, laying the groundwork for lifelong success. We strive to increase the independence of every student. Our goal is for each student to leave our school ready to lead a productive, fulfilling life that is meaningful and full of worth, equipped with the tools needed to thrive in the world beyond our walls. We take great pride in honoring the unique abilities and individuality of every learner at St. Matt’s. We believe that all of our students have the potential to reach their full potential, and we are here to support them every step of the way.
 
As we continue this school year, we are excited to reflect on the remarkable progress of our students. Our returning scholars have quickly resettled into their instructional routines, and those participating in work programs with our community partners are continuing to develop the skills necessary for job readiness and independence. We are grateful to long-standing partners like Reymond Opticians, Fair Deal Deli, White Plains Deli, Big Apple Smoothie, White Plains Party City, and the White Plains Bake Shop, who have welcomed our students year after year. We are also thrilled about the new partnerships we’ve developed, further enriching the learning experience for our students.
 
In addition, our Thanksgiving Feast in November was a wonderful opportunity to see our students in action, applying their skills by creating placemats and preparing meals from scratch. A special thank you goes to the parents who joined us for our Holiday Event in December. It was heartwarming to share a glimpse into how our teaching teams and related service providers work together to accommodate and adapt instruction for our students. We truly enjoyed spending time with you and appreciate your feedback.
 
At St. Matthew’s, we understand that your child’s journey may not always have been easy, and we are deeply honored to be a part of it. We value the trust you have placed in us and are excited to continue partnering with you and your family in the year ahead.
 
Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal 
 

St. Matthews' Vision Statement

people jumping in the airWe at St. Matthews believe our responsibility is to guide students to develop trust, respect, responsibility, and collaboration with peers and their community.

Students explore both the school and community to develop abilities to engage in meaningful academic and vocational skills, character education, positive social interactions, and leisure/recreational skills.

 We strive to increase the independence of every student so that when they enter the world beyond these walls, they continue to blossom and lead productive lives that are full of worth and meaning.

At St. Matt’s we honor the abilities and individuality of every learner, and believe that all of our students can reach their full potential. 

At St. Matt’s, magical things happen.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs (AIIM) K-12 - NYSAA

This program provides a highly structured site-based classroom environment designed primarily for students with autism spectrum disorders at the middle and high school levels for New York State Alternately Assessed students. Instructional methodology includes the applications of structured teaching and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that have demonstrated effective outcomes in the school environment. Specialized clinical consultation is provided for both structured teaching and ABA classes. In addition to academic outcomes, the development of appropriate communication, social and behavioral skills are stressed.

We currently offer alternately assessed AIIM classes at St. Matt's at the middle and high school level.

CoSer 203.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:2

Included Related Services: 

*Speech/Language Services Group (middle school only) 1x30 per week

*Counseling services for Group & Transitional Services

*Consultant Occupational Therapy

*Consultant Speech and Language Services

*Consultant Psychiatric Services

*Parent Training

Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.

Career Training: 

Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs, to meet the requirements for attaining the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SKILLS).This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district

Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla.  Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.

Therapeutic Support Program for Developmentally Delayed Students (TSP-DD) - NYSAA

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are determined by their CSE to be alternately assessed (NYSAA). The TSP/DD Program facilitates social/emotional/behavioral skills necessary for students with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to function successfully in home, school and community environments. Functional academics and specialized instruction in academics are emphasized. At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition supports, career awareness and services and vocational experiences and skills necessary for students to attain the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC). 

We currently offer TSP-DD classes at St. Matt's at the high school level.

CoSer 231.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:1

Included Related Services

* Psychiatric Consultant Services

* Counseling Services 1x30 group per week

* Consultant Occupational Therapy

* Consultant Speech and Language Services

* Consultant Guidance Counselor

Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.

Career Training

Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs. This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district

Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla.  Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.

Communication and Academic Development Program (CAD) NYSAA

This program is offered to students who require small group instruction in a therapeutic setting. Students in this program primarily present with mental health challenges that significantly interfere with the students' ability to be educated and supported within a typical general education classroom environment.  Students' needs are met through highly structured classroom settings with counseling and instructional supports.  At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition services and supports.

CAD Grades 6-12 CoSer 230.100

Student Teacher Ratio 12:1:1

St. Matthew's Calendar

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What's Up at St. Matts!

  • A Bright Beginning at St. Matthew's School

    The 2025–2026 school year began with great excitement at St. Matthew's School, where students were warmly welcomed by their classroom teams, service providers, and Principal Diana Dinzey. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy as both new and returning students arrived, ready to begin another year of learning and growth.

    Several new students from the Rye Lake Lower Campus joined the St. Matthew's community for the very first time. Their transition marks an important step in their educational journey, as St. Matthew's offers a variety of vocational and community integration opportunities that will help them build independence and real-world skills.

    We are also thrilled to welcome veteran teacher, Ms. Karen Walker, to the St. Matthew's team. Ms. Walker now leads one of our High School AIIM classes, bringing her experience, dedication, and warm spirit to her new students. Her presence is already helping to shape a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.

    The first days at St. Matthew's were a true reflection of what lies ahead: a school year filled with opportunity, meaningful connections, and a strong commitment to student success.

    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • St. Matthew's celebrates another engaging and joy-filled summer program

    St. Matthew's students and staff enjoyed an engaging Extended School Year, filled with hands-on learning both inside and out of the classrooms.
     
    Students enjoyed community outings to Homefield Bowl, local farmers markets, Stew Leonard’s, the Maritime Aquarium, and downtown White Plains. They practiced life skills like celebrating others, waiting their turn, following directions, and navigating public spaces. Some students enhanced vocational skills through our Work-Based Learning program at DSW in White Plains.
     
    Teacher Patrice Cookes led weekly Movement lessons, while Breakthrough Fitness provided with skills-based adapted fitness classes each Wednesday. Our furry friends from BluePath Service Dogs also continued to visit us each week. 
     
    Every Friday, our Continent Study assembly brought the school together as classes shared projects, artwork, and food inspired by China, Brazil, Italy, and Madagascar—fostering communication, collaboration, and cultural awareness.
     
    On August 14th, our school community, including families, gathered for our ESY Closing Event. Students proudly shared their learning, creativity, and growth from the six-week program. We are so grateful to the families who were able to join us.
     
    We look forward to welcoming our students back on Sept. 4, 2025, for what promises to be a wonderful 2025–2026 school year. Until then, we wish you all a joyful and restful remainder of the summer!
    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • St. Matt's Celebrates Field Day!

    On Friday, May 30th, St. Matts celebrated our inaugural Field Day at Pierson Park in Tarrytown. Students enjoyed various activities, including yoga with Coach Sarah, a musical celebration with Mr. R, our music teacher, and lots of fun field games. The students and staff also enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch! We can't wait to have Field Day again next year! 

    St. Matthews

  • Seven students lauded on the culmination of their educational journeys

    St. Matthew’s graduates reached for the stars, now set out for new adventures

    At the St. Matthew’s School 2025 Graduation Ceremony on June 10, pride and joy filled the Luther Hall auditorium as families, staff, district leaders, and community partners gathered to honor a remarkable group of seven students. “These are not just graduates — they are bright stars, each with a powerful story and a beautiful future,” Ms. Dinzey said.

     

    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • Engagement event invites families to explore unique program, meet with educators

    St. Matt’s shows off work-based learning, community connections

    A recent Work-Based Learning Parent Engagement Event at SWBOCES St. Matthew’s School in White Plains showed parents the work skills their children learn daily in the classroom and in the community. They also met with educators and business partners who provide work opportunities to students.

    News Feed - St. Matthews
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General Information for Parents

Transition Resources and Information

Southern Westchester BOCES
Center for Special Services
St. Matthew's School
3 Carhart Ave., White Plains, NY 10605
ph. 914-761-7524
fax 914-761-8806