Facebook Twitter Instagram

About Us

The Titus School was established on the premise that all children and their families are valued members of the community.

Mission

We believe that everyone deserves an education that meets their needs and helps them reach their full potential. At Titus, we see beyond classifications and labels; and we know a diagnosis is a guide to treatment, not an identity. We believe that relationships are the foundation for all learning, and progress comes when treatment is paired with empathy.

Our carefully planned, developmentally appropriate curriculum and individualized treatment plans provide each student the opportunity to feel successful while learning new skills. Our goal is to ensure each student unlocks his or her full potential and develops a positive sense of self with the confidence and knowledge to be an independent decision maker while functioning within a group.

Our mission is to help our students:

Achieve and maintain emotional and physical self-regulation

Build the interpersonal skills that foster lifelong relationships

Feel empowered by developing functional life, academic and/or work-related skills, including learning readiness, reading, executive functioning, and community access skills

Value themselves as non-traditional learners

Create nourishing personal routines, self-advocacy, and the ability to effectively communicate

Employing the Guiding Principles of:

Positive reinforcement/motivation

Individualized expectations, approaches, and goals
Qualitative thinking rather than quantitative thinking, i.e. “How are you smart?” rather than, “How smart are you?”
A commitment to making a positive impact on our students, their families, and our community (local & beyond)
  • Positive reinforcement/motivation
  • Individualized expectations, approaches, and goals
  • Qualitative thinking rather than quantitative thinking, i.e. “How are you smart?” rather than, “How smart are you?”
  • A commitment to making a positive impact on our students, their families, and our community (local & beyond)

Philosophy & Approach

At The Titus School, we take a customized approach to each and every student, using Applied Behavior Analysis, Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and Instructional History. When we understand the unique needs and strengths of each of our students, we can create an education plan that helps them thrive.
View Approach

Our Story

The Titus School was founded by Natalie Brandefine, Tomiko Lyons, and a team of renowned professionals in the fields of medicine, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology, education, and mental health services. Together they worked to create a program that focuses on improving the quality of life for their students and families. The Titus School’s goal is to help their students establish the skills needed to unlock their potential and open doors to new possibilities. The common thread that tied the Titus team together was their inability to find that “next step,” for their clients and students; for whom school seemed to be an unattainable goal. Armed with a passion for education and innovation Natalie, Tomiko, and the Titus team set out to fill that gap and put that goal within reach. Titus provides the highest quality services to children and families, with unparalleled dedication and expertise in the support of a school and a community. The Titus School aims to be the first and next step in the treatment and education of some of the most underserved children in the five boroughs of New York City and beyond!

What our parents are saying...

"When Natalie Brandefine told me she was founding a new special needs school, I did not think twice to apply. My daughter has been attending The Titus School for the last two school years. The teachers, therapists and staff are the most caring and loving group of professionals. Titus has helped my daughter with educational and behavioral challenges. She has flourished, improved her social skills and is making friends. We are proud of her accomplishments socially and academically."
Parent of a 14-year-old Titus student
"Before attending Titus, our 13-year-old son was regularly sent home early and then counselled out of schools - 4 of them – for “disruptive behavior” and an “inability to attend” to lessons. Since arriving at Titus 2 years ago, he has been in class regularly from 8:30 -4:00. Everyday. He has made friends for the first time in his life, and he has learned how to be a student. The teachers and service providers at Titus are the most dedicated, committed, empathetic, nurturing and encouraging professionals we have ever encountered. Their disciplined approach has made a world of difference for us and our son, and we could not be more supportive of the Titus Team."
Parent of a 13-year-old Titus student
“The Titus School was a game changer for us. Our child is excited to go to school. She is making friends and engaged in learning. This is a far cry from her previous school experiences. The teachers and therapists are exceptional. We are so grateful to The Titus School for giving our child the learning environment she needs to succeed!”
Parentof a 7-year-old Titus student
“From the moment Natalie met our daughter, we could tell Titus was going to be a special place. Natalie didn’t just observe Trixie, she listened to and understood her. This inquisitive attitude is carried over to the wonderful and professional staff at Titus. The children aren’t placed into preconceived boxes of needs and abilities. Instead, each student is given a calm, secure, and supportive environment in which to learn, explore, and thrive. The occasional instances when our daughter finds herself having a difficult moment are treated as learning opportunities—for both Trixie and staff—not just temporary setbacks. When we look back at how our daughter was before enrolling at Titus as compared to how she is now, we’re awestruck. She’s more communicative, imaginative, and confident. Most of all, she is happier. Barely a school day passes without our little girl bounding off her bus from Titus with a big, sunny smile across her face. We consider ourselves lucky we were invited to be part of the Titus family."
April - Parentof a 7-year-old Titus student
“Titus has been a magical school for our child. Our son has been able to excel and progress in all areas that have previously been extremely difficult for him. Our son leaves for school each morning and returns home each day with a smile. We are in such appreciation of the entire team at Titus and continue to be amazed each and every day. Titus for us, represents much more than just a school and has helped our family navigate many challenges. Thank you, Titus.”
Parentof a 9-year-old Titus student
“Life before Titus seemed so unfair!!! The Public School system is not set up for children with special needs, especially when there is a classroom of 30 or more kids. Our son’s self-esteem was deteriorating more and more! At Titus, he is doing so well and he gets what he needs!! Everyone at his school now gives him the attention, support and love that he deserves. I can’t thank Titus and the entire team enough for the unconditional support that they have given us and continue to do so!!!”
Sandie - Parentof a 9-year-old Titus student
“We searched long and hard for a school that was a perfect fit for our child. Titus checked all the boxes. The hands-on approach, patience exhibited, communication with parents, the daily and weekly detailed progress reports, her dedicated team of 10 and more-- has all resulted in improving her focus, awareness and her social and academic skill sets. Additionally, given the uncertainty of the pandemic and the sudden changes needed, Titus was proactive and thorough in addressing the health, new protocols and concerns of parents and expeditiously but safely got our children back to school where parents and students felt comfortable. Thank you Titus for all that you have done and continue to do for our child! Eternally grateful Titus mom!”
Parentof a 9-year-old Titus student
“Our family struggled to find a place that could support our son through his most difficult moments, while also appreciating his many gifts. I am so thankful for Titus’s individualized approach, which teaches to his strengths while supporting his needs. Our son’s confidence was at a record low when we started at Titus, having been unsuccessful in so many other school placements. He now loves going to school and has a new confidence in his abilities.”
Parentof a Titus student
“What a joy and relief it's been to have found a school that believes in the potential of our complex daughter. As parents, we feel that the information and ideas we have are actually heard and valued by the school. It has been a true pleasure to work with Natalie and our daughter's amazing therapeutic team in pursuit of the best treatment plan for her. We are so grateful.”
Parentof a Titus student
"Having a child with special needs isn't nearly as challenging as finding a school that is appropriate to meet their needs. After so many years of looking and trying schools, finding Titus was a relief and a blessing. I have seen my child grow and learn in ways that I knew he was capable of but he had not had the chance to at other schools. Titus has given us hope and confidence; it is more than just a good school with great services, it is a community where I feel our whole family is seen, heard, and supported."
Alaina - Parentof a 10-year-old Titus student
“Before we found Titus, we never thought our daughter would be able to be engaged where she could learn essential things to get through everyday life. Today, she is not only learning, but thriving, and doing things that we never thought were possible. Titus has become an essential part of our daughter's growth and we are forever so thankful!”
Jay - Parentof a 16-year-old Titus student
“Our world was much smaller before Titus. The school has truly created a family atmosphere, into which they welcomed my son, and included him as a co-creator. His teachers have found ways to reach him and push him to do things I didn’t know he could do. Even better, they’re teaching US! When we feel the walls closing in again, we know a whole team is a phone call away to help us figure out how to keep on growing!”
Parentof a Titus student
“Our son has attended several schools before we found Titus. The dedication of the administration and staff to these children is unparalleled. What a special school"
Parentof a Titus student
"It's beyond a cliche by now to say that we are in an upside-down world and we don't know when the world will be right again. But Titus came at the right time for our son. He's matured so much since the beginning of his first year in Fall 2019 and even more since the pandemic started. He's very much aware of how much the world has changed and really misses his school and his friends. So I just want to send a quick note of thanks to all the Titus staff, especially Natalie for her resilience and compassion in leading the school during the crisis. Even more gratitude to K.'s teachers and therapists -- Geoff, Tomi, Colin, Gennaro, Amanda, Ashley, Ayesha, Leeat, Naomi -- for the classes that he looks forward to every day."
Roland - Parentof a 12-year-old Titus student
“Our son Alexander, now 13, has improved so much since the team at Titus has taken over his education and behavioral plan. The fact that I can now have a "normal" conversation with my son brings happy tears to my eyes. We were told some pretty harsh things about him from other schools. The schools the DOE placed him in would never address his needs. We are so fortunate to have found Natalie, the school director, and now this new school she founded.” So I just want to send a quick note of thanks to all the Titus staff, especially Natalie for her resilience and compassion in leading the school during the crisis. Even more gratitude to K.'s teachers and therapists -- Geoff, Tomi, Colin, Gennaro, Amanda, Ashley, Ayesha, Leeat, Naomi -- for the classes that he looks forward to every day."
Parentof a Titus student
“Before we found Titus, our son was really struggling. With the help of his Titus team, he has made so much progress and is happy to go to school again. We are so thankful that we found this group of amazing, caring people to work with our family!” Thank you Titus for all that you have done and continue to do for our child! Eternally grateful Titus mom!”
Randi - Parentof a 7-year-old Titus student
“Finding The Titus School was nothing short of a miracle for our family. The team is not only professionally able to meet our son’s complex learning and behavioral challenges, but wholeheartedly willing to do so. We are so happy to have landed here after many years of searching for high-quality special needs education.“
Andrea & Mike - Parentsof a 12-year-old Titus student
“Our family would like to express our sincere thanks for the outstanding job Natalie and Tomi are doing with the diverse group of kids at The Titus School. Titus' incredible teachers and therapists provide strong academic support and a nurturing, caring environment to help students both emotionally and socially.”
Parentof a Titus student
“Before Titus, our son never felt comfortable in school. We enrolled him in Titus when he was 8 years old and it was life changing; not only for him but for our entire family. The team at Titus has been supportive, guiding and empathetic to our family’s needs. Our son has been thriving in all academic and therapeutic areas. Titus embodies more than just a school and has individualized each student's education plan. We are forever grateful for Titus.”
Paige - Parentof a 9-year-old Titus student
“Before we found Titus, we could not find a school that could manage our 12-year-old. Titus handles him beautifully. He has adapted to school again and is thriving.”
Parentof a Titus student
“Our son struggled with emotional regulation at school, robbing him of an enjoyable learning experience, the ability to make friends, and ultimately his self-confidence. Titus has empowered him with tools that allow him to understand his emotions and give him constructive ways to work with them. Allowing him to build friendships, confidence, and ultimately take part in learning. This has given us hope for his future, but also showed us the path to get him there.”
Parentof a Titus student
“My child has been attending Titus for a year and a half. He looks forward to going to school every day, even when he has struggles, because he knows that he has a safe and supportive learning environment. He is happy there and loves the students and the staff.”
Parentof a Titus student
“When Natalie Brandefine told me she was founding a new special needs school, I did not think twice to apply. My daughter has been attending The Titus School for the last two school years. The teachers, therapists and staff are the most caring and loving group of professionals. Titus has helped my daughter with educational and behavioral challenges. She has flourished, improved her social skills and is making friends. We are proud of her accomplishments socially and academically.”
Parentof a 14-year-old Titus student
“Before attending Titus, our 13-year-old son was regularly sent home early and then counselled out of schools - 4 of them – for “disruptive behavior” and an “inability to attend” to lessons. Since arriving at Titus 2 years ago, he has been in class regularly from 8:30 -4:00. Everyday. He has made friends for the first time in his life, and he has learned how to be a student. The teachers and service providers at Titus are the most dedicated, committed, empathetic, nurturing and encouraging professionals we have ever encountered. Their disciplined approach has made a world of difference for us and our son, and we could not be more supportive of the Titus Team.”
Parentof a Titus student
Previous
Next

The Titus Team

Natalie Brandefine, M.S. Ed.​

Head of School

Natalie is the Head of School and founding team leader of The Titus School. For the past 5 years she served as the Program Director at one of New York City’s premiere acute care therapeutic alternative education programs. In this role she was fortunate enough to lead and work alongside a multidisciplinary team of dedicated and highly sought-after special educators, mental health providers, and related service providers. She honed her administrative skills while supporting the program’s rapid expansion. Natalie has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Brooklyn College. She began her career in the field of Early Childhood Education and Special Education, while in high school, in Staten Island, NY working at The Village Preschool, a program established by her mother, Lisbeth Brandefine (“Miss Liz”), in 1991. Since that time, she has worked as head teacher, program director, adjunct lecturer, and educational consultant in Albany, NY, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Founding a school that services children with special needs and their families has been a lifelong dream for Natalie and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow and learn at Titus.

Tomiko Lyons, MA, LMSW, BCBA, LBA-NY

Director of Clinical Services

Tomiko Lyons is the Director of Clinical Services and cofounder of The Titus School. Tomi began her career working with her mother, Kim LaGrange, in a day-hab. program for adults with developmental disabilities in Buffalo, NY. Armed with a desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, Tomi received a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked as school social worker, in the Pittsburgh Public School system for two years before moving to New York to attend Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, where she received a Master’s in Special Education with a focus in Autism and Behavior Disorders. It was here in New York City that Tomi fell in love with the classroom and the relationships she was able to establish with her students and their families. She brings with her 19 years of experience and expertise, ensuring The Titus School’s staff will be highly trained and our students will have access to the highest quality clinical services available.

Now Accepting Applications

We are a 12 month program, however, due to the unique population we serve, The Titus School has rolling admissions, based on availability, most seats becoming available in July and or September.

For more information email us at info@thetitusschool.com

Learn More
With tailored, academic programs that extend beyond the classroom, Titus School prepares any and all students, regardless of learning, behavioral, or medical challenges, for a higher quality of life.
Facebook-f Instagram

The School

Curriculum

Parent Portal

© 2020 All rights reserved

website designers nyc