Welcome to
Sage Alliance
New York, NY

To provide a safe, small therapeutic and challenging educational community that integrates social, emotional and academic growth through the collaboration of students, families and staff to empower and prepare students with the skills needed to realize their potential and achieve success.

Lauren Bleggi, Principal, invites you to learn more about this location and the services we provide for students with special education needs.

Lauren Bleggi, Ed.D.

Principal

• Small Class Sizes: 1:3 student ratio ensuring personalized instruction and individualized attention.
• Expert Educators: Highly trained teachers specializing in academic and social-emotional development.
• College Focus: Students develop a personalized college and career plan, and with guided support are prepared for their postsecondary life.
• Therapeutic Support: Providing a nurturing environment where students feel safe, engaged, and empowered to achieve their potential.
• Flexible Academic Pathways: A two-tier approach, including a supportive college prep program and honors-level courses in core curriculum areas.
• Collaborative Family Partnerships: Working closely with families to create customized learning plans that meet each student’s unique needs.

Emotionally Secure

• Demonstrates Personal Accountability, Agency, and Adaptability
• Demonstrates Respect for Self and Others
• Acts with Integrity
• Demonstrates Honesty
• Commits to Emotional Growth of Self and Others

Socially Responsible

• Develops a Balance Between Independence and Interdependence with Others
• Takes Initiative
• Communicates and Collaborates Effectively with Others
• Is Socially Aware and Responsible
• Recognizes, Understands and Respects the Diversity and Uniqueness of Others
• Demonstrates Financial Literacy

Academically Capable

• Possesses the Life Skills Necessary for Success in a Rapidly Changing Society
• Possesses Technological Competency
• Possesses Media Fluency
• Articulates Confidently, Clearly, and Imaginatively
• Creates and Learns from their Inquiry and Experience
• Achieves to their Highest Potential
• Commits to Academic and/or Vocational Growth

For families navigating special education options in New York City, Connors funding can be a lifeline—but it’s also a source of confusion. At Sage Alliance NYC, we’re here to demystify the process and provide a clear path forward for students who qualify. We also want families to know: we welcome all students receiving Connors funding—without limits. 

What Is Connors Funding? 

Connors funding is a form of tuition reimbursement for families whose children require out-of-district placement in a private special education school. Named after the landmark Connors v. NYC DOE case,  the funding ensures that students in need of specialized support who cannot be served appropriately within public schools have access to a specialized private school placement at no cost to the family. 

To qualify for Connors funding: 

• Students must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• With the help of an attorney, families must gather documents and evidence to demonstrate that the public school placement is not meeting their child’s IEP
• Families must identify and enroll their child in an appropriate non-public special education school
• Families must file a due process complaint or work with the DOE to obtain a settlement 

How Connors Funding Works in NYC 

Once eligibility is established and placement is secured, families may receive: 

• Direct payment to the private school via a DOE settlement
• Reimbursement after paying tuition out of pocket 

This process can be complex and time-sensitive. Families must work with a special education attorney or advocate to guide them through it. 

Sage Alliance NYC: A Connors-Friendly School 

One challenge families face is that many private special education schools in NYC cap the number of Connors-funded students they accept. This can create additional hurdles for students who already need specialized support. 

At Sage Alliance NYC, we take a different approach: 

• We do not limit the number of Connors-funded students we accept
• We partner with families and legal teams to support the application and placement process
• We provide a therapeutic, personalized learning environment for students with social, emotional, and learning challenges
• We welcome students year-round and work closely with school districts and caregivers to ensure a smooth transition 

What Is Carter Funding? 

Carter funding, named after the Florence County School District Four v. Carter Supreme Court decision, is another legal pathway for families seeking reimbursement when a public school fails to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 

Carter funding: 

• Typically involves families paying tuition up front and then seeking reimbursement
• Applies when families unilaterally place their child in a private school—without prior district agreement—but can prove the placement is appropriate 

Like Connors funding, Carter funding helps ensure students receive the services and supports they are entitled to. 

At Sage Alliance NYC, we accept students funded through both Connors and Carter cases. Our team is familiar with the nuances of both processes and will work with you and your legal representatives to support placement and documentation. 

At Sage Alliance NYC, we accept students funded through both Connors and Carter cases. Our team is familiar with the nuances of both processes and will work with you and your legal representatives to support placement and documentation. 

Need Help Navigating Connors or Carter Funding? 

We’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about the admissions process at Sage Alliance NYC and how we support students with out-of-district funding. 

📞 347-378-8994, ext. 1 
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2025-2026 school calendar coming soon!