Welcome to the 2023 Special Education Guide in New Jersey

Parents of special needs kids are always looking for new resources. We’re here to offer new ideas and venues for special needs schools. Finding the right fit may take some time. As parents, you want a school where your child can develop as a whole, learning academic, social, and life skills. You also want an environment where the teachers and staff are caring and nurturing. Please contact each school for additional details about their programs.

The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey

If you need to find the right private special ed school, they offer an easy-to-use website, as well as free advocacy assistance. Call 973.407.0596 to learn more. specialeducationalliancenj.org

Elementary and High Schools for Children with Disabilities

Banyan School Elementary School

12 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield, NJ, 973.439.1919 | BanyanSchool.org
Banyan Elementary is a private, non-profit, NJ Department of Education Approved School for students aged 6-14 with significant language- based learning disabilities. For 28 years, our primary focus has been the development and reinforcement of reading, language & communication skills necessary for academic success. Our faculty is trained in a variety of research-based, multi-sensory teaching techniques and strategies. With small classes, individualized attention, and integrated assistive technology, we are committed to establishing the foundation that students need for learning while fostering social and interpersonal skills.

Banyan School High School

LIFE Academy (Ages 18 - 21)
471 Main Strejavascript:void(0);et, Little Falls, NJ, 973.785.1919 | BanyanSchool.org
Banyan High School is a private, non-profit, NJ Dept. of Education Approved School for students with significant language-based learn- ing disabilities. Established in 2006, the High School program provides a structured curriculum with small classes that allow our faculty to focus on each student’s academic & social needs. The 9th-12th grade curriculum continues to reinforce reading, language & communication skills, while preparing students for the next phase of their education and life. Our faculty is trained in a variety of research- based, multi-sensory teaching. Banyan HS is also the proud Educational Partner of the Passaic County Project SEARCH program.

The Calais School

45 Highland Ave, Whippany, NJ, 973.884.2030 | thecalaisschool.org
The Calais School is a state-approved, private special education school in North Jersey serving students in grades K – 12+ with multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety, mood, behavior and autism spectrum disorders. We believe every child has the ability to exceed their possibilities and are committed to cultivating this potential in all of our students. We provide innovative programs and a flexible curriculum.

Central Park School

5 Jean Street, Morristown NJ, 973.539.9630 | escmorris.com/central-park-school
Central Park School is part of the Educational Services Commission of Morris County and is a State approved Public School for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Individualized and Community Based Instruction. Small class sizes, Low Student to Staff Ratio. Work Based Learning & Vocational Education. Activities of Daily Living, Swim Therapy, OT, Music, Speech, Sensory Room, PT, Yoga. BCBA Behavior Services, Full Time Nurse. Field Trips and Family Activities. Life Skills, Commission for the Blind Services. Denise Moore, Principal. Where others see disabilitlies, we see possibilities.

Chapel Hill Academy

31 Chapel Hill Rd., Lincoln Park, NJ, 973.686.0004 | chapelhillacademy.net
Chapel Hill Academy is a New Jersey Approved Private School for students with learning, social, emotional and behavioral issues in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

CTC Academy

Fair Lawn Campus (18 months - 7 years)
29-01 Berkshire Road, Fair Lawn 201.797.7440
Oakland Campus (7–21 years)

125 Bauer Drive, Oakland NJ, 201.612-5677 | ctcacademy.org
CTC Academy is enhancing the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment. NJ State approved pre-school through 12th grade. The Fair Lawn campus serves children ages 18 months through 7 years and offers an Early Enrichment Program (EEP) designed to enhance and build upon early Intervention services received in the home for ages 18 months - 3 years (open enrollment). The Oakland campus serves 1st through 12th Grade (ages 7–18), and STEP Program, ages 18 – 21 years (including children who are medically fragile). Support groups are available for families and siblings of children at both locations.

Honor Ridge Academy

342 Madison Hill Rd, Clark, NJ, 732.827.5885 | honorridge.org
Honor Ridge Academy is a New Jersey state-approved private school for students with disabilities who have a combination of behavioral, social, emotional, and learning disabilities for ages 5-21. HRA is an emotionally supportive therapeutic day school where students learn at their own pace and build self-esteem and confidence.

Joseph's School for the Blind

761 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, 201-876-5432 | schoolfortheblind.org
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind has been providing specialized services to individuals with visual impairments across New Jersey. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the school is comprised of several programs, such as: Early Intervention, In District Support Services, School for the Blind, and Adult Services.

The Forum School

107 Wyckoff Avenue, Waldwick, NJ, 201.445.5882 | theforumschool.com
The Forum School is a NJ state-approved private, non-profit school serving children with autism and related challenges aged 5-21. We believe in the dignity, worth and capacity for self-realization of every child. With over 6 decades of success, our hopeful community of educators and therapists foster each student’s individuality, allowing them to grow and blossom.

The Midland School

94 Readington Rd, Branchburg, NJ, 908-722-8222 | midlandschool.org
The Midland School is a New Jersey approved private nonprofit special education school for children with developmental disabilities in North Branch, Somerset County, NJ. For over fifty years, Midland has provided quality programs and activities to enable our students to reach their highest level of achievement and independence, and to become contributing members of their communities.

The Springboard School

11 Harold Street, Tenafly NJ, 917.692.8298 | thespringboardschool.org
The Springboard School (formerly The Therapeutic Nursery at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) at Lubavitch on the Palisades teaches bright young children ages 4–6 with a variety of developmental challenges to make friends and builds a foundation to a mainstream environment. Our multidisciplinary approach helps children with communication and learning disorders, ADHD, emotional and behavioral problems, selective mutism, and high functioning autism reach their full potential.

Windsor Bergen Academy

56 Passaic St., Ridgewood, NJ, 201.857.4785 | windsorbergen.com
Windsor Bergen Academy (WBA) provides a quality education for children from Pre-K through 8th grade allowing students to overcome academic and social/emotional challenges through innovative programs focusing on academic success and high school readiness.

Windsor Prep High School

60 West Midland Ave, Paramus NJ, 201.523.9533 | windsorprephs.com
Windsor Prep is a state-approved, nonprofit private high school for students with special needs who exhibit learning, behavioral and attention disorders. In addition, many are diagnosed with anxiety, depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We provide a therapeutic environment to address students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. Our primary goal is to improve academic achievement and social functioning for successful reintegration into the public schools. Students are provided guidance to enter post-secondary programs. Many have successfully graduated college or are currently enrolled.

Winston Preparatory School

901 Route 10 East, Whippany NJ, 973.500.6480 | winstonprep.edu
Winston Prep NJ, located in Morris County, is a part of Winston Preparatory School’s leading national network of 8 campuses. Winston Prep offers a highly individualized learning environment for students grades 4-12 with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD). Our model is based on an in-depth understanding of each student, which results in grouping by learning profile and precisely designed programming. Winston Prep accomplishes this through its Continuous Feedback System. Our team of expert faculty continually assesses how a student is responding to their skill development plan and adjust our teaching approach based on that.

Other Referral Organizations:

Bergen County Special Services School District - Cape Center

A Special Needs Resource Center providing information and referrals for individuals, families and professionals. The CAPE Center can help you access: Developmental Disabilities Resources, Transition Planning Information, Recreational Programs & Summer Camps, Mental Health Services and Early Intervention Resources and Information. Our services are provided at no cost. Visit CAPE Resource Center for more information or call 201-343-6000 x4067.