Holmstead School
14 Hope Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone: 201-447-1696
Email: mail@holmstead.org
Website: www.holmstead.org
Population Served:
ADD/ADHD, Aspergers, Behavior, Intellectual/Cognitive Disabilities, LD/Dyslexia, Medically Fragile, Psychiatric/Mood Disorders, Substance Abuse
Age Served:
Middle School, High School
Counties Served:
Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union
Program Description:
Holmstead students between the ages of 13 and 18 in grades 8 through 12 possess high intellectual potential but have been unable to achieve successfully in traditional school settings. Each is classified as a result of a diagnostic profile prepared by the sending district child study team.
Holmstead School provides an educational and therapeutic atmosphere, which emphasizes innovative and flexible education for bright adolescents who need to be challenged in order to change their motivation and performance. Students at Holmstead find both academic success and behavioral growth.
Typical Holmstead students include those with a history of ‘school phobia.’ These students have had erratic attendance in the past, causing gaps in their academic and social progress. Students with a history of learning problems excel in this low-pressure atmosphere provided by caring, insightful professionals where the emphasis is placed on the needs of the student, rather than on the demands of the curriculum. 
Those with a history of behavior-management problems benefit from small classes which minimize disruption and threat to teacher control. Inappropriate outbursts are either avoided or dealt with immediately and less emotionally. Those with a history of defiance toward authority figures work with teachers who redirect their energies toward positive career-related goals in order to minimize their manipulative attitudes. They encourage their social and academic progress as well.
Therapeutic intervention on the part of highly-skilled psychologists, social workers and a student assistance counselor enables Holmstead students to participate in individual psychotherapy and group counseling. The staff includes male and female clinicians who afford students the opportunity to work with the professional with whom he/she relates most comfortably and productively. Sessions uphold confidentiality in order to build trust. A parent support group, facilitated by Holmstead therapists, addresses issues of concern regarding adolescent interaction with family, peers, school and the community.