The Center School
2 Riverview Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: (908) 253-3870
Email: info@thecenterschool.com
Website: http://www.thecenterschool.com
Population Served:
Adjustment disorder, Anxiety disorder, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), Autism spectrum disorders, Aspergers, Depression anxiety disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), Learning/language disabilities, Mood disorders/bipolar, School phobia, Sensory integration disorders, Speech/Language.
Age Served:
Elementary, Middle School, High School, 18-21
Counties Served:
Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
Program Description:
The Center School is a private, non-profit, state-accredited day school for classified students placed directly from their local school districts. All students have an individual education plan (IEP). Our academic and behavior support programs are designed with each child’s needs in mind. Founded in September 1971 in Bound Brook, New Jersey by a small group of concerned parents and educators, the school has 50 years of experience working with learning-disabled and emotionally fragile students.
Today, the school is located in Somerset, New Jersey just off Exit 12 of Route 287. The student population comes from over 50 sending school districts. The school houses an Elementary School, Middle School, and High School that provide individualized programs which adhere to New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and are driven by each students’ IEP.
Additionally, the school has a Work Readiness Transition Program for students ages 18-21. This program is designed to help students explore diverse opportunities in making a smooth transition from high school to adult life. The transition program offers Structured Learning Experiences in various locations and businesses in the community with Community Based Instruction for functional adult living skills practice that is meaningful to students.
At the Center School students receive OT, Speech and Language, and Counseling services. The academic program includes common core courses, electives such as music, art, and industrial arts, extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports), and both academic and reward trips. The school has also incorporated remote learning and provides a synchronous instructional program for in-person and remote learning students.
The Center School staff works closely with the districts and families to provide a balance of academic, social, and emotional growth. A long-standing record of creative shared-time scheduling, a strong return rate to local districts, and frequent transition to higher education reflects Center School’s philosophy and experience of preparing students for future educational and vocational experiences.