Based in Nutley, NJ The Phoenix Center is an accredited private special needs school serving the educational, behavioral and therapeutic needs of students ages 5-21 with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral and intellectual disabilities. Our customized programs are built around the whole child and anchored by a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model.
Personalized Programs
Customized Programming Individualized for Each Student
Planning for the Future
Preparing Our Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
Enriching Our Students' Lives
Enabled by Your Direct Support and Contribution
Working Together
Bringing staff, professionals, parents & districts together
A Message From the Executive Director
Welcome to The Phoenix Center. I invite you to explore our website to get an understanding of the scope of programs and services we provide to our students. Our Core Values and Mission illustrate our primary purpose – to serve our students and their families and to provide cutting-edge and highly customized educational, therapeutic, and transition services and supports. Our parents have entrusted me as the Executive Director to develop and oversee programs that will uncover their children’s full potential. It is my honor to continue to serve this community, which has provided 32 years of educational excellence.
At TPC, we embrace the FISH Philosophy, which centers on being kind to one another. As educators, we specialize in extending kindness to our students, their families, and each other, every single day. This collective effort contributes to our ultimate goal of making a lifelong positive impact.
Unwrapping the many gifts and talents our students have is at the heart of what we do at TPC. Together with our dedicated staff and our partnerships with our parents and school districts, we prepare our students for life beyond the classroom.
I invite you to browse our website and like us on social media. My door is always open, so feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Take care and be well.
With gratitude,
Julie Mower, M.A.Ed.
Executive Director
PS Please remember that you can support the initiatives and programming not covered by tuition dollars by donating through our DONATE page here.
Supporting Parents of Children with Autism
At The Phoenix Center, we know that behind every child’s progress is a family’s dedication — and that families navigating autism need more support and recognition than ever. Recently, TPC’s Executive Director, Julie Mower, was featured in NorthJersey.com with an important opinion piece titled, “NJ parents of kids with autism need our focus and support. […]
Restaurant Program: A Recipe for Success Beyond the Classroom
At The Phoenix Center, our mission is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom—and our longstanding Restaurant Program is a shining example of that commitment. Now in its 23rd year, this TPC program helps students with autism and multiple disabilities gain real-world experience in the food industry. The program serves students ages 14-21 who […]
TPC’s 8th Annual Turkey Trot Receives National Coverage
The Phoenix Center’s annual Turkey Trot—an event that brings together students with autism and other intellectual disabilities for a day of fun, fitness, and community—has captured the attention of media outlets across the country, including a feature in USA Today! This year’s Turkey Trot, held on November 27, 2024, was our 8th annual celebration and […]
