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
Evidence-based programs personalized for each student.
Focusing on the Individual
We have a customized approach to curriculum development and instruction
Planning for the Future
We Prepare our students for life beyond the classroom.
Working Together
With parents, districts and professionals for better outcomes for our students.
A Message From the Executive Director
The time has come to welcome you all back to school! Together, we have been navigating the uncharted waters of education and maintaining a new sense of community, while providing quality educational and therapeutic services to our students and support to our families – something we have been doing for the past 30 years as leaders in special education!
We have welcomed each other into our homes virtually, supported each other, and created new and innovative ways of engaging our students. I continue to be honored to be part of such an amazing and innovative learning community.
As you can imagine, this year is going to look very different than years past. Some of us will be in school in a weekly A/B hybrid and some will be 100% virtual. We continue to be in close communications with our local health department and are following all the guidance provided by the NJDOE and Governor Murphy.
It is exceptionally fitting that this year’s theme is Resilience, which means, “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” Resilience also means toughness, flexibility, strength, hardiness, and adaptability. All of these words clearly define The Phoenix Center community. It also reminds me of the Disney movie, Finding Dory – one of my favorites! When faced with adversity and challenge, Dory and her friends just kept swimming. It is my pleasure to “just keep swimming” with all of you.
This year, I am especially grateful for—and proud of—this amazing educational community we call The Phoenix Center. I am excited to celebrate 30 years of excellence with all of you! Please join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to TPC!
In honor of that milestone, we are holding a very special Gala Fundraising Event on June 5th, 2021! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Remember, though we are not physically always together, our virtual door is always open to you. Please call or email us with any questions you may have.
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.
TPC ’20-’21 Restart and Recovery Plan
The following are our school closing and communication documents: The Phoenix Center’s School Preparedness Plan, updated 11-17-20 The Phoenix Center’s 2020-2021 Re-Entry & Recovery Plan, updated 10-22-20 English | Spanish 2020-21 School Calendar Distance Learning Resources & Links COVID-related communications: 11-17-20 Parent Letter-School Closing-English|Spanish 11-7-20 Exposure Parent Letter- English|Spanish 10-9-20 Student Schedule Communication-English 10-9-20 Exposure […]
Tips for Handling the Holidays During the Pandemic
The Phoenix Center’s own Julie Mower shared her thoughts and tips on how to help you and your child experience the holidays during this “New Normal.” Read more on the NJ101.5 website: https://nj1015.com/holidays-in-pandemic-how-parents-of-kids-with-autism-can-find-upsides/
Managing Holiday Stress & Cheer in 2020
This past week, our own Julie Mower contributed her advice and recommendations on managing the excitement of the holidays in an article in TAPintoNutley. With 2020 being such a different year from anything else we’ve ever known, Julie lays out some tips to help make this season safe and bright. To read the entire article, […]
Save the Date…June 5th, 2021 is Our Fundraising Gala!
This year, The Phoenix Center celebrates 30 years of educational excellence. We are so grateful for the opportunity to commemorate this milestone. In 1991, The Phoenix Center opened its doors with the dream of serving students with special needs and their families. Today, The Phoenix Center’s accomplishments have not only made those dreams come true, […]
