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 learn more about our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational, therapeutic, and transition services for students with special needs and their families.
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary this year, our mission remains our primary purpose: to serve our students and their families by helping them uncover their full potential. It is my honor, as Executive Director, to continue this legacy of educational excellence.
This year, our theme is mindfulness. We believe that by fostering a sense of awareness and presence, we can create an even more compassionate and effective learning environment. This theme beautifully complements our longstanding commitment to the FISH! Philosophy, which centers on being kind and present in every interaction. Our dedicated staff embodies these values every day, extending kindness and presence to our students, their families, and each other. This collective effort contributes to our ultimate goal of making a lifelong positive impact.
Working together with our dedicated staff, parents, and school districts is at the heart of our mission. This crucial partnership allows us to discover the unique gifts and talents of each student and prepare them for a successful life beyond the classroom.
I invite you to explore our website and connect with us on social media. My door is always open, so please feel free to reach out with any questions.
With gratitude,
Julie Mower, M.A.Ed.
Executive Director
PS Please remember you can support our crucial programs and initiatives not covered by tuition by donating through our website’s DONATE page.
35 Years of Excellence: Community-Based Instruction in Action
As part of our yearlong celebration of 35 years of excellence, we’re highlighting the programs that have helped shape The Phoenix Center’s legacy of innovation, opportunity, and student success. One of the most impactful milestones in our early history came in 1995 with the launch of Community-Based Instruction, a program designed to help students apply […]
The Phoenix Center’s Family Night Supports Special-Needs Alumni Transition Beyond Graduation | Belleville, NJ Patch
The Phoenix Center brought alumni, families, and staff together for a special Alumni Family Restaurant Night Out at Mr. Bruno’s Pizzeria in Lyndhurst. More than just a dinner, the evening was a meaningful opportunity for graduates to practice real-world social and communication skills in a supportive community setting. Events like this are part of The […]
35 Years of Excellence: Leading the Way Through Work-Based Learning
As part of our yearlong celebration of 35 years of excellence, we’re highlighting the programs that have shaped The Phoenix Center’s legacy of innovation, opportunity, and student success. One of the most defining milestones in our early history came in 1993, when TPC launched what would become one of its most impactful programs to date. […]
