Best Special Needs Schools in West Orange, New Jersey (2026)

Garden Academy is a premier educational institution located in Northern New Jersey, dedicated to providing high-quality education for individuals with autism. The academy's core mission is to empower students with the resources and tools necessary to lead more independent lives while fostering their inclusion in the community. With a strong emphasis on behavior analysis, Garden Academy is committed to building a brighter future for individuals with autism through innovative educational practices. The academy offers a range of specialized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of its students. Key offerings include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, social skills groups, and individualized educational plans tailored to each child's strengths and challenges. Additionally, Garden Academy provides ongoing professional development for educators and therapists, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of best practices in autism education. The school also features vocational training programs that prepare students for future employment opportunities, as well as summer programs that promote skill development in a supportive environment. What sets Garden Academy apart is its dedicated team of experienced professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who actively engage in research and professional development. The academy maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support. Furthermore, the campus is designed to create an inclusive and nurturing environment, equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning experiences. Through its commitment to community integration and holistic development, Garden Academy stands out as a leader in autism education.

• Special education school
• Autism
• Accredited
• Private school

The Wilf Lower School campus of Golda Och Academy serves children from Pre-K through 5th grade on Gregory Avenue in West Orange. Founded in 1965 as the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union, GOA is a pluralistic Jewish day school grounded in Conservative Judaism that welcomes families from a range of synagogue affiliations. About 450 students attend our two campuses. Our dual curriculum pairs general studies with Judaic studies. Children read and write in both English and Hebrew, and Kabbalat Shabbat, daily tefillah and holiday preparations are shared parts of school life. Across the school, our average class size is 11. Lower School learning specialists and a guidance counselor help students with study skills and organization, put accommodations in place, coordinate evaluations with the Child Study Team and provide social-emotional support. Aftercare runs until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with homework time, playgrounds and gym, and Funtracks offers after-school classes in arts, dance, theater, science, sports and wellness. Bus service is available for a fee. Base tuition for 2026-27 is $24,500 for Pre-K and $32,610 for grades K to 5, with need-based tuition assistance.

• Jewish day school, lower school (PreK-5)
• Jewish day school
• Speech therapy
• Dual curriculum