In 1973, the citizens of NJ voted in favor of a Bond Issue to provide needed school facilities for severely handicapped children. The NJ State Legislature authorized the construction of a number of Regional Day Schools, one of which was this one in Newark. It was completed during the summer of 1983. The Newark School District was selected by the State Dept. of Education to administer the school for students classified as Multiply Handicapped, Emotionally Disturbed, and Autistic.
The school was opened in September 1983 and presently serves approximately 144 students between ages 5 and 21. New Jersey Regional Day School at Newark provides a comprehensive educational and life skills program. Our outcome based curriculum is geared towards preparing our eclectic population to emerge as independent as possible in their future work and community life. We have developed a transition from school to work program which will lead to the eventual goal to self-determination for our youth. We incorporate the parents, staff and community to foster each student’s potential growth.
Mission Statement
The mission of NJRDS is to provide individualized evidenced-based education to students with pervasive developmental delays and autism. We promote an outcome-based mastery with an emphasis on educational life and communication to ensure post-secondary success.
Vision Statement
We have the resources and knowledge to nurture each student’s potential social, emotional, and academic growth. we are excited about the realm of possibilities that can be reached and the horizons yet to come.