New Autism Program Opening For North Jersey Students

WARREN COUNTY, NJ – The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) will open a new program for students with autism in Phillipsburg, beginning this summer. The ESCNJ Andover-Morris program will be located at 712 South Main Street and aims to reduce lengthy transportation times for students in the Skylands Region.

Historically, students needing specialized autism programs have faced bus commutes of up to 90 minutes to facilities outside the area. This new local option is designed to alleviate that burden for both students and their families, while also decreasing school district costs.

Nadia Romano, ESCNJ Schools Superintendent, stated that the program will offer "academic, functional, and independence-focused instruction." She added, "Finally, students from nearby areas will have their own local program to receive highly individualized support with a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, ensuring consistent structure, responsiveness, and opportunities for skill development."

The extended school year program is scheduled to run from June 29 to July 30, operating Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. The regular school year program will follow a schedule of weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

School districts partnering with ESCNJ Andover–Morris are anticipated to benefit from lower transportation expenses, simplified scheduling, and fewer challenges related to bus driver shortages, according to Romano. The program is open to all school districts.

This initiative by the state's largest public specialized school district seeks to provide accessible and tailored educational support closer to home for students with autism.

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.