Yes. Benway is a State Approved facility. We are also members of the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey, ASAH (Association of Schools and Agencies of the Handicapped), NJAPSA (New Jersey Association of Pupil Services Administrators),  C.E.C (Council for Exceptional Children), A.S.C.D (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), and NJSEAA (Northern Jersey Special Education Administrator’s Association.)

Mild to moderate cognitive disabilities; learning disabilities; mild to moderate behavioral challenges; emotional & social difficulties.

The ratio varies; however, it is never more than 3:1 student/staff.

The academic program is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Students will be receiving the same required course offerings that are made in public school as per their IEP.

Benway offers many electives including; Robotics, Makerspace, Woodshop, Film Production, Weightlifting, Intro. to Culinary Arts, Photography, Girl’s & Boy’s Group (There is a full listing of our electives under Course Descriptions.) In addition, we have outstanding music and art programs, including private weekly instruction for those who wish to participate.

Benway utilizes a school wide incentive program where students earn points for behavioral goals that they can then use to earn trips, special breakfasts, and school store merchandise. Our students are given clearly defined rules and regulations. In the past, Benway has gone to NJ PAC, apple picking, snow tubing, ice skating, Franklin Mines, planetarium, Newark Museum, Montclair Art Museum, and the circus. A luxury bus ride into Manhattan to Radio City Music Hall and a river tour of the Statue of Liberty and other Hudson River sights are also part of our educational trips. We also incorporate Honor Roll luncheons/breakfasts as well as a Principal’s Luncheon after every marking period. Both Elementary and High School students may earn the trips and special luncheons. 

Your child is given weekly group counseling, male group and female group counseling, one-on-one counseling sessions and is also afforded the opportunity to speak with one of our licensed clinicians on an as-needed basis.

We encourage communication and have an open-door policy regarding visitations from parents/guardians and child study teams. Benway utilizes a translating service for phone communication with non English speaking parents.  Additionally, all typed communication is available in the parent's native language.  

We understand that there are various reasons for students to avoid going to school and/or class. We also recognize that everyone cannot have a perfect day every day of the week. Our clinical team is set up to assist students to de-escalate and calm themselves down using an understanding and an empathetic ear, however, clearly defined limits are set.

We assist our students with filling out many applications, including DVR. Our clinicians also reach out to the many social and governmental agencies our students and families are involved with.

Students are mobile from period to period. For those students who have difficulties transitioning in between classes there is a smaller, self-contained classroom set up.

Our summer program runs for six weeks. It is designed to assist students who need additional academic assistance so there is minimal regression when they return in September. We are also available to those students who have failed a class and need to make up credits. The program includes individual and group instruction, weekly off-campus trips, a large-scaled Art project, counseling, Physical Education, and the possibility of 10 credits.

Our Learning Consultant will work with your child and the district to create a schedule that will allow them to graduate in a timely manner.

Our students volunteer their services to a variety of agencies in need of assistance.

Aside from our stated vocationally-based electives, we work in conjunction with Foundation for the Handicap, Healthcare Program, Brain Institute, CUMAC, Habitat for Humanity, Restore, and Oasis. We also offer a work-study program. For the adult students we have partnered with William Paterson University.  Returning seniors are eligible to earn professional certificates in an area of their choice. 

Your student will receive a diploma from their sending district and are eligible to participate in Benway's graduation ceremony as well as their home districts. All transcripts for post-graduate reasons will be forwarded from the district.

Our students may choose to attend a two-year or four-year college; join the Armed Forces; go on to various trade schools, or go to work.

Absolutely! Several of our students belong to various sports teams in their home district and some go to their district proms. It is strictly a decision that your child must make.

Your first step is to tell your Child Study Team that you would like to visit our program. They will then contact us and set up a mutually convenient time for all.