Garfield Park Academy is a New Jersey state approved, private, non-profit special education school that provides effective, evidence-based special education services for students in grades K-12 who have a history of learning, social, emotional and behavioral challenges.

Our Mission

Children with emotional challenges and learning disabilities can be successful in life, if provided the resources to monitor and self-regulate their own behaviors. Through self-regulation, counseling, and truly individualized education, GPA helps students understand and achieve success by changing their attitudes and allowing themselves to achieve.

GPA female teacher with two young male students reading

Comprehensive ‘Wrap Around’ Services for Students and Families

GPA’s therapeutic program, combined with traditional academics and preparation for college or the vocations enhances the chances of students with emotional and social challenges to succeed in an educational environment, at home, and in life!

Additional Programs at GPA

GPA Parent Education Programs

Garfield Park Academy’s Parent Education Programs and Parent Support Groups (PEP) are available to parents, guardians and others during the school year. We provide both facilitated support group sessions and topic presentations each month. PEP sessions are presented virtually as Zoom Meetings.

GPA parents and guardians are encouraged to join us for these discussions and presentations to learn more about challenges they may be encountering and how to address them, and share their experiences with other parents.

Upcoming PEP Zoom Support Meetings

Nov
13
Wed
6:00 pm Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Drug...
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Drug...
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
PEP Meeting re: Drug and Alcohol Awareness – We will discuss risk factors[...]
Dec
11
Wed
6:00 pm Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Ment...
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Ment...
Dec 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Mental Health and Crisis Management – There are[...]
Jan
8
Wed
6:00 pm Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Self...
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Self...
Jan 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention – Unfortunately, self-harm is[...]
Feb
12
Wed
6:00 pm Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Conn...
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Conn...
Feb 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Connecting with your child – What do our[...]
Mar
12
Wed
6:00 pm Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Soci...
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Soci...
Mar 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March 12th 6 PM to 8 PM Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Social[...]

What are People Saying About GPA?

As the nation’s first TFA-accredited school-based program, Garfield Park Academy represents the gold standard in positive behavioral supports for students with disabilities. Their commitment to excellence is unsurpassed.

Peggy McElgunn, Esq., Executive Director, Teaching-Family Association

Garfield Park Academy has consistently demonstrated clinical excellence in its service to students with complex educational, behavioral and emotional needs and their families.

John Lestino, MA, LPC, Past President, New Jersey School Psychologists Association

Educational Outcomes That Make a Difference

We work hard to make sure our students learn the skills they need to succeed. Over the past five years, more than 95% of GPA graduates each year went on to further education, jobs or internships in their chosen vocation, or military service. And we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.

GPA Graduates with Educational or Vocational Placements at Graduation

Recent GPA News

2410, 2023

2023-2024 GPA Training Institute Workshop Series

Please Join Us for Our 2023-24 GPA ZOOM Training Institute Events. Dec 8, 2023 - The Role of Executive Function Skills in Motivating Struggling Students, and stay tuned for more in March 2024.

208, 2023

Learning Lifelong Wellness

Physical education at Garfield Park Academy is virtually unrecognizable to anyone who attended school only a decade ago. While students still learn traditional activities like basketball and softball, staff at Garfield Park Academy also teach wellness through a wide variety of fun and safe activities that allow for positive social interactions.

1304, 2023

Parent Education Program Provides Wraparound Family Support

This year, in response to the growing needs of our families, the GPA Parent Education Program expanded to meet twice a month, offering support group sessions and topic presentations. The programs are offered virtually to allow more parents a chance to participate.