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

Apr
10
Wed
1:00 pm GPA Parent Education Program Ses...
GPA Parent Education Program Ses...
Apr 10 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
GPA’s Parent Education Programs will meet virtually twice a month from 1 PM[...]
Apr
24
Wed
1:00 pm Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
Apr 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
GPA’s Parent Education Programs will meet virtually twice a month from 1 PM[...]
May
8
Wed
1:00 pm GPA Parent Education Program Ses...
GPA Parent Education Program Ses...
May 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
GPA’s Parent Education Programs will meet virtually twice a month from 1 PM[...]
May
22
Wed
1:00 pm Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
May 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
GPA’s Parent Education Programs will meet virtually twice a month from 1 PM[...]
Jun
5
Wed
1:00 pm Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
Parent/Guardian Support Group (O...
Jun 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
GPA’s Parent Education Programs will meet virtually twice a month from 1 PM[...]

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

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.