Student Profile and Out-of-District Admissions
Highlander Academy is an NJDOE-approved placement that provides the services described above within a small, therapeutic classroom setting. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to promote a supportive, structured, and comfortable learning environment that addresses each student’s academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
Students who may benefit from Highlander Academy may include those who:
Have a history of emotional and behavioral challenges that significantly impact their academic, social, and/or family functioning, including concerns such as anxiety, depression, inattention, oppositional behaviors, or difficulties with emotional regulation.
Have experienced school avoidance, excessive absenteeism, or difficulty consistently accessing their educational program, which may interfere with academic progress and the ability to earn credits toward graduation.
Require a highly structured, therapeutic educational environment with individualized support to develop the skills necessary for successful school participation.
Admissions Process
Admission to Highlander Academy follows a structured process designed to determine whether the program is an appropriate educational placement for the student. The process may include:
Review of student records to understand the student’s educational, behavioral, and social-emotional history and current needs.
Observation of the student in their current educational setting to better understand their functioning and identify areas of need.
Student and family intake, including an opportunity to tour the program, discuss expectations, and determine whether the program may meet the student’s needs.
Trial day, when appropriate, to provide the student, family, and Highlander Academy/Prep staff with an opportunity to assess the student’s response to and fit within the program environment.
Ongoing Review of Placement
Appropriateness of placement is monitored throughout the student’s enrollment. Student progress, functioning, and response to the program are regularly reviewed to determine whether Highlander Academy/Prep continues to be an appropriate educational setting and whether the student’s needs can be effectively addressed within the program.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with district and out-of-district Child Study Teams. Case managers interested in exploring Highlander Academy as a potential placement are encouraged to contact Dr. Dana Swarts, Director of Special Services, or Dr. Patrice Cappello, Assistant Principal of Highlander Academy, to begin the placement consideration process.