Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is revolutionizing how we approach challenging behaviors in children with special needs. This evidence-based strategy digs deep into the root causes of difficult behaviors, offering a proactive and positive approach. Unlike old-school methods that rely on punishment, PBS focuses on prevention, teaching new skills, and rewarding good behavior. The Heart of PBS: Understanding BehaviorAt its core, PBS is built on a simple yet powerful
Welcome to Alpha School
Since 1980, we have provided educational, vocational, and support services for students with special needs in Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, Mercer, and other surrounding counties.
We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing educational environment for special needs students ages 5-21 with various challenges. Our programs provide support in social skills, life skills, transition, and a range of therapy services (OT, PT, ST Counseling, and BCBA). In addition, we use a variety of technology tools to better serve our students' success.
The mission of Alpha School in Jackson, New Jersey is to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment dedicated to the vision that individuals with disabling conditions are entitled to a full and meaningful life. The school seeks to empower each student with skills for life, work and recreation, believing that every individual possesses the dignity and potential to contribute to a better world.
Alpha School Video Tour 2025
We look forward to sharing with you the highlights of Alpha School here in Jackson, New Jersey located at 935 Bennetts Mills Road. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to your case manager so we can start the process of an in-person tour of our school and programs for your child.
Our new 2025 video tour provides you with an overview of Academic programs, Behavioral and Mental Health support, Related and Support Services including our Transition and Job Training program.
Hear from our Alpha School Family
Featured Alpha School Parent Testimonial
We are happy to share with you a parent’s perspective on their experience with Alpha School of Jackson, NJ.
Alpha School Highlight
For Child Study Team Members
At Alpha School, we understand the complexities and challenges when finding the best fit for your student that satisfies both the child’s needs and IEP goals, but also the support a parent needs to be part of our family with the goal of ensuring growth and achievements for your challenging student.
Click below to download a quick fact sheet that can help you familiarize yourself with our diverse and comprehensive programs.
Academics
Our academic programs include Language Arts Literacy, Mathematics, Health, Science, and Social Studies. We also provide instruction in Social Skills, Music Therapy, Art, Career Education, and Physical Education.
Life Skills
This program focuses on everyday living skills for students with communication, learning, social and emotional challenges. Students are engaged in ADL activities such as personal hygiene, laundry, cooking and prevocational skills.
Support Services
Alpha School offers Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy. In addition, Counseling and Nursing services are available. Behavioral support includes consultation with a BCBA.
STEM and Technology
Technological supports utilized at Alpha School include our STEM Lab, white boards with mimeo systems, computers, Ipads, personal and classroom FM systems, and “Alphabot” our personal robot!
Alpha School's Garden Program was featured on Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in 2021.
Here at Alpha School, we are proud of our continued Garden Program, which has enlightened our students on the scientific knowledge and the social, physical, emotional, and mental benefits of gardening. Read more about this in our featured article Benefits of Gardening in Special Needs Population.
Since its inception in 1980, the Alpha School has welcomed hundreds of children through our doors with open arms. We accept children ranging in age from five to twenty-one with various disabilities including autism, down’s syndrome, communication, learning and social and emotional disabilities. We work with each child as an individual with their own unique areas of strength and areas that require special attention.
– John Gonzalez, Principal at Alpha School, Jackson, NJ