Who We Are
North Hudson Academy, A First Children’s School is a private special education school approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. The school provides a holistic, therapeutic, and academically enriched environment for students with behavioral disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other developmental or emotional challenges.
Population Served
NHA supports students with:
Behavioral Disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Campus & Facilities
Located in North Bergen, NJ, the school includes:
11 classrooms
2 computer-equipped science labs
Counseling suite
Ceramics & fine arts studios
Gymnasium, lunchroom, kitchen
Outdoor recreational areas
Staff & Student Support
A multidisciplinary team provides:
Special education teachers, paraprofessionals, classroom aides
social workers, guidance counselor
Art therapy, speech & language services
Consulting psychiatrist, school nurse
Student-to-staff ratios:
Instruction: 1 teacher + 1 aide : 12 students
Counseling: 1 counselor : 20 students
Program Goals
Meet students’ therapeutic and instructional needs
Foster success in a small, supportive environment
Prepare students for return to their home district or successful high school graduation
School Day & Instruction
School Day: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Class Structure: Preschool, autism classes, grammar school, and high school classes
Course offerings include:
North Hudson Academy provides a well-rounded academic program that includes mathematics from Pre‑Algebra through Geometry as well as practical life and consumer math, alongside science courses such as Earth, Biology, and Environmental Science. Students study a full range of social studies—including U.S. History, World History, Geography, and Economics—and receive instruction in Language Arts from kindergarten through high school. Creative and technical skills are developed through fine arts, ceramics, photography, and computer-based multimedia, desktop publishing, and research activities. The curriculum is further supported by physical education focused on team sports and cardio, as well as life‑skills training in nutrition and food preparation.
Therapeutic & Support Services
Individual, group, crisis, and art‑based counseling
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Consultation
Psychiatric evaluation & medication monitoring
Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
Social skills development and community‑based practice trips
Behavioral motivation systems & positive reinforcement strategies
Attendance and participation are strongly emphasized.