- Is your school approved?
- What types of disabilities does your program address?
- What is the student/staff ratio?
- What courses does my child receive?
- What electives are offered?
- Does your school have a behavior modification program? Or go on trips?
- What type of counseling services is my child offered?
- Is there communication between home, school and district?
- What steps does Benway take if my child is having a difficult day?
- Do you work with outside agencies?
- What does a typical day look like?
- Do the students move from class to class?
- Do you give a lot of homework?
- Do you offer a summer program?
- Can you help my child if they failed classes from previous years?
- Is there remedial help offered in any classes?
- Do your students go into the community?
- What types of vocational/transitional programs do you offer?
- Will my child receive a diploma from Benway or from their district?
- What do Benway students do after graduation?
- Can my child participate in district activities?
- How can I visit your school?
- What does the intake process involve?
- Is there a cost to me?
- What steps must I take to have my child enrolled in Benway?
Yes. Benway is a State Approved facility. We are also members of ASAH (Association of Schools and Agencies of the Handicapped), NJAPSA (New Jersey Association of Pupil Services Administrators), and NJSEAA (Northern Jersey Special Education Administrator’s Association.)
Mild to moderate cognitive disabilities; learning disabilities; mild to moderate behavioral challenges; emotional & social difficulties.
The ratio varies; however, it is never more than 4:1 student/staff.
The academic program is aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. Students will be receiving the same required course offerings that are made in public school as per their IEP.
Benway offers many electives including: Art, Crafts, Weights, Woodshop, Crime Scene Investigation, Competitive PE, and Girl’s Group. (There is a full listing of our electives under Course Descriptions.) In addition, we have an outstanding music program, as well as, private weekly instruction for those who wish to participate.
Benway’s approach to behavior is through the infusion of an Incentive Program rather than a token economy. Our students are given clearly defined rules and regulations. Those students who follow these guidelines are invited on monthly trips and various fun-filled activities. In the past Benway has gone to NJ PAC, apple picking, Lake Hopatcong, Ice Skating, Franklin Mines, Planetarium, Newark Museum, Montclair Art Museum and the Circus. We also incorporate Honor Roll luncheons/breakfasts after every marking period along with a Principal’s Luncheon on a monthly basis.
Your child is given weekly one-on-one counseling sessions and is also afforded the opportunity to speak with one of our licensed clinicians on an as needed basis.
We encourage communication and have an open door policy regarding visitations from parents/ guardians.
We understand that there are variable reasons for students to avoid going to school and/or class. We also recognize that everyone cannot have a perfect day every day of the week. Our clinical team is set up to assist students de-escalate and calm themselves down using an understanding and an empathetic ear, however, clearly defined limits are set.
We assist our students with filling out many applications, including DVR. Our clinicians also reach out to the many social and governmental agencies our students and families are involved with.
Students arrive between 8:45 and 9:00 AM. From there, they complete all of their academic subjects until noon where they again gather for lunch. The afternoon is slated for their choice of electives and PE. Instruction ends at 2:00 PM.
Students are mobile from period to period. For those students who have difficulties transitioning in between classes there is a smaller, self-contained classroom set up.
Benway recognizes that students with disabilities usually have difficulty with homework. Therefore, we keep homework to a minimum. However, at the request of a parent/guardian/or student, we will increase the amount of homework.
Our summer program runs for six weeks. It is designed to assist students who need additional academic assistance so there is minimal regression when they return in September. We are also available to those students who have failed a class and need to make up credits. The half-day program includes: individual and group instruction, weekly off-campus trips, a large-scaled project, counseling, and Physical Education.
Our Learning Consultant will work with your child and the district to create a schedule that will allow them to graduate in a timely manner.
Additional assistance is offered during fifth period and there is a one-on-one reading fluency program offered to those students who wish to improve their skills.
Once a month, our students volunteer their services to a variety of agencies in need of assistance.
Aside from our stated vocationally-based electives, we work in conjunction with The Ho-Ho-Kus Trade School and Bergen Regional Medical Center. We also offer a work-study program and community-based instruction.
Your student will receive a diploma from their sending district. All transcripts for post-graduate reasons will be forwarded from the district.
Our students may choose to attend a two-year or four-year college; join the Armed Forces; go on to various trade schools; or go to work.
Absolutely! Several of our students belong to various sports teams in their home district and some go to their district proms. It is strictly a decision that your child must make.
Your first step is to tell your Child Study Team that you would like to visit our program. They will then phone us and set up a mutually convenient time for all.
Allow yourself a minimum of one hour. You will meet with our Clinical Staff, Principal, and Learning Consultant. We will describe our program and discuss your child’s needs. Afterwards, you will be given a tour of the facility and you will be able to see the school in action.
Your sending district will pay for the cost of tuition, busing and any other school-related services. Most of our students bring their own lunches from home, however, for those who don’t; we have a cafeteria that offers reasonably-priced food.
If you like our program, tell your Child Study Team that you would like to have your child enrolled in our program. They will handle it from there.
