The Midland School
About The Midland School
The Midland School is a New Jersey approved private special education school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Serving students from public school districts throughout northern and central New Jersey, Midland provides a comprehensive special education program serving the individual academic, social, emotional, and career education needs of each of its students.
Midland implements individualized educational programs (IEP) that ensure each of our students reaches his or her highest level of achievement and independence to help them to become contributing members of their communities.
Admissions
Admission to Midland can be initiated at any time of the year when parents and the sending district determine that the student can benefit from the program.
Range of Ages and Disabilities
Midland students range in age from 3 to 21 years of age, and are classified as eligible for special education and related services under a variety of categories that include multiply disabled, cognitively impaired, communication impaired and autistic.
Schedule a Visit
To schedule a visit, representatives from school districts and prospective parents should contact us directly. Please Schedule a Visit to make an appointment.
Watch our School’s virtual tour video below.
School Life
We believe that every student deserves to be the best they can be and support them to make that happen.
At The Midland School, we are driven by a common purpose—to provide programs of the highest quality to help all of the students reach their highest level of achievement and independence. Our teachers and therapists use research-based strategies and multi-sensory instructional techniques to address all core curriculum areas and to facilitate learning, with positive behavioral support being central to our approach.
Tots Preschool Ages 3-5
Specially crafted for children ages 3 and 4, Midland Tots is designed to meet the needs of early learners during this critical stage in their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
School Ages 5-18
Academic Curriculum
The Midland academic curriculum meets all New Jersey Student Learning standards, including reading, math, language skills, science, social studies, and physical education.
Academic Supports
In addition to the traditional academic subjects, the Midland curriculum includes subjects that support social growth and increase independent living skills for our students. Social Skills or “soft skills” are emphasized at all times to maximize each student’s ability to participate in various social settings in the greater community. These subjects include music, art, computer skills, independent living, community living, physical education, health education, and more.
Related Services
Midland provides the following educationally-based related services to students as needed to allow them to more optimally access their school program: Occupational and Physical Therapies, Health Services, Speech and Language Therapy and Counseling.
Educational Technology
The school-wide use of educational and assistive devices and services ensures a wide range of alternatives for each student. The curriculum is therefore more accessible and appropriate for students with different learning styles, abilities and disabilities.
Career Education
Students, aged 5-14, begin to develop appropriate work skills and behaviors as they participate in the career exploration program through classroom lessons, field trips and guest speakers. Students, aged 15–21, develop and improve specific work related skills and behaviors as they participate in Midland’s career preparation program.
Super Seniors – Transition Class 18-21
The Super Senior and Transition Class Programs are for students in their final three years of school. The goal of these programs is to provide intense career preparation utilizing an integrated, community based approach to learning.
Midland invites you to watch our School’s virtual tour. Principal Kristen Massimo takes you on a journey that highlights the programs we offer. We look forward to having you come for an in-person tour, so you can experience this for yourself.
Experienced Staff
Our teachers are highly qualified, experienced and well trained. We have a very low turnover rate, which says a lot about who we are.
The Midland School has been a game changer for our family. Our daughter has thrived since she has been at the school. The teachers and therapists are not only amazing, but truly devoted to each and every student.
What I especially love about Midland is that it services children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through all aspects of their life, all the way through adulthood. In parallel, it provides much needed support for families trying to navigate their way through it all.
— Sandy, a Midland School Parent
We are grateful that our son attends The Midland School. Everyone has a clear understanding of his needs and behaviors. One wish we have for Holden is to be the best version of himself. The Midland School is doing that for him and we appreciate everyone for making that a reality for us.
— Marc & Lauren, Midland School Parents, 2022
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of The Midland School is to facilitate the growth and development of each student in the most effective way. The student’s abilities and needs are at the center of all programming decisions. The program remains flexible and adaptable to the maximum extent possible so that individuals are able to reach their highest level of overall achievement and independence.
Multi-sensory Approach
Midland’s curriculum stresses a multi-sensory approach to learning. We recognize that our students vary in the learning style that is most effective for each of them; therefore, our program attempts to address their individual needs.
Individual Attention
Integral to the Midland philosophy is the limited physical size of the classroom. It is believed that our students respond favorably with teachers in close proximity to the students at all times.
Integrated Therapies
In addition to traditional service models, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, counseling and social skills instruction are integrated into the classroom settings as often as possible. This allows the students to practice specific skills, within a relevant context while receiving direction and reinforcement.
Positive & Proactive
All programs and interactions are designed to be positive and proactive. Students are treated as valued, important, unique individuals.
A History of Caring
We have a proven track record. For more than 60 years, we’ve been successfully helping students with developmental disabilities reach their highest level of achievement and independence.
Why Choose Midland?
Our ability to reach students with a range of developmental disabilities is one of our strengths.
- A culture of high expectations.
- The staff recognizes each student’s unique talents and strengths, and unique challenges.
- Staff is trained specifically to educate children with disabilities. We are accountable for your child’s progress.
- Facilities, programs and activities are fully accessible and designed to optimize your child’s learning.
- Students feel safe and valued by their peers and teachers.
- Parent participation is valued and encouraged and is recognized as an integral part of your child’s growth and achievement.
- New Jersey Student Learning Standards are the same as those required in public school.
- Students with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of school life.
- A comprehensive career education program and school-to-work transition program prepares each student for adult life.
- Midland graduates are afforded the opportunity to continue in Midland’s adult programs and participate in the Alumni Association’s extensive social and recreational outings and events.
Learn about the Midland experience from our families! Midland invites you to listen to a series of interviews with current parents.