Where can I find help navigating the system to get my child placed in an alternative school? The process has been overwhelming. 
New Jersey’s special ed advocacy group, ASAH, provides comprehensive resources to help parents navigate the system. 

 

Who pays / arranges transportation?
The sending school district is responsible for both tuition and transportation.

 

What is the ratio of boys to girls?
We currently have a ratio of about 60% boys and 40% girls.

 

 

Collier Middle School serve students whose needs cannot be met within public school and may benefit from extra academic and therapeutic support. 

 

Learn if Collier is right for your child here. 

The curriculum at Collier Middle School aligns with the NJ Student Learning Standards and is customized to meet each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Our flexible special education curriculum serves as a general guideline, allowing teachers to adapt instruction, materials, content, and assessments according to students' IEPs, in accordance with regulation 6A:14-3.7. 

 

Learn more about Collier Middle School's Curriculum here.

 

In addition to the core curriculum, Collier Middle School integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction and Project-Based Learning (PBL) on a weekly basis. These approaches help students develop essential life skills and engage in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.

 

Yes, Collier Middle School offers an ESY that combines structured classroom instruction with hand-on learning and recreation on our beautiful 260-acre campus. Collier Middle School's Extended School Year (ESY) Program helps students maintain a consistent academic routine while continuing their studies. Students also enjoy summer activities such as swimming, biking, frogging, and more. 

Eighth-graders may enroll in either the Middle School ESY (if appropriate) or our High School's JET (Job Experience and Training) Extended School Year program. JET is a life and job skills program designed to help at-risk students become employable and develop into contributing members of the community. Learn more about Collier Middle School's Extended School Year Program here.

 

Yes, field trips are integral to the learning experience at Collier Middle School across all subjects, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that complement their classroom studies.

Students at Collier MS have a variety of elective options to enrich their education in creative fields of study. Students choose one elective, and they also participate in World Culture classes weekly. Electives include music, World Culture, World Language, Drama, Robotics, and more.

 

Social and Emotional Learning Instruction aims to enhance our students' mindfulness, perspective-taking, friendships, confidence, and resiliency skills through their participation in activities.

 

Learn more about Social and Emotional Learning Instruction here. 

 

Preferred activities are part of our PBS system and are offered in the morning and afternoon. When students show interest, staff work together to create a preferred activity group. Activities include Chromebooks, Quiet and Reading, Video Games - Switch, Movies, Playground, Outdoor Activities, Arts and Crafts, and Debate Club.

 

Learn more about preferred activities here. 

Super Trips are off-campus excursions for students who achieve 95% or better on their Core Card, a data-driven system tracking behavior based on our four core values: respect, responsibility, safety, and kindness. These trips help students stay on track, think before acting, and understand the impact of their choices while providing valuable socialization opportunities outside of school.

Core Cards are a part of our Positive Behavioral Support Model. Each class period, teachers initial the Core Card if the student follows the expected behaviors. A "sign off" indicates which core value was not met. Earning on Core Cards motivates students by acknowledging positive behavior.

 

Collier Middle School uses a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) model under the supervision of our behavior analyst. PBS provides clear expectations for students to experience social, emotional, and academic success. Behavioral supports focus on identifying target behaviors, conducting assessments, and teaching new ways for students to meet their needs appropriately.

 

Learn more about PBIS here

 

We have identified four core behaviors essential for the success of each student: Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Kindness. These Core Values are discussed daily, defined in everyday language, and celebrated.

 

Learn more about core behaviors here. 

 

AIM (Achieve, Inspire, and Motivate) at Collier Middle School uses restorative practices that encourage strong, healthy relationships and social-emotional skills among students. AIM sessions begin with reflective questions like "What happened?" and "Who has been affected?" Students engage in constructive dialogue to understand their actions, repair harm, and collaborate on solutions, promoting respect and communication. Refocus, a component of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), offers individualized support for students needing additional guidance based on data from their Core Card. Through meetings with social workers, students learn new skills to navigate challenging behaviors and achieve positive outcomes, earning incentives and rewards aligned with school expectations.

 

Learn more about AIM & Refocus here

 

Yes, Collier Middle School students have access to all therapeutic enhancement programs at Collier School, including STAR.

 

Learn more about Therapeutic Support at Collier Middle School here. 

 

I am looking for local help and mental health support for my child. What can I do?

Please visit our Community Resources page to learn more about local resources for youth mental health.