About > About The Oakwood School
Dr. Arthur J. Newman and Dr. Robert E. White founded the Oakwood School in 1980. Oakwood School is a non-profit, non-sectarian New Jersey Private School for the Disabled. The school serves adolescents age 12-20 which corresponds to middle school and senior high school. Twenty-Five school districts in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Union counties entrust Oakwood School to educate their special needs children. Our primary population is learning and/or language impaired children with concomitant social or behavior issues.
Oakwood School is unique in that the administration and almost thirty percent of the teachers have been on staff since its inception. Our teaching staff is highly qualified and our support staff and aides are highly trained, caring and dedicated to enriching the lives of our students. Our less than 3-1 staff/student ratio combined with a small intimate setting is conducive to maximizing learning and personal growth. The school provides a safe, nurturing atmosphere that encourages students to develop their academic potential, self-control, and enhances their sense of self-esteem. This blend of socialization experiences and academic programming maximizes the acquisition of basic skills in the N.J. Core Curriculum subjects, thereby enabling students to function as independently as possible upon graduation.
Oakwood School consists of six self-contained classrooms and a computer lab. Student needs are assessed and an appropriate educational program is established in collaboration with the Child Study Team, parents and Oakwood staff. Group and individual counseling are offered as related services.
Oakwood School stresses four factors that have a profound and positive influence on a successful educational experience:
- Acquiring academic skills
- Learning appropriate peer and adult interactions
- Using a transition plan to prepare students for life after school;
- Having fun at school
Your local school district must help facilitate an interview with our staff and I encourage you to include them in the entire interview and enrollment process. If you have questions about our school please feel free to contact us via e-mail or telephone.
