CarePlus NJ has officially opened its doors to students at the new Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School in Washington Township, Bergen County, marking a significant expansion of its specialized educational model. The school, serving grades six through eight, aims to provide an integrated and supportive environment for students who need emotional and behavioral support.
The new middle school program is an extension of the successful Paradigm Therapeutic High School, which has been offering similar services since 2018. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, the middle school will tailor the established Paradigm model to meet the specific developmental needs of students ages 10 to 13.
The school operates with a collaborative team of educators, clinicians, and support staff who work together to meet the requirements of each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). This approach is designed for students identified by their districts as needing a more clinically supportive environment to succeed academically and develop social and emotional skills. The program is particularly beneficial for students who have faced challenges such as anxiety, depression, school avoidance, or prior hospitalizations.
“The expansion of the Paradigm School System marks a major milestone in therapeutic education across New Jersey,” Nicole McQuillen, CEO of Paradigm School System, said. “The success of our high school highlighted the urgent need for earlier intervention, which is what inspired the creation of the middle school.”
Jeffrey Kahn, executive director of Paradigm School System, emphasized that the new school is about “delivering consistent, specialized support for students and families who need it most.” The addition of the middle school creates a “unified path from grades six through twelve,” providing up to seven years of continuous, high-quality therapeutic education.
Dominick Gliatta, an education veteran with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed as the principal of the new middle school. He will oversee daily operations and work closely with faculty and clinical staff to implement the therapeutic education model.
The opening of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School reinforces CarePlus NJ’s mission to expand access to high-quality mental health care and education for young people. By blending academics with clinical and transitional services, the Paradigm School System aims to create safe, supportive spaces where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
