The Phoenix Center

What The Phoenix Center does

The Phoenix Center, operating legally as Friends of The Phoenix Center Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit, accredited private special needs school headquartered at 16 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley, New Jersey, serving students ages 5-21 diagnosed with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1990, the school delivers an integrated portfolio of educational, behavioral, and therapeutic programs — including Customized Programming, Behavioral Support Services, Related Services, the Consumer Family Life Skills (CFL) Program housed in a 312 sq-ft teaching kitchen, Community-Based Instruction (CBI, since 1995), the Vocational Restaurant Program (VRP, since 1996), Supported Employment serving 63 active students, Transition Services, a Student Hero recognition program, and a Graduate Support Program for alumni. The curriculum is anchored by the FISH! Philosophy and a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model, with technology integration including a Virtual Reality therapy-based learning partnership with Floreo that allows students to practice social, behavioral, and life skills in simulated environments under therapist supervision.

The institution operates a hybrid revenue model: tuition is paid by sending school districts in New Jersey that place students at TPC, while donations (one-time, recurring, planned giving, donor-advised funds) and signature fundraising events — including the annual Gala and Casino Night — fund programs not covered by tuition. Distribution occurs through direct school district relationships, an online donation portal (DonorPerfect), phone/mail giving, and corporate sponsorship. Customer segments include students and families, school districts, local employers hosting vocational placements (Nutley Kia, Chevys, Stop & Shop, Mr. Bruno's Pizzeria), and a diversified donor base of foundations, corporations, and individuals. The organization is led by Executive Director Julie Mower (M.A.Ed.) and Principal Katie Passarotti, holds dual accreditation from NCASES and MSA-CESS, and is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025-2026.

Name

The Phoenix Center

Legal name

Friends of The Phoenix Center Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://thephoenixcenternj.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Phoenix Center is a non-profit, accredited private special needs school in Nutley, NJ serving students ages 5-21 with autism and multiple disabilities through customized education, behavioral and therapeutic services, vocational training, and a community-based instruction model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Programs & Classrooms (Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, Intellectual/Developmental, Multi-Disability) (EDAJAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transition Services (Secondary to Postsecondary/Employment, Life Skills) (EDAJAKAG), Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Autism instruction programs
• Behavioral support therapy
• Vocational training programs
• Community-based instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Nutley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition from School Districts: The Phoenix Center receives tuition payments from sending school districts that place students at the school. This is the primary revenue stream, though the school notes that tuition alone is not enough to cover the full cost of extracurricular programs, technology, community-based instruction, and other special programs.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The Phoenix Center relies on donations from corporations, local businesses, foundations, and private individuals. Donors can make one-time or recurring donations (monthly, quarterly, or annually). The school also accepts donor advised fund contributions and planned gifts.
3. Event Fundraising: Signature fundraising events including the annual Gala (celebrating 35th Anniversary in 2026, Title Sponsor: Nutley Kia) and annual Casino Night fund programs including educational tools, therapeutic resources, vocational training, and family support initiatives not fully covered by tuition.
4. Planned Giving: Legacy giving strategies including bequests, retirement assets, life insurance, and charitable gift annuities that benefit TPC at a later date while potentially providing income benefits to donors during their lifetime.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Phoenix Center is an accredited private special needs school providing customized educational, behavioral, therapeutic, and vocational programs for students ages 5-21 with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Services are anchored by a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model and delivered via named programs including Behavioral Support Services, Community-Based Instruction, the Vocational Restaurant Program, Consumer Family Life Skills, Supported Employment, Transition Services, and a Graduate Support Program. Tuition is funded by referring school districts; supplemental revenue comes from donations, foundation grants, and signature fundraising events.

Product overview

The Phoenix Center is an accredited private special needs school offering a unified portfolio of educational, therapeutic, and vocational programs for students ages 5-21 with autism and multiple disabilities. The core offerings include Customized Programming, Behavioral Support Services, Consumer Family Life Skills (CFL) Program with a renovated teaching kitchen, Community-Based Instruction (CBI), the Vocational Restaurant Program (VRP) for hands-on food service training, Supported Employment, Transition Services, Technology Program, Student Hero Program, and a Graduate Support Program for alumni. All programs are anchored by the FISH! Philosophy and a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Customized Programming Individualized educational programs built around each student's unique needs and anchored by a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model. Designed for students ages 5-21 with autism and multiple disabilities placed at the school by sending school districts.
• Behavioral Support Services Therapeutic and behavioral intervention services supporting students with autism and multiple disabilities enrolled at The Phoenix Center. Delivered within the school's accredited private special needs school framework.
• Related Services Therapeutic and support services including speech therapy and other related services for students with special needs. Speech therapists lead VR therapy via Floreo to develop social, behavioral, and life skills.
• Community-Based Instruction (CBI) Program providing structured opportunities for skill generalization in authentic community environments. Outings planned by classroom teachers help students navigate and utilize everyday institutions such as bookstores, grocery stores, public libraries, restaurants, and banks to support communicative, academic, and functional goals.
• Vocational Restaurant Program (VRP) Vocational training program allowing students ages 14-21 to gain real-world food service industry experience. Students shop for food, prepare meals, practice food safety and healthy eating, cashier, bus tables, and operate a fully student-run restaurant on Student Restaurant Days, preparing 100-130 meals per event.
• Consumer Family Life Skills (CFL) Program Comprehensive program teaching students daily living and culinary skills in a renovated 312 square-foot teaching kitchen. Students learn to make their own meals, including seasonal dishes such as Thanksgiving stuffing.
• Supported Employment Vocational program helping students with autism and disabilities gain employment skills and find supported work opportunities in the community. 63 students actively participate in the supportive employment program.
• Transition Services Programs preparing students for life beyond the classroom, integrating Community-Based Instruction and vocational training to support the transition from school to adult life and employment.
• Technology Program Technology-focused educational programming integrated throughout the school's curriculum, including the Virtual Reality (VR) therapy program in partnership with Floreo for immersive social, behavioral, and life skills practice.
• Student Hero Program Special recognition program celebrating student achievements and milestones within The Phoenix Center's educational offerings.
• Graduate Support Program Post-graduation support for alumni, including social skill practice and ongoing community connection events such as Alumni Night and Alumni Family Restaurant Night Out at Mr. Bruno's Pizzeria in Lyndhurst.
• Curriculum Curriculum program within The Phoenix Center's educational portfolio supporting instruction for students with autism and multiple disabilities.
• Special Programs Special Programs category within The Phoenix Center's portfolio, encompassing adapted physical education and wellness activities such as bowling, gymnastics, horseback riding, and yoga, with transportation provided by Phoenix Center minivans and school buses.
• Customized Workshops for School Districts Customized professional development workshops for school districts and educators, supporting their staff's capability to serve students with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 63 students actively participate in the supportive employment program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nutley KiacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026Nutley Kia, led by Joseph Catalanotto, has been named Title Sponsor of The Phoenix Center's 35th Anniversary Gala (Triple Crown Gala, May 2, 2026). Nutley Kia is described as a longtime supporter that has demonstrated sustained commitment through years of partnership and community involvement. Nutley Kia also provides vocational training opportunities for TPC students at its dealership.
• Columbia BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 October 2023Columbia Bank, through its Foundation, joined the DeMattheis Family in funding the renovation of The Phoenix Center's 312 square-foot teaching kitchen on October 13, 2023. Representatives from Columbia Bank attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The renovated kitchen supports the Consumer Family Life Skills (CFL) program and Vocational Restaurant Program (VRP).
• The DeMattheis FamilycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 October 2023The DeMattheis Family co-funded the renovation of The Phoenix Center's teaching kitchen alongside the Columbia Bank Foundation. Family representatives attended the October 13, 2023 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The kitchen supports the CFL program and VRP.
• The Bolger FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Bolger Foundation has contributed to The Phoenix Center's community-based transportation support, helping provide minivans and school buses that transport students to community-based leisure and recreation activities.
• FloreocoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Phoenix Center uses Floreo, a therapy-based Virtual Reality learning application, to provide students with immersive virtual environments for practicing social, behavioral, and life skills. Under speech therapist guidance, students navigate scenarios like TSA airport checks in a safe, controlled classroom setting.
• Nutley KiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNutley Kia provides vocational training opportunities for TPC students as part of the supportive employment program. Students gain hands-on work experience at the dealership.
• Chevys (Clifton)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal restaurant providing hands-on vocational training and work experience opportunities for TPC students in the supportive employment program.
• Stop & Shop (Clifton, 160 Kingsland Road)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrocery retailer providing vocational training opportunities for TPC students in the supportive employment program.
• Mr. Bruno's Pizzeria (Lyndhurst)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal restaurant venue for The Phoenix Center's Alumni Family Restaurant Night Out events, providing real-world social and communication skill practice environments for graduates.
• Colleges & UniversitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Phoenix Center maintains partnerships with colleges and universities, as evidenced by a dedicated 'Colleges & Universities' section on their Partners page, supporting academic collaboration and potentially student teaching/externship opportunities.
• The Hair Hub (Hawthorne)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Hair Hub in Hawthorne offered free haircuts to children with autism on April 8, demonstrating community support for sensory-sensitive services for TPC students.
• Washington Elementary SchoolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNeurotypical peers from Washington Elementary School participated in inclusion activities at The Phoenix Center, including a Valentine's Day celebration on February 13, 2026, as part of the Inclusion Program.
• Amazon SmileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Phoenix Center participates in the Amazon Smile program, allowing donors to support the school by shopping at smile.amazon.com with the organization selected as their charity (EIN 22-3114959).

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• YAI (Young Adult Institute): Large NY/NJ-area nonprofit providing special education schools, day habilitation, vocational training, and supported employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Directly comparable on program mix (school + vocational + community-based instruction) and on serving NJ districts via tuition-funded placements.
• Bancroft: New Jersey-headquartered nonprofit serving children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brain injuries through schools, residential programs, and vocational/day services. Comparable in mission, NJ geography, and the mix of K-12 special education, transition, and supported employment programs.
• Eden Autism Services: New Jersey-based nonprofit providing education, vocational training, and residential services for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Eden is the most directly comparable peer: same NJ footprint, same autism-and-multiple-disability focus, similar mix of school, vocational, and adult programs, and similar tuition-plus-donations revenue model.
• Spectrum360: New Jersey nonprofit operating private special education schools and adult programs for students with autism and related disabilities. Directly comparable: same NJ geography, same autism-focused K-12 school model, same district tuition revenue model, and similar emphasis on transition and vocational outcomes.
• The Calais School: New Jersey private special education school serving students with autism, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and multiple disabilities ages 5-21. Directly comparable on student age range, disability focus, NJ district-placement revenue model, and the combination of academic, behavioral, and transition programming.

Others

• Autism Speaks: National autism advocacy and services organization. Not a direct peer (focused on advocacy, research funding, and information rather than operating schools), but relevant as an adjacent ecosystem participant that influences family referral flows into schools like TPC and shapes the broader autism services funding environment.
• Floreo: Virtual reality therapy platform used by TPC to deliver immersive social, behavioral, and life-skills practice for students with autism. Included as an ecosystem partner rather than a competitor — relevant because the Floreo partnership is one of TPC's most differentiated technology assets and a potential channel for TPC's curriculum to scale via Floreo's broader provider network.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: National federation of state and local chapters providing education, employment supports, residential, and advocacy services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable on supported employment and transition services; overlaps with TPC's vocational and community-based programs but operates as a federated advocacy-plus-services model rather than a single school.
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: National nonprofit operating special education schools, residential treatment, and behavioral health services for children and adults with autism and complex needs. Comparable program architecture (schools + transition + behavioral services) but operates at far larger national scale and across residential, not just day-school, settings.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing special education, early intervention, vocational rehabilitation, and community-based services for people with disabilities and autism. Comparable on the portfolio breadth (education + vocational + community living) but serves many more states and a broader disability population than TPC's specialized autism/multiple-disability focus.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thephoenixcenternj
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-center-nj

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Phoenix Center