Judge Rotenberg Educational Center

What Judge Rotenberg Educational Center does

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) is a private, nonprofit day and residential school founded in 1971 and headquartered at 250 Turnpike Street, Canton, Massachusetts. It serves students ages 5 through adult with severe emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric problems, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders (including profound autism), with a near-zero rejection policy accepting individuals who have failed or made minimal progress in previous programs. JRC also operates an Adult Services Program that extends services beyond school age. The organization is licensed to operate across approximately 50 residences located in 15 Massachusetts towns (Canton, Stoughton, Randolph, Easton, Attleboro, Rehoboth, Norton, Taunton, Dedham, Mansfield, Holbrook, South Easton, Raynham, and Bridgewater), supported by roughly 1,200 staff across direct care, education, clinical and medical services, residential services, administration, leadership, supervision, and property management.

JRC's core methodology is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) delivered through Positive Programming, which combines behavioral contracts, a powerful and varied reward system (Contract Store, Internet Cafe, Hair Salon, Movie Theater, Big Reward Store, Teen Lounge/Arcade, and special activities), and systematic charting of behaviors. Its technology stack includes (1) custom self-instructional educational software developed by JRC's in-house software development group to teach foundational ABA, academic, and computer-use skills, (2) Precision Teaching with Standard Celeration Charting that automatically logs daily correct/incorrect response rates into a database for teacher/clinician review, and (3) a centralized 24/7 digital video recording and monitoring system spanning all school buildings, residences, and select vehicles over a secure network. The organization also runs a Wellness Program (nutritionist-designed menus, daily exercise, on-site physician/dentist services) and a private parent/agency website providing real-time behavior chart and treatment document access. JRC's use of contingent skin shock as an aversive intervention has positioned the organization at the center of active FDA regulatory action on electrical stimulation devices.

JRC is funded almost entirely through per-student placements paid by public school districts and state agencies, with additional direct parent/guardian referrals admitted via an open-enrollment process and a 1-877-31-CHILD admissions hotline. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed; the organization has no parent company, no institutional investors, and no disclosed funding rounds. Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors with academic, clinical, and banking members. Operational scale (1,200 staff, ~50 residences) and the high-cost nature of 24/7 residential special education imply an annual operating budget in the tens of millions, though no precise figure is published.

Name

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center

Legal name

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center

Website

https://judgerc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center is a nonprofit day and residential school founded in 1971 in Canton, Massachusetts, serving students ages 5 through adult with severe emotional, behavioral, intellectual, and autism spectrum challenges using Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Residential Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Residential Special Education Programs (EDAKAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) / Therapeutic Day Schools (EDAKAAAC)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Applied behavior analysis
• Residential treatment programs
• Autism education
• Developmental disability support

Headquarters

HQ city

Canton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-funded student placement: Students are typically funded by public school districts and various state agencies. The organization operates as a nonprofit special education school with open admissions, accepting referrals throughout the year.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

JRC operates a day and residential school providing education and behavioral treatment to students ages 5 through adult with emotional, behavioral, intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Programs are delivered through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Programming, an extensive multi-area reward system, custom self-instructional educational software, and 24/7 digital monitoring across classrooms, residences, and select vehicles. Admissions follow an open, year-round referral policy through public school districts, state agencies, and parent/guardian direct contact.

Product overview

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) is a single, unified day and residential school offering comprehensive educational and behavioral treatment services. The core product is its ABA-based treatment program, which integrates Positive Programming with a powerful and varied reward system, self-instructional educational software, and 24/7 monitoring. JRC serves students ages 5 through adult with emotional, behavioral, intellectual, and autism spectrum needs through on-campus academic instruction, residential services, and an Adult Services program for continued care beyond school age.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) Core Educational and Treatment Program A day and residential school providing education and treatment to emotionally disturbed students, those with intellectual disabilities, and individuals on the autism spectrum since 1971, based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
• ABA Based Treatment Plans Highly structured behavior modification treatment program using Applied Behavior Analysis to treat noncompliance, aggressive behaviors, and other conduct problems through behavioral contracts and consistent reinforcement.
• Positive Programming Unique reward-based system employing ABA techniques including behavioral contracts, a powerful reward system with multiple reward areas, and systematic charting of behaviors to encourage positive outcomes.
• Self-Instructional Educational Software Custom software developed by JRC's own software development group teaching basic skills to students including pointing, matching to sample, letters, numbers, phonics, counting, telling time, receptive vocabulary, and computer mouse skills.
• Powerful and Varied Reward Program Extensive reward system featuring multiple reward areas including Contract Store, Internet Cafe, Hair Salon, Movie Theater, Big Reward Store with ball pit, Teen Lounge/Arcade, and special activities for students to earn access through improved behaviors.
• Adult Services Program On-campus and community-based services for adult clients including social events, exercise, volunteering, work activities, community outings, and Special Olympics participation.
• Wellness Program Health and wellness services including nutritionist-designed menus, daily exercise, on-site physician and dentist services, and nutrition education to support student wellbeing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students often make up several grade levels in a single semester using self-instructional software
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Blue Hills Vocational High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents can take vocational courses at Blue Hills Vocational High School located near JRC in Canton, Massachusetts, as part of their educational program.
• Massasoit Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents can take college courses at Massasoit Community College located near JRC in Canton, Massachusetts, as part of opportunities for advanced education.
• Local Employers (Friendly's, Wal-Mart, Chili's, Bertucci's, Dollar Tree, Stop & Shop, Wendy's, McDonald's, Roxanne's Taqueria, Target, Local Day Care Centers)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJRC students obtain competitive jobs and vocational training at local businesses including restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, and day care centers as part of their employment preparation.
• Local Community OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJRC clients volunteer and participate in local community activities including food drives, charity walks, cleaning local church, and collecting toys for needy children during holidays.
• Local Psychiatric HospitalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJRC has working relationships with several local hospitals for cases where a student's needs are best met by psychiatric hospital placement.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Melmark: Nonprofit provider of residential, educational, and clinical services for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health needs in Pennsylvania and New England; closely comparable to JRC in mission, ABA-based treatment, and government-funded residential model.
• Bancroft: Nonprofit provider of residential, educational, and clinical programs for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurological conditions in the Mid-Atlantic; comparable in residential special education model and severity of cases served.
• New England Center for Children: Nonprofit residential and day school in Massachusetts using ABA methodology to serve children and adolescents with autism; directly comparable to JRC in geography, methodology, and student population.
• May Institute: Nonprofit organization providing ABA-based educational, residential, and adult services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across multiple states; directly comparable residential ABA model and student profile.
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: One of the largest nonprofit providers of residential and community-based behavioral health services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and emotional disturbance; comparable in scale, scope of services, and public-pay funding model.
• Elwyn: Nonprofit organization providing residential, educational, vocational, and behavioral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; comparable population, ABA-informed treatment, and government payer mix.

Emerging players

• Kadiant: Provider of ABA-based behavioral health services for individuals with autism; comparable in clinical methodology and target population but lacks the residential special education school platform that defines JRC.
• Trumpet Behavioral Health: Provider of ABA services for individuals with autism across multiple states; overlaps in methodology and population with JRC but operates primarily in clinic and home settings rather than residential schools.
• Centria Healthcare: Private provider of ABA therapy and related behavioral health services primarily in home and clinic settings; competes for the same autism and developmental disability population but emphasizes community-based rather than residential delivery.

Broad incumbents

• BrightSpring Health Services: Large publicly traded provider of behavioral health, home and community-based services, and pharmacy services for individuals with complex needs; overlaps with JRC in serving developmentally disabled populations but operates a much broader, more diversified portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/judgerc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/JudgeRotenbergCenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/judgerotenbergcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/judge-rotenberg-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/judge_rotenberg_center

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Judge Rotenberg Educational Center