Middle Township, NJ: District adds ASD classroom "to keep more students in district"

Oct 21, 2026, Press of Atlantic City: Middle Township opens first autism classroom

The township school district has developed its first autism classroom, marking a milestone in efforts to keep more students in the district. 

Pamela Shute, assistant superintendent of student services, said the autism classroom at Elementary #2 expands the district's ability to provide an appropriate educational program within its own schools.

“The autism classroom is an important step in expanding the continuum of services available within the district,” said Shute. “It gives the district another option for meeting students' individual needs while allowing eligible students to remain connected to their school, classmates, teachers, and broader community. Students can participate in specials, lunch, recess, school-wide activities, assemblies, events, and other shared experiences with their peers. At the same time, they still have access to the intensive, individualized instruction and support they need within the autism program.”

New Jersey students with special needs receive instruction outside their district if local schools do not have the appropriate services. The district covers the costs of tuition and transportation for these students. Middle Township school officials believed the new classroom was the best approach to help serve a growing number of district students classified with autism.

Absecon Public Schools officially opened its Therapy Animal Farm on Friday, expanding a program that uses the human-animal bond to support students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic well-being.

The classroom can serve up to six students and is designed specifically for learners’ educational, social and emotional needs, the district said. As of now, the classroom serves four students, who work with two aides. . . .

 “Establishing an autism classroom reflects our mission of always acting in the best interest of students,” said Superintendent Stephanie DeRose. “Now, more students can have the tools they need in their own schools while benefiting from the support and comfort of their school community.”