First Day of School Marks Launch of CarePlus NJ’s Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School in Bergen County
New school serves grades six through eight, expanding CarePlus NJ’s proven therapeutic education model
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J. (September 4, 2025) – CarePlus NJ marked the first day of school today at Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School in Washington Township, Bergen County. Serving students in grades six through eight, the new school builds on the success of Paradigm Therapeutic High School, which has provided competency-based instruction, clinical and transition services for students in need of emotional and behavioral support since 2018. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on September 25.
Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education as a private school for students ages 10–13, Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School will adapt the proven Paradigm model to meet the developmental needs of younger students. An integrated team of educators, clinicians, support staff and administrators will work seamlessly to ensure that the requirements of each student’s IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) is met as prescribed by their local school districts.
As part of CarePlus NJ’s Paradigm School System, the middle school program is designed for students identified by their districts as needing a more clinically supportive environment in order to achieve academic success, social skills, and to learn how to regulate their emotions. The program supports students who have experienced challenges such as depression, anxiety, school avoidance, and/or prior hospitalizations. By providing individual and group counseling, as well as creative arts therapy, the school is able to give a high-level of mental health services to its students and their families.
“The expansion of the Paradigm School System marks a major milestone in therapeutic education across New Jersey,” said Nicole McQuillen, CEO of Paradigm School System. “The success of Paradigm Therapeutic High School underscored the urgent need for earlier intervention, which inspired the creation of the middle school. Together, our middle and high schools form a seamless continuum of care.”
“This is not simply about opening another school,” added Jeffrey Kahn, Executive Director of Paradigm School System. “It’s about delivering consistent, specialized support for students and families who need it most. With the addition of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School, we can now provide a unified path from grades six through twelve—up to seven years of trusted, high-quality therapeutic education and care if needed.”
Dominick Gliatta has been appointed principal of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School. With more than 20 years of experience in education and administration, Mr. Gliatta most recently served as director of guidance in a public school system. As principal of the middle school, he will lead daily operations and collaborate with faculty and clinical staff to implement the therapeutic education model.
The launch of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School reinforces CarePlus NJ’s mission to expand access to equitable, education and high-quality mental health care for children and adolescents. By blending academics, clinical services, and transition services the Paradigm School System provides safe, supportive environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Paradigm School System’s mission is to provide an educational and therapeutic environment that inspires and empowers students to leverage their strengths so they can develop and realize their life goals.
For more information or to make a district referral to the middle or high school, visit www.paradigmtherapeuticdayschool.org or email msreferrals@paradigm.school (Middle School); referrals@paradigm.school (High School).
About CarePlus NJ
CarePlus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services for adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the U.S., CarePlus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering accessible, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. With over 80 specialized programs, the organization serves nearly 14,000 individuals annually, offering a full continuum of behavioral health and social support services that empower people to reach their full potential. Committed to equity and innovation, CarePlus NJ works to remove barriers to care and improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.careplusnj.org.