The Bancroft School, Mountainside
Exceptional Students with Special Needs
High-quality education and therapeutic services for students with autism and developmental disabilities.
For more than 50 years, The Bancroft School, Mountainside (formerly Kohler Academy) has provided exceptional education and support for children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental delays.
Our Mountainside campus offers a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where students build on their strengths, learn essential life skills, and prepare for success beyond the classroom. As part of the Bancroft School Network, our educators and clinicians collaborate daily to refine support in real time, ensuring that each child receives the individualized care they deserve.
Who We Serve
Students at Mountainside range from preschool through high school and may be living with a variety of developmental, neurological, and physical disabilities. Common diagnoses and support needs include:
Neurodevelopmental and Intellectual Disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Cri du Chat syndrome
Physical and Motor Disabilities
- Cerebral palsy
- Other neurological or physical disabilities
Brain Injury and Complex Needs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Other complex developmental needs
Program Features
Our approach blends education, therapy, and enrichment to help every student thrive:
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are tailored to each child’s needs and goals.
Integrated Therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational, physical, and speech therapy.
Adaptive Communication Supports with the latest speech-generating devices and tablet applications.
Dedicated Sensory Room where students can regulate emotions, practice calming techniques, and engage in sensory exploration in a supportive environment.
Model Apartment with a kitchen, living room, and bedroom where students practice daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, making a bed, and managing routines while also building emotional regulation in each setting.
Enrichment and Play through art, music, adaptive physical education, and school events.
Life Skills and Transition programs to prepare students for greater independence, vocational exploration, and adulthood.
What Makes The Bancroft School, Mountainside Unique
While all Bancroft schools share the same compassionate and individualized approach, The Bancroft School, Mountainside offers distinct advantages for families:
Broad Age Range: Serving preschool through high school, ensuring continuity of care in one setting.
Community Integration: Students participate in local outings and community-based activities to foster independence and social growth.
Robust Transition Programming: High school students build vocational and daily living skills to prepare for adulthood.
Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local barbers, dentists, and other professionals give students access to grooming and healthcare in safe, supportive environments that understand behavioral challenges.
Strong Therapeutic Teaming: Teachers, clinicians, and paraprofessionals work together daily to adjust supports in real time.
Take a Closer Look
Meet the Bancroft Bears
Ben and Benny, the Mountainside Bears, are always KIND. They remind our students to keep trying, to make sure to include everyone, never to give up, and to always do their bear-y best!
Let’s Explore the Right Fit – Together
Call 800-774-5516 to connect with a specialist who can review records, advise your family on funding and next steps, and answer any questions you may have.
