Sports and Athletic Programs

Physical Education Program

The Phoenix Center has a regulation-sized gymnasium. All students receive 150 minutes of health and physical education each week. The NJDOE CCCS´s are followed for all physical education classes. Based on chronological age and level of functioning, classrooms are either seen individually or with another group of students. Team sports including tennis, soccer, and volleyball are seasonally introduced.

Aquatics Program

Swimming is scheduled for Friday mornings at the Montclair State University pool. On a rotating basis, all students swim throughout the year. Mechanics of aquatics and swimming basics are introduced to students who are accompanied by our physical education teacher and classroom staff members.

Basketball Team

The Phoenix Center belongs to a private school basketball league. Our team, The Phoenix Bulls, plays in competitive games with students from other NJDOE-approved private schools for students with disabilities. The basketball season runs from December to March. Games are played at home and away at other school campuses. All students are invited to try out for the team.

Pep Squad

To cheer for our basketball players (The Phoenix Center Bulls), students are invited to join our Pep Squad. Donned in Phoenix Center uniforms, the girls and boys on the squad cheer at home games. They learn dance and cheer routines, which are performed for the team players and audience.

Dance Troupe

Students are invited to participate in the Dance Troupe which performs at the Holiday and Spring Concerts. Practices are held weekly. Students learn elements of rhythm, movement, how to follow directions, and most importantly, how to dance and cooperate with peers.

Bowling League

Through the generosity of one of our foundation sponsors, we have formed a bowling league for all students. Students bowl once a week on a rotating basis. This past year, students participated in a bowling marathon to raise money for Autism Awareness.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Funded through one of our generous foundation sources, four rotating groups of six to eight students participate in weekly hippotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, and occupational, physical, and speech therapies at Rocking Horse Rehab in West Orange. Rocking Horse has weight and health requirements for student participation. This worthwhile program has helped students with gross and fine motor developments builds confidence and self-esteem.