Cedar Knolls Academy

Welcome to Cedar Knolls Academy! 

At CKA, we serve an extraordinary group of students who bring strength, resilience, and individuality into our halls. Our commitment to them and their families is unwavering. Whether we’re integrating DBT practices into our behavioral supports, implementing restorative practices to build community and repair harm, or simply organizing a schoolwide BBQ that brings joy to every corner of our campus, our goal remains the same: to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. We believe every child deserves a school community that sees their potential, hears their voice, and meets them exactly where they are. As Principal, I am honored to lead a team of educators, clinicians, and support staff who go above and beyond every single day to make that vision a reality.

As part of this commitment, we continue to strengthen our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. At CKA, PBIS is centered on C.L.A.S.S.:

• Community – Be kind, include others, be a good friend, and make sure no one feels left out.
  
  
• Learning – Try your best, listen, ask for help, and keep going because everyone learns in their own way.
  
  
• Accountability – Take responsibility, tell the truth, follow the rules, and fix mistakes when they happen.
  
  
• Self-Regulation – Stay calm and in control; use kind words, take deep breaths, and make good choices.
  
  
• Safety – Make safe choices, help others feel safe, and keep our community secure.
  
  

Alongside PBIS, every member of our staff is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), ensuring we are prepared to respond to challenging situations with safety, care, and professionalism. Together, PBIS and TCI help us nurture a community where students are supported, valued, and set up for success.

Academically, we believe in meeting students where they are and guiding them forward with intention and care. We prioritize explicit instruction, small group learning, and differentiated instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs and strengths. Our staff uses evidence-based practices to ensure students make meaningful growth, and our classrooms are designed to support active engagement, critical thinking, and student success.

Our staff is the heart of this school. Their dedication, creativity, and care are unmatched. I’m proud of the way we collaborate and come together around a shared mission: to prepare our students not just for school, but for life.

Thank you for visiting our website and for being part of the CKA community. We’re excited about all that’s ahead, and we invite you to partner with us as we continue to build a place where every student is celebrated, supported, and set up for success.

In collaboration,

Santiago Ruiz, Principal 

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