Daycare & Preschool Program in Palisade, NJ
NEW-S.S.A Palisade Square • Hoboken • The Heights • 180
• Jersey Avenue • S.S.A Brunswick Express • Request Information
“A Smart Start for your Child’s Future”
Smart Start Academy welcomes families to our state-of-the-art campus at 502 Palisade Ave (Palisade Square), Jersey City, NJ 07307.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Smart Start Academy
502 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Why Families in Jersey City Choose Our Palisade Ave Location
Palisade Square is S.S.A.’s most glamorous center! This facility offers eco-friendly, sustainable energy.
Designed with tall European-style windows that bring in natural light for our students. This center was designed with small, intimate classes of no more than 10 students each to create a warm environment where our children can flourish and feel at home.
Key Features of Our Palisade Ave Centers
-
- Eco-friendly campus design
-
- Tall European-style windows for bright classrooms
-
- Small class sizes, capped at 10 students
-
- State-of-the-art playground and park on site
-
- Smart boards and contactless sign-in
-
- Full transparency for families at all times
-
- Student-to-teacher ratios remain below state requirements
-
- Campus supports early growth through structured routines and caring teachers
Early Learning Programs on Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Smart Start Academy offers a variety of programs at the Palisade Ave campuses to meet the needs of growing children:
-
- Infant care starting at 6 weeks
-
- Full and half-day preschool
-
- After-school programs for children 19 months and older
-
- Smart-sitters
-
- Emergency services
-
- Social enrichment programs
Both Palisade Square and Lumber House provide flexible scheduling options:
-
- 2-day programs
-
- 3-day programs
-
- 5-day programs
-
- Half day programs
These schedules help match the routines of active Jersey City families.
Flexible Preschool Schedules for Working Parents
Our Smart Starter and Smart Learners programs support children 19 months and older. Families can select:
-
- 2-day a week
-
- 3-day a week
-
- 5-day a week
Parents choosing the 5-day schedule may select either half-day or full-day classes, allowing for a routine that aligns with each family’s lifestyle and the child’s needs.
Smart Infants (6 weeks-18 mo.)
| SCHEDULE | TIME | 2 DAYS (T,TH) | 3 DAYS (M,W,F) | 5 DAYS (M-F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery + Extended | 7:00AM-7:00PM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Nursery Hours | 7:00AM-2:30PM | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Half day | 7:00AM-12:00PM | N/A | N/A | Call to schedule a tour! |
Smart Starters (19 mo.- 35 mo. )
| SCHEDULE | TIME | 2 DAYS (T,TH) | 3 DAYS (M,W,F) | 5 DAYS (M-F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool+ Extended | 7:00AM-7:00PM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Preschool | 7:00AM- 2:30PM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Half Days | 7:00AM-12:00PM | N/A | N/A | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Social Enrichment Program (Before and After Care) | 7:00AM-8:30AM 2:30PM-7:00PM |
Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
Smart Learners (36 mo.& up)
| SCHEDULE | TIME | 2 DAYS (T,TH) | 3 DAYS (M,W,F) | 5 DAYS (M-F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool+ Extended | 7:00AM-7:00PM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Preschool | 7:00AM-2:30PM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Half Days | 7:00AM-12:00PM | N/A | N/A | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Social Enrichment Program (Before and After Care) | 7:00AM- 8:30AM 2:30PM-7:00PM |
Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
Additional S.S.A Programs
| SCHEDULE | TIME | 6 weeks- 18mo | 19mo- 35mo | 36mo & up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Care | Minimum 3 Hrs | $40.00 per hr | $35.00 per hr | $30.00 per hr |
| NEW! Smart pickups (Approval Required) | 6:00AM-7:30AM | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Before & After School w S.S.A pick up | 7:00AM- 8:30AM 2:30PM- 7:00PM |
N/A | Call to schedule a tour! | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Smart Sitters Weekdays (M-TH) | Min of 4 hrs TBD | $27 per hr (per child) | $27 per hr (per child) | $27 per hr (per child) |
| Smart Sitters Weekend & Holidays (Fri-Sun) | Min of 4 hrs | $32 per hr (per child) | $32 per hr (per child) | $32 per hr (per child) |
*Back-up care participants must call at least 2 hours ahead to confirm availability.
*Smart sitter sibling discount available.
S.S.A Smart Pick-Ups
S.S.A. now offers Smart Pick-Ups to add a true VIP experience. This allows you to stay inside your home in the morning or afternoon. Please speak with your center director for more details.
Additional Fees
-
- Non-refundable Annual Application Fee: $350 (Cash/Certified Check)
-
- Smart App Fee: $56 per calendar school year
-
- Security Placement Fee: $1500
-
- Yearly School Supplies and Materials: varies by attendance schedule
-
- Late Pick Up Fees: $1 per minute
Enrollment and Tuition Details
The academic year runs from September through June, and parents are required to pay for the entire school year regardless of holidays, start dates, inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, or student absences.
All parents are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable security placement fee and 1st Month's tuition to secure their child’s spot at S.S.A.
This security placement fee will be applied to the last month of the student's enrollment, with proper two full months' written notice provided.
Summer months (July/August) do not apply towards the written notice.
Please note, the Security Placement fee and 1st month are only refunded/applied in the form of tuition and are applied towards your first and last months of your child’s enrollment.
Parent Testimonials
“The teachers at the Palisade Ave campus treat our child like family. Small classes and caring staff give us peace of mind every day.”
– Rebecca M., Jersey City, NJ
“Our daughter learned so much in the preschool program. The center is clean, bright, and organized with great communication from the teachers.”
– Daniel S., Jersey City, NJ
“Smart Start Academy stands out from other childcare options in Jersey City. The flexible schedule helps our work routine, and the all-inclusive model is a huge advantage.”
– Krystal B., Jersey City, NJ
Smart Start Academy – Palisade Ave
Address: 502 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Phone: (201) 461-1515
Parent Testimonials
-
“The Hoboken teachers are patient and warm. Our son loves the indoor playground, and we love the communication.”
Michelle R., Hoboken, NJ
-
“Our son has been going to SSA since he was one year old, and we’ve been very happy with our experience. The teachers and staff are amazing—so caring, patient, and supportive. They really helped our son feel comfortable and enjoy his daycare days.”
“Special shout-out to Ms. Jasmin and Ms. Cynora for all their help in making our son adjust to daycare life. We truly appreciate everything they do and are so glad we chose this daycare.”
Yuheng Jin., Reasonable price
-
“Ms Juanita!! What can we say but we love her! The whole SSA team is amazing. Ms. Juanita is creative and smiles with every child that comes in the morning. Our little smiles back and walks right in, when he knows hes with the teachers that love him. We loving seeing the updates through out the day on the app, that show the creative, immersive, hands on, sensory activities they do every single day. Each day is different and exciting- as you can see on the little faces and the care Ms. Juanita puts into each activity. Rare are the days of crying drop off, when even the kids know their day is set for success and fun new things to learn with the warmth and attention of the best teacher!!”
Nelly Palacios
-
“We’ve had a wonderful experience with Smart Start Academy. The staff are caring and attentive, communication with parents is excellent, and our child genuinely looks forward to going each day. They provide a safe, nurturing environment that helps children learn and grow — highly recommended”
Adriana Martinez
-
“Warm and caring staff, excellent food (my kid eats food here he doesn’t normally eat at home), and the teachers really love the kids. Both of my kids vibed with their teachers, specially Ms Juanita, Ms Jasmin, and Miss Jackie. My son loves the jungle gym and constantly talks about his friends from class. As for admin, we’ve had a great rapport with Ms Vanessa and Ms Sarah!”
Alexandra Zukerman
-
“Our son has been at SSA for 6 months and we are incredibly happy. The staff is so kind. They have wonderful activities. My son’s vocabulary has grown beyond belief since he started. They send us multiple pictures every day of what he’s doing.
I highly recommend this daycare.”Ricky Mora