Preschool & Early Learning Programs at The Heights, Central Ave, NJ | Smart Start Academy
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”
Our Central Ave Jersey City Campus
Smart Start Academy Heights’ campus is located at 462 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307.
Center direct number: (201) 461-6161
Why Families in Jersey City Choose Our Central Ave Preschool
This is the original S.S.A. preschool that was founded in 2010. The building features 1800s architecture with:
- A spacious outdoor playground
- High ceilings
- Warm classrooms designed for comfort
- Class sizes capped at 10 students
- An intimate family-centered atmosphere
- A home-like space where children feel calm and ready to learn
Early Learning Programs at Central Ave, Jersey City
Smart Start Academy’s Central Avenue campus provides a full spectrum of early learning programs designed for different ages and needs:
- Infant care beginning at 6 weeks
- Two-day and three-day full-day preschool
- Five-day half-day preschool
- Extended nursery and preschool
- Emergency care
- Social enrichment
- After-school program for children 36 months and older
- Weekday and weekend sitting for children of all ages
Flexible Preschool Schedules for Working Parents
Families in Jersey City benefit from schedules that fit their routines, commute, and home life:
- 2-day programs
- 3-day programs
- 5-day programs
- Full-day or half-day preschool
Key Benefits
- Simple weekly structure
- Predictable full-day and half-day choices
- Teachers who support steady routines
- A warm environment where children feel safe and connected
- Hours that help families align work and school
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 | $1499.99 mo. | $1799.99 mo. | $2099.99 mo. |
| Nursery Hours | 7:00am- 2:30pm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Half day | 7:00am- 12:00pm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Social Enrichment program | 2:30pm- 7:00pm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 | $1349.99 mo. | $1599.99 mo. | $1899.99 mo. |
| Preschool | 7:00AM- 2:30PM | $1199.99 mo. | $1399.99 mo. | $1699.99 mo. |
| Half Days | 7:00AM-12:00PM | N/A | N/A | $1649.99 mo. |
| Social Enrichment Program (Before & After care) | 7:00am-8:30am 2:30pm-7:00pm | $999.99 mo. | $1099.99 mo. | $1299.99 mo. |
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 | $1299.99 mo. | $1499.99 mo. | $1799.99 mo. |
| Preschool | 7:00am- 2:30pm | $1149.99 mo. | $1299.99 mo. | $1599.99 mo. |
| Half Days | 7:00am- 12:00pm | N/A | N/A | $1549.99 mo. |
| Social Enrichment Program (Before & After care) | 7:00am-8:30am 2:30pm-7:00pm | $849.99 mo. | $899.99 mo. | $1099.99 mo. |
Additional S.S.A Programs
| SCHEDULE | TIME | 6 weeks- 18mo | 19mo- 35mo | 36mo & up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Care | Minimum 3 hrs | $35.00 Per Hr | $30.00 Per Hr. | $25.00 Per Hr |
| NEW! Smart-pick ups (Approval required) | 6:00am-7:30am | $299.99 per mo | $299.99 per mo | $199.99 per mo |
| After- school with S.S.A pick up service | 2:30pm-7:00pm | N/A | N/A | $1099.99 per mo. |
| Smart Sitters Weekdays (M-TH) | TBD (Min 4 hrs) | $27per hr (per child) | $27 per hr (per child) | $27 per hr (per child) |
| Smart Sitters Weekends & Holidays (FRI-SUN) | TBD (Min 4 hrs) | $30 per hr (per child) | $30 per hr (per child) | $30 per hr (per child) |
*Back-up care participants must call at least 2 hours ahead to confirm availability.
*Smart sitter sibling discount available.
Smart Pick-Ups (VIP Convenience)
S.S.A. offers Smart Pick-Ups to create a simple VIP experience. You stay inside your home in the morning or afternoon while your child is picked up or dropped off.
Speak with a Center administrator for details.
Academic Year and Enrollment Policies for Our Central Ave Location
The academic year runs from September through June. Parents pay for the full school year regardless of holidays, start dates, inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, or student absences.
- Non-refundable, non-transferable security placement fee
- 1st month tuition
- Security placement fee applies to the last month, with two full months’ written notice.
- July and August do not count toward the written notice
- Security placement fee and 1st month tuition are applied only in the form of tuition
What Families Love About Smart Start Academy on Central Ave
Families in The Heights appreciate the warm character of this campus. The historic building creates a calm setting that feels welcoming from the moment you step inside. Parents often share that the center exudes structure with comfort, giving children a safe space to learn and grow each day.
Parents Highlight:
- Calm classrooms with small groups
- An outdoor playground right on site
- Teachers who support early growth through routine and care
- A home-like setting that helps children feel relaxed and secure
- Close proximity to local shops and Central Ave activity
- Flexible scheduling that fits different household needs
- A positive environment where children build confidence through daily interaction
Parent Testimonials
Jersey City Parent Reviews
“The Central Ave center feels like family. The small classes help our child feel comfortable and excited to learn.”
– Laura T., Jersey City, NJ
“We love the warm teachers and the home-like feel. This is the kind of preschool you hope to find in a busy city.”
– Michael S., The Heights
“Our daughter grew so much here. The small classrooms and friendly environment made each day special.”
– Amira R., Jersey City, NJ
Smart Start Academy – Central Ave
Address: 462 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Phone: (201) 461-6161