Daycare & Preschool Program in Heights, 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 Heights’ campus is located at 462 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Smart Start Academy – 462 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307.
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 programs
- 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 programs
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 | 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! |
| 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 | 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 & 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 & 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 | $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 | Call to schedule a tour! |
| Smart Sitters Weekdays (M-TH) | TBD (Min 4 hrs) | $28per hr (per child) | $28 per hr (per child) | $28 per hr (per child) |
| Smart Sitters Weekends & Holidays (FRI-SUN) | TBD (Min 4 hrs) | $32 per hr (per child) | $32 per hr (per child) | $32 per hr (per child) |
Back-up care participates must call at least 2 hours ahead to confirm availability.
*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 $1500
- 1st month tuition
- Annual application fee $350
- 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
Parent Testimonials
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“The Hoboken teachers are patient and warm. Our son loves the indoor playground, and we love the communication.”
Michelle R., Hoboken, NJ
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“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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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“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