Home > Find a School > Thunderbolt Academy

Thunderbolt Academy

Thunderbolt Academy helps students get back on track. Our transitional program serves middle and high school students who’ve faced behavior challenges in a traditional school environment. With a structured, supportive environment focused on academics, behavior, and personal growth, your student can build the skills and confidence needed to return to their home school and thrive.

Contact Us

School Info

Address

504 East Broad Street 895
Millville, NJ 08332

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Grades
6-12

Phone
1-856-293-2245

District
Millville Public Schools

Thunderbolt Academy helps students reset and refocus. We support middle and high school students referred by Millville Public Schools due to behavioral challenges. Our structured environment is designed to meet each student where they are, providing consistent support and clear expectations.

Focused on academic growth, pro-social behavior, and emotional wellness our transitional program helps students succeed in school—and in life. We work closely with students and families to set clear goals for attendance, conduct, and coursework.

With the right strategies and supports, students can return to their home schools ready to engage and achieve. Our support continues after their transition back to their home school with consistent check-ins to ensure long-term success.

Whether your student needs short-term support or a fresh start, Thunderbolt Academy provides the tools, structure, and encouragement to help them take the next step forward with confidence.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, sports and recreation, student government, social work services, and workforce development programs tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Thunderbolt Academy Apart

Contact us

Our Learning Pathways

  • Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Students We Serve

    • Students with strong academic potential and behavioral or emotional challenges
    • Learners impacted by trauma, adversity, or unstable home environments
    • Students navigating school avoidance, anxiety, or juvenile justice involvement
    • Those needing support with regulation, peer relationships, and trust-building
    Spark Student Profiles
  • Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Students We Serve

    • Students removed from traditional settings due to behavioral or disciplinary challenges

    • Learners behind in coursework or credits who need targeted academic support

    • Students who show leadership potential but struggle with self-management and school engagement

    • Those preparing to return to a less restrictive setting with improved academic and behavioral readiness

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    We offer dedicated programs to help students earn credits at an accelerated pace—almost twice as fast as in traditional classrooms. This proven approach helps close grade-level gaps and keep students on track for graduation.

  • Optimized Learning Environments​

    Optimized Learning Environments​

    Our special education classrooms are strategically designed to allow students to focus on building critical life and communication skills, while our grade-level classrooms help alternative education students make up lost ground and prepare for a transition back to district classrooms, and ultimately graduation.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

Contact Us

  • Abdul has dedicated over 16 years to the field of education, demonstrating a profound commitment to student success. His journey began as a varsity football coach at Glassboro High School in New Jersey, where he spent nine years inspiring young athletes while also substitute teaching. This experience paved the way for his transition to an alternative school setting, and he joined Thomas Rubino Academy. There, he was honored as Teacher of the Year for his exceptional contributions to student learning.

    He later moved to Millville, New Jersey, where he took on the role of team leader before advancing to associate director of Thunderbolt Academy. Six years later, Abdul was promoted to director. His passion for education is evident in his unwavering dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Abdul’s commitment to his team and the community reflects his belief in the potential of every student he serves.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well-supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal
View All SESI Testimonials

Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    Women’s Empowerment Luncheon
    Thunderbolt Academy held our First Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on March 29th. Mrs. Powell, one of our school social workers,…
    April 8, 2022

Resources

  • Articles

    Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford
    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • News

    SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS
    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • News

    Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month
    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

Contact Thunderbolt Academy