NICOLAS COPERNICUS NUM 25

Nicolaus Copernicus School is a school of proud tradition and solid achievement. A dedicated, caring and concerned faculty, with high expectations for all students, is one of the bases of our success. Another base of our success is the parents of our students, who are concerned, involved and supportive. Working together to provide the best education for our students has proven to be a successful combination, as the statistics on the State Report indicates.
In addition to the strong educational program, Nicolaus Copernicus School also services students who require special attention. The Bilingual Program accommodates students whose native language is Gujarati. ESL (English as a Second Language) provides help and support for students from a number of different native languages. These students provide the school with a diversity and multiculturalism that reflects the larger society. Students who require Special Education are also served in self-contained classes, inclusionary classes and resource rooms with as much mainstreaming into regular classes as possible. The Child Study Team, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are additional services provided to help these students and their parents.

The pre-kindergarten program has expanded to number nine classes at N.C.S., enrolling 135 students.

A Guidance Counselor is always available to help students and their parents in any and all situations and difficulties whether they are personal, familial or academic. In her expanded role, the counselor is engaged in a comprehensive guidance program, enabling her to service 100% of the students.

The Extended Day Program provides added preparation for the NJASK 3, 4 and 5 State tests. An after-school program, C.A.S.P.E.R., for students in grades kindergarten through grade four, is available to provide students with a safe, productive place until parents return from work. Nicolaus Copernicus students in grades four and five can become members of the Jersey City After-School Club, taking part in educational and recreational activities after school hours. This program is sponsored and run by the Jersey City Recreation Department.

Educational technology continues to be a top priority at Nicolaus Copernicus School. A state-of-the-art computer lab has been completely renovated to update computers, CD-ROM's and printers for students in grades kindergarten, 1 and 2. Students are learning to use computers for reports, graphics and research. Expansion of this program is continuing as computers have been placed in classrooms throughout the building with hook-ups to the Internet. An advanced multi-media center has been completed in the new building. Students in grades three through five utilize the computer lab. With the adoption of the Whole School Reform Model, Co-nect, the faculty and staff engaged in intensive training to bring project-based learning, with an emphasis on the productive uses of technology, to all classrooms and to all students under the direction and guidance of their teachers. All staff members have received extensive training from the Hudson County E.T.T.C. in the proper use of technology and the Internet in the classroom. A Technology Coach oversees the planning, implementation, service and coordination of the Educational Technology Program on a school wide basis. Teachers continue to utilize varied methods of cooperative education in all classes to promote shared learning opportunities for all students.

To supplement and enhance the instructional program, the school is most fortunate to have a large, well-stocked library, boasting over 28,000 books, covering all subjects and areas of interest to students. The library also maintains the media center, which contains audio-visual hardware and software for use by students and teachers. A mini-computer lab has also been established in the library for student use.

The School Leadership Council (SLC) unites teachers, parents and staff enabling them to work together to address and to provide for the instructional needs of all students and to make decisions benefiting the whole school and staff.

A new organization, the Junior Student Council, has been established and is functioning at a high level, sponsoring in-school activities for all students and coordinating projects to benefit the community.


In short, Nicolaus Copernicus School's goal remains the same: to provide the best educational opportunities, environment, and growing experiences for each individual child who attends our school. Nicolaus Copernicus School is a school that has a proud past, a vibrant, successful present - being one of the few schools in Jersey City considered "passing in all areas" - and yet one that is preparing its students for the future that requires new skills and capabilities.


Anne Butler
201-714-4340