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Christa McAuliffe School is an excellent elementary school with Pre-K through Grade 8 classes. The school offers a challenging standards-based academic curriculum with the following specialized programs: H.O.P.E. (Honors, Opportunity, Potential, Enrichment) classes, English as Second Language classes, Reading Recovery instruction, Project Raise services, Inclusion and transitional Special Education classes, Bilingual Education, Secondary Initiative Program for the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth graders, and a Fine and Performing Arts program that includes a Visual and Performing Arts Preparatory. Our Early Childhood classes provide learning environments that celebrate the unique gifts and talents of each child. Our classes foster curiosity, inquiry and discovery in curriculum foundations. Ongoing curriculum and professional development has resulted in a vigorous and rich integrated curriculum for all students in which learning extends beyond the classroom walls by bringing in professionals who have experiences and knowledge that will broaden student learning.Extracurricular activities are available for students as well as an extended day tutorial program. Participation is encouraged, and a substantial number of students regularly take part in the following after-school programs: NJASK preparation, tutorial programs, yearbook, Community League, Scholastic Bowl, Science/Technology classes, seasonal sports teams, Middle School Success Saturday program and the Lego League Robotic Team. School programs are designed to develop sound character, creativity, ethical judgment, concerned attitudes and the ability to live productively and harmoniously in a global workforce.
Parents are encouraged to be involved in our school as resources, advocates, and supporters. Student progress and overall school performance is communicated through report cards, progress reports, newsletters, website, parent council monthly meetings, Open House (afternoon/ evening sessions) and through educational seminars encompassing a number of topics for parents. Housed in our Library is the Parent Resource Center which allows parents an opportunity to gather for meetings, technology classes as well as sharing ideas with other parents about how to effectively deal with children so as to ensure the child’s success. We at the Christa McAuliffe School recognize the benefits of inviting parents to participate in their child’s education, acknowledging that parental involvement is a vital predictor of student achievement.
Christa McAuliffe School is proud of its diversity and strives to ensure that our student environment fosters physical well-being and social confidence. All faculty and staff build sustained relationships with our students. Students are recognized and rewarded for their progress in the areas of academic achievement, perfect attendance, fine and performing arts, athletics, citizenship and extracurricular activities. Opportunities exist for all staff, students, parents and the wider community to engage in collegial planning and implementation of educational programs.
Christa McAuliffe School students have received noteworthy awards and recognition indicative of success in both school and community. The Broad Foundation and Rutgers University have recognized the school for its effort in closing the achievement gap. Our Guidance department offers many activities for character education, conflict resolution, ballroom dancing and many other programs for student involvement. Christa McAuliffe’s guidance department is in partnership with the National Schools of Character Education Promising Practices and Awards. Our students have been included in special projects or competitions because of the commitment of the staff and the enthusiasm of the students. It is because of the collaborative effort of teachers, parents, community and students that the Christa McAuliffe School is consistent in the development of life-long learners eager to contribute and make a difference in society. Our continuous, organized opportunities allow for collaboration and assessment. These facets are part of an ongoing cycle of continuous improvement which allows us to make the most of the best practices and strategies. This enables us to reach unprecedented levels of quality, equity, and achievement.
E-mail address: jelder@jcboe.org
Dr. Janet Elder
201-714-4360