Montclair Schools

Montclair is nationally recognized for its outstanding magnet school system and was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the 6 best in the country. It was a model for the report, “Innovations in Education: Creating Successful Magnet School Systems”. A magnet system is one where choice of school is the major characteristic. Parents do not necessarily send their children to the school closest to their home but rather, choose the school best suited to the child’s individual talents and needs. The town has 6 (soon to be 7) elementary schools - each with its own magnet theme such as Montessori, Gifted and Talented, the University magnet, and others. All provide the same basic and rigorous core curriculum. Busing is available for students living a certain distance away, typically one mile or more. Montclair High School regularly sends dozens of seniors to Ivy League and highly competitive universities.

Montclair Board of Education
22 Valley Road
Montclair, New Jersey 07042
(973) 509-4000

The Magnet School System
“Dedicated to becoming the national role model for public integrated education”

(All information here is from the Montclair Board of Education, 2007-2008)

There are eleven schools in the Montclair Public School System; seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one comprehensive high school.

In Montclair, children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their homes.
The Board of Education has developed specialized programs in each of the schools and believes children are best served by a program that most closely supports their individual learning styles.

Which School For Your Child?
All of our schools are outstanding. There is no one school, no one organization that is best for all children. Rather, it is a matter of what program is best for the child. The decision is made by the parents with the assistance of the Board Of Education staff.

Although the basic curriculum is the same, each school offers special programs consistent with its own magnet theme.

Wonderful collaborative partnership with Montclair State University’s College of Education and Human Services whereby students take part in projects designed and taught by university professors.

Offers top-notch technology tools like cutting edge lab and modern broadcast studio.

After school enrichment program sponsored by Bradford’s PTA including classes in yoga, music, cooking, tae kwon do, chess, drama and science. Parent-faculty generated health & wellness program emphasizing nutrition and exercise.

New sun-drenched addition, library with skylights, new tech lab, new art room, playground with new equipment, newly landscaped courtyard with gardening shed, music room, writing room and new kitchen.

Edgemont Montessori School (Grades K-5)
Magnet Theme: Montessori

The only Kindergarten – Grade 5 public Montessori school in the state of NJ.

Believes in educating the whole child through the Montessori principles of student-centered/learner-friendly practices in a peaceful academic environment.

Parent involvement is encouraged and recognized as essential for creating a nurturing family-like school environment.

Student Council with school-wide representation.

Affiliation with Lincoln Center Institute and other visual & performing arts programs.

Technology/computer coordinator, Library/Computer center and weathernet station.

World Language Program offerings in Spanish and French

Opportunity for outdoor learning environment and lab.

ORFF Music program with traveling ensemble

PTA After School Enrichment Program including classes in chess, healthy cooking, crafts, drama, voice, art, etc.

Northeast School (Grades K-5)
Magnet Theme: Magnet School of Global Studies

Global studies is a powerful perspective for examining and understanding our world’s people, places and problems. Geography is a subject that can unite the curriculum and support academic skills.

Each grade level studies a designated continent using the National Geographic standards as a framework. Students use maps, the environment, politics, topography, current events and populations to understand the past, present, and future.

Students learn that one important thing touches another and connections are established.

Every student that leaves Northeast School after 6 years will not only know maps and continents, but places and facts about our world that prompt thinking and wonderment.

Kindergarten – North America; Grade1 – South America; Grade 2 – Africa; Grade 3 – Australia; Grade 4 – Asia; Grade 5 – Europe.

All students attend weekly classes in Related Arts (Music, Art, Physical Education, Library, Technology and Spanish). Students will use the Technology Lab as a resource in their learning to support special activities and projects.

“Wise Skills” program which promotes Moral/Character education across all settings and disciplines.

All students participate in the general Music Program. Concepts such as Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Form, Tone Color, Composition, Notation and Performance Practice are studied. In addition, to this core base of western music skills, the study of ethnomusicology is woven through all grade levels. Learning about the music of other cultures is a key way to connect to the world outside of Montclair.

Rand Family School (Grades K-5)
Magnet Theme: Family and Environment

Families participate actively in the educational experience of their children. The environment is used as a thematic tool for carrying out Rand’s approach to education.

Students thrive when they are known personally, not only by their peers and teachers but by the entire school community, including families. As members of a caring community, students feel a sense of belonging.

We recognize student’s diverse learning styles and use developmentally appropriate teaching practice, including cooperative learning, individual instruction and small group work.

Opportunities for collaborative relationships are provided through activities involving mixed grade levels, group learning, teaming of teachers, student-to-student and student-to-adult mentoring programs and family activities.

We maintain high expectations for each child and establish high standards for student work through self-assessment and positive feedback.

Special Features include overnight camping experiences, Artists in Residence workshops and After School Enrichment programs.

Our children are now the citizens of the 21st Century. No matter what profession or position one pursues, those who will thrive will be people who can confidently negotiate a world where technology and science are the tools utilized to retrieve, interpret and manipulate information.

A site developed, award winning science curriculum based on an applied, inquiry approach to learning.

Using the world outside the classroom as a resource through activities such as environmental day trips, camping trips, and an Environmental Club.

One example of the school’s approach is in its study of the weather. The school’s link to a weather satellite brings space-age technology to the understanding of weather phenomena. The school is an automated weather station affiliated with WNBC-TV’s weather reporting system.

The school features a solar greenhouse as part of the Nature Courtyard Curriculum which is a living laboratory that enables students to grow and care for pond plants in the winter months.

Student assessment tools may include: portfolios, technology based tools, attitude surveys, journals, open-ended items, scoring rubics, performance tasks, student projects, inventories, classroom videos, observations, checklists, and others.

Other features include extensive availability of computers at all grade levels; an ORFF Music Program; and Before and After School Programs.

Recognized as a S.T.A.R. and a Best Practice School by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Nishuane is divided into five houses. Each house has daily blocks of time in which language arts (reading/writing), science, math and social studies are taught.

The curriculum is divided into four parts: Basics, Aesthetics, Creative “I” and World Languages.

Basics refers to Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Aesthetics curriculum is an exploratory learning experience which features over 60 elective courses in art, music, drama, dance, gymnastics, language arts, math, science and social studies.

The Creative “I” program supports children’s individual interests and talents. They use what they have learned in Basics and Aesthetics to apply knowledge in new ways and pursue ideas in greater depth through individual projects, small group assignments and excursions into the community. Students may be nominated to participate by parents, teachers and/or administrators.

World Languages curriculum offers instruction in French and Spanish to all students. It employs an oral approach to learning taught through conversational, visual and play devices and manipulative aids.

One of only ten schools in New Jersey to be recognized as a STAR SCHOOL by the NJ State Department of Education.

Recognized as a National School of Excellence and a MAGNET SCHOOL OF MERIT by the Magnet Schools of America for innovative programming, diversity and academic achievement.

One of 25 schools to receive award by the Geraldine Dodge Foundation.

Nominated as a site where the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is reportedly being well-implemented. When IDEA is working as it should, all children – children with and without disabilities – benefit.

Presumes that all children have special gifts and talents and assumes responsibility to identify and nurture every child’s special abilities.

Students of all abilities, interests and backgrounds are able to discover areas in which they will excel. With its high academic standards and strong performing arts program, Hillside provides students with a positive environment where responsibility and maturity are stressed.

In addition to the ‘Basics’, students are exposed to ‘Aesthetics’ - the opportunity to take courses in art., foreign language, philosophy and logic, science, math, social studies, language arts, leadership, music, drama, dance, computers, contemporary living, film and video.

The Creative “I” program supports children’s individual interests and talents. They use what they have learned in Basics and Aesthetics to apply knowledge in new ways and pursue ideas in greater depth through individual projects, small group assignments and excursions into the community. Students may be nominated to participate by parents, teachers and/or administrators.

Academic support is provided through Learning Centers, such as the basic skills improvement program (Project S.T.A.R.S.), which provides students with academic support in reading/writing and mathematics.

Special features include Knowing Our Neighbors, Celebrity Read-a-Thon, Traveling Troupe and Hillside Jumpathon.

Reflects the energy, sense of possibility and engagement that is indicative of the adolescents we serve. The nature of this program is such that youngsters have choices to explore and search for ways to become better communicators and problem solvers.

Students are assigned to one of seven houses. Within the house structure, a sense of family is developed. The values of family are affirmed and through our aesthetic electives, youngsters create, shape and express themselves through the adventure and discipline of working with the materials of paint, sound, language, body movement, clay, voice and film.

Major Theatrical/Musical/Dance/Art Productions.

Touring Troupes such as Jazz Band, Creative “I” Chorus and Creative “I” Dancers.

Academic Competitions to receive personal, house and school recognition and Community Awards.

ROGATE Enrichment Program: provides students with an array of course offerings that enhance higher level thinking.

Video Production Studio and Photo Lab – Students access videotaping, editing, photography and computer graphics generation equipment for school-based productions and publications including closed-circuit cable TV broadcast for morning announcements.

Planetarium – Students have access to a fully-equipped on-site planetarium for astronomy investigation as a course offering and also within science courses.

Writer’s Room – Trained volunteers provide additional assistance to facilitate student writing.

Creative “I” Yearbook class, Photo Essay class and regular House Newspapers.

Student Council – an active involved Student Council organizes social events and community service projects.

After School Program - ‘Adventure Education’ includes wall climbing, repelling, rope bridge, and more.

Fully equipped with science labs and state-of-the-art computers. Students access information, apply technologies to solve real world problems and connect with people and ideas from around the world. Technology is an integral component in all classes as a means to deliver content, as well as to provide a vehicle of self-expression.

Students are divided into five houses of approximately 120 students. Students stay in the same house for all three years of middle school, with the same teachers.

Students are not interacting with the whole student body each day but rather learn in the smaller, more intimate environment of their own house. This format adds to the student’s comfort level and supports academic achievement.

The day is divided into four 75-minute blocks of time to allow in-depth study of a subject. During the remaining periods of the student’s schedule, exploratory arts, world languages, developmental skills, and elective courses are taken according to a student’s interest and needs.

Also included in the schedule is a 20 minute DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) period and 40 minute lunch. Students are allowed and encouraged to go outside on the school property to get fresh air and exercise.

Good study habits are stressed at Mt. Hebron. Each student receives a Planner which helps them organize their homework assignments and reminds them of due dates for their work.

ROGATE Enrichment Program

Community Service and participation is something we encourage, value and celebrate.

Academic Program includes the following areas: Language Arts (multi-level coursesi n French and Spanish, ESL program for international students), Mathematics (extended immersion program), Social Studies (Model Congress, Model U.N. and National Geographic Bee), Science (all students take part and plan their own experiments in the flourishing Greenhouse), Technology (pre-Engineering program which continues through High School),

Health/Phs Ed, Family & Consumer Science (Nutrition, Money Management and Career Education),

Library Media Center and Mulit-Media (use of a computer Lab for academic school work and for NJ State sponsored data bases; students learn how to use digital camera, create movies, print shop and hyper-studio presentation software).

Extra-curricular Sports (Girls and Boys Basketball Team, Girl’s Softball Team, and Student/Faculty Basketball Game.)

Visual & Performing Arts (Visual arts, music, theater, and dance)

The Renaissance Curriculum is based on historic rebirth of Arts & Sciences. The school’s mission is to mold individuals who think critically and responsibly. Students investigate ideas through an interdisciplinary, thematic curriculum.

It’s mission, “equity and excellence” occurs in a small school environment. Studies document that in small schools, students learn more, behave and display more social concern. Parents are actively engaged in the school community.

When you visit Renaissance School, you will see:
1. Students who are engaged, persistent, confident and proud of their work.
2. Teachers who connect learning to students’ lives.
3. Tasks that challenge students to exceed both district and state standards.
4. A variety of learning contexts/groups/settings.
5. Learning guided by salient themes; problems, issues or questions.

Student work is assessed through portfolios that indicate growth over time. Staff are involved in on-going collaborative seminars with cross-disciplined reading and planning for student work.

For the efficient allocation of resources during its growth stages, the school relies on the adjunct instructors and community resources. These resources include physical education at the Montclair YMCA, Ashley Hammond Soccer Domain, Sharon Miller Academy of Performing Arts, a collaboration Montclair Art Museum and Montclair Public Library.

The school operates on an extended day four times a week which provides 196 additional hours of instructional time during the school year.

Social action class initiated for all grades ; projects included 6th graders working closely with PAWS, Pre-K, Library and more; 7th graders (Animal Rights), and 8th graders (Human Rights)

Pilot site of Middle School Family Math Nights

Iris Gardens/ROGATE Program

Science Olympiad

Ensemble Band and Chorus

We are proud of Montclair High School and its rich history of educational excellence dating back to the late 1800’s. The MHS community embraces the philosophy of diversity by providing programs that foster an appreciation for the individual’s uniqueness and worth. The school encourages students to grow and develop through its intellectual, social, civic and athletic programs. Our graduates are very attractive to the most prestigious colleges in this country because of their solid preparation for intellectual challenge.

MHS has made a commitment to continuous renewal for its excellent faculty and has joined with Montclair State University and the New Jersey Education Association to become a Professional Development School. Also, MHS is actively involved in the National Minority Student Achievement Network, where it is among 14 school districts across the nation sharing practices that are promising to reduce the achievement gap.

Smaller Learning Communities
With the support of two grants from the U.S. Department of Education, MHS is an exemplary national site for its initiative, Design for the 21st Century. The goal is to ensure that as we move into the 21st Century, MHS offers a rigorous learning environment in which all students learn more, to which all students feel connected and in which all students are vested. Toward that end, the high school offers the following smaller learning communities: the Civics and Government Institute, the Center for Social Justice, Global Research, Medical Biology, Interactive Math, and the Ninth Grade Academy. The Smaller Learning Communities are comprised of interdisciplinary blocks of courses, some of which are multi-year; and they involve the community, parents and other stakeholders in extension activities.

The University Connection
As a result of the shared vision of MHS, a generous benefactor and Montclair State University, we have created the Weston Science Scholars program, which provides a unique opportunity for students to work side-by-side with college professors, engage in significant research, attend college lectures about the human genome, astronomy and other topics and participate in a variety of activities designed to extend their learning about the sciences. We participate in several partnerships with universities and corporations, the Mini-Medical School program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which gives college credits to our students for their course work, and Seton Hall University, which is interested in a partnership to encourage students to enter the field of nursing. With support from NJIT, PSE&G, and the Montclair Engineers Society our Robotics Program participated in the first national robotics competition.

Colleges and Scholars
Our academic programs have maintained a high standard of excellence. A significant number of our students attend Ivy League and top-tier colleges, approximately 35% last year were named National Merit Scholars, National Achievement Scholars and AP Scholars. Many were also selected to attend various Governor's Schools. Several students received the Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar Award and other distinctions for academic excellence. The majority of our students, approximately 88% attend 2 and 4-year colleges.

Competitions, Sports and Clubs
Our students have placed first in the nation in the Federal Reserve Bank's "Fed Challenge", first in the Model United Nations competition at Yale University and second in the National Mock Trial Competition. Our School of Visual and Performing Arts performs a showcase musical, two dramas a year and trains students in acting, set design and sound and lighting technology. MHS offers 54 varsity, junior varsity and freshman athletic teams and more than 40 extracurricular and co-curricular clubs and organizations for students to develop their talents and interests. Orientation programs for freshman outline and strongly encourage these opportunities.

Ninth-Grade Academy
Montclair High School demonstrates its commitment to the importance of improved articulation with the middle schools as a critical component in the transition from the middle school years to the high school by providing all ninth graders with a year of specialized services and programs. The George Inness building provides ninth grade students with a smaller, more nurturing environment. It is our philosophical belief that providing an opportunity for freshmen to improve their study and time management skills while receiving a more rigorous curriculum will increase their potential for success. At George Inness, freshmen also benefit from a Peer Leadership Program. This program has been very successful in linking 14-year-olds with specially trained seniors who provide support and guidance. The number of freshmen athletic teams has increased for both girls and boys. The high school offers over 75 clubs and activities to students across all grade levels. The students also participate in the World Literature program taught at a high level of academic rigor and enriched by the inclusion of a rich multicultural curriculum.

Parents of ninth grade students need special attention as well. They receive the support of an active Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) and School Review that plan sessions on critical topics of interest.

Curriculum
Montclair High School has a very comprehensive, rigorous curriculum in all subject areas. All students are encouraged and challenged to participate fully in the academic program available and open to all students. We are proud of our 25 Advanced Placement courses, our honors classes, and the open enrollment policy that enables any child to enroll in any course where they feel they will be able to succeed. Students also have the option of A contracting up@ for higher quality points for more rigorous work while remaining in class.

Additionally, special programs such as the Air JROTC Graphic Design, Distance Learning and Cisco, enhance the high school curriculum as well as offerings in the arts and areas of technical production and in-house television studio. Our focus is also on creating long term visions of student activities and athletics and improving the overall student life at Montclair High School.

Click to view School Area Information

Montclair Board of Education

Back to Schools