Established in 1987 as a magnet based on the philosophy, educational foundations and instructional practices of Dr. Maria Montessori, Edgemont provides an enhancing, enriching, and engaging educational experience that enables students to explore, express, and excel! Differentiation - the capacity to respond academically, socially, culturally, cognitively and emotionally to the diverse learning abilities and needs of our students - is the calling card of our school. A diversely balanced K - 5 elementary school, education-as-an-aid-to-life has been both cornerstone and catalyst for our 21st century learners. Our student-centered classrooms are safe places for children to learn, work and grow, and are each facilitated by a highly qualified Teacher, with assistance from a Teacher Assistant. Involvement by parents and caregivers is encouraged and viewed as essential for educating each student to the fullest potential as an active and natural life-long learner. There’s a real cooperative and collaborative spirit at Edgemont that is directly tied to our strong home-school partnerships, and peaceful, family-like school learning environment.

Our Instructional Program
Edgemont provides a comprehensive academic program that is aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, and taught by highly qualified teachers with additional expertise in developmentally-appropriate practices, Students progress through the standards-based curriculum with acceleration and enrichment. Diverse teaching techniques, individualized, small or whole group instruction, hands-on-/inquiry-based explorations, and other developmentally-appropriate practices promote rigor, high expectations and academic success for all students. Beyond the acquisition of basic skills and knowledge in math, science, social studies and language arts literacy, Edgemont students are taught to become thoughtful readers, skillful computers, clear writers, creative problem solvers, critical and logical thinkers, independent decision-makers, and lovers of learning.

In our state of the art Cosmic Studies Lab, students develop an understanding of the world around them through hands-on, project-based explorations, and real-life applications. The rich interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, experiential connections between all the sciences, social and cultural studies, and technology are experienced by students through Science Teams and cooperative learning configurations. The sciences and cultural studies are extended further into the Outdoor Learning Environment, and the Green Team’s Children’s Garden. The Peaceable School Model informs our social-problem-solving/conflict resolution/character education program. Our Health and Wellness Team and the RAINBOWS Program also enhance social and emotional development.

Aesthetic and artistic experiences are provided through the related-arts specialists in art, music and physical education, and the school’s partnership with a variety of arts-in-education venues. Fourth and Fifth Graders also have the option to participate in the ORFF Ensemble, Art Extravaganza, or the Edgemont Chamber Music Chorus by audition, portfolio and/or interest. Field trips and service learning opportunities through the Roots & Shoot program and Student Council are varied and thematically integrated into instruction. Expert command of differentiation by faculty, and “Academic Meets” in Math and Language Arts Literacy provide nationally-based academic challenges for all students but especially those accelerated in learning.

Requirements for 21st century teaching and learning are infused across all subject areas through computer fluencies, current technologies, and digital tools. Laptops, Alpha-Smarts, Video-conferencing, video streaming, the Internet, classroom monitors, web-based learning, and the school’s broadcast, Eye on Edgemont, are an integral part of every classroom environment.

Academic and social growth as well as the development of positive self-esteem among Edgemont’s students are facilitated by a talented, highly qualified professional staff; learner-centered classrooms; differentiation as the philosophical essence, culture, and foundation of each classroom; and a nurturing, student-friendly school environment where students are enhanced, engaged and enriched, and are able to express, explore, and excel!

Key Features at a Glance

• Cosmic Studies Lab for experiential, project-based learning in the Sciences and social/Cultural Studies
• A standards-based Balanced Language Arts Program
• A standards-based Balanced Mathematics Program
• Accelerated Related Arts offerings for 4^th and 5^th graders in ORFF Ensemble, Art Extravaganza and Chamber Chorus
• The Infusion of Technology and use of digital tools
• Roots & Shoots Service Learning/Community Service Projects
• Technology Coordinator/Library-Computer Center/Mobile Laptops/Videoconferencing
• Family involvement and home-school partnerships
• Varied Arts-in-Education programming
• Outdoor Learning Environment and Children’s Garden with habitats and maze
• Extensive PTA After School Enrichment Program
• School Council with school-wide representation
• English as a Second Language for international students/Spanish
• Interdisciplinary/Inquiry-based/Thematic Approach to the Sciences, Cultural/Social Studies
• An inclusive, family-friendly school community