Montclair Public Schools

The Montclair Public School District is dedicated to creating a culture of learning and continuous improvement that provides every child with a high quality, creative, innovative and challenging education, through a magnet system of integrated schools in which every school represents a strong, diverse and vibrant community of learners.

The "choice" system in the Montclair Public Schools was implemented originally as a voluntary desegregation plan in 1977. Beginning with only two magnet programs, the plan has grown continually and now includes all seven elementary schools and three middle schools. The term "neighborhood school" no longer exists in Montclair; the entire township is the neighborhood for every school.

Implementing the magnet program was no easy task. Following the approval of the magnet schools concept by the Board of Education and State Commissioner of Education, a year was spent developing, designing, marketing and selling the plan.

A call went out for volunteers to serve on a citizens' advisory task force established to make recommendations about the future magnet programs. More than 100 people responded. Magnet schools in other districts were researched and visited by administrators, teachers and community members. Meetings to describe the magnets were held with organizations such as the PTA, Board of Realtors, local agencies and church groups. Input from parents was sought on desired courses, course content, program and structure.

In September of 1977, the district's first magnet schools opened: a gifted and talented program to draw white students to a school with a predominance of students of color. A fundamental back to basics program also opened to draw students of color to a predominately white school.

Montclair's magnet system has come a long way in the past 36 years. What started as a desegregation plan has turned into a dynamic and intricate process. When parents register their children for elementary school at the district's central office, they must list their ranking of schools.

In February 2010, a new student enrollment/assignment-by-zone policy was approved by the Board of Education. Under the plan, the township was divided into three zones, labeled Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. (These zones were conceived by the Task Force for public school enrollment purposes only, and are not intended to replace existing township or ward delineations.) Students are now assigned to zones based on census data, including household income and Title 1 status (eligibility for Free or Reduced Lunch). Students from all three zones are represented in each school.

Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Josh Allen, football player
Dale Berra, baseball player
Robert Trent Jones, golf course architect
Aubrey Lewis, football player
Christina Ricci, actress
David Tyree, football player
Joe Walsh, musician
Alex Winter, actor

As a public school, we are required to incorporate the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in all other content areas as established by the New Jersey Department of Education. In addition to the state required academic areas, students have access to computer technology at all 11 schools. At the middle and high school levels, students have the option of enrolling in a variety of elective courses in addition to those indicated above. Additionally, at the high school level, students can participate in small learning communities or traditional high school programs.

Core Beliefs

We believe:

Challenging all students by providing high-quality academic opportunities is essential to student success.

All children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels.

Effective educators are key to improving growth in student achievement. In addition, the Board of Education and Central Office must promote an environment of continuous improvement and innovation that results in a high performing district that is 100% focused on student achievement and success.

Supportive and engaged parents, guardians and members of our diverse community must be welcomed and encouraged to become active participants in the education of our students.

The Technology Department supports all aspects of information technology, including Internet connectivity, wireless networking, various databases and servers, the phone system, and the software and devices used every day. Montclair Public Schools has over 4,000 devices connected to the network, which all require maintenance and support. In addition, each classroom has a projector and interactive whiteboard. Some of the applications which the Technology Department supports include Genesis Information System, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Google Chrome OS, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Apple iOS, as well as many different cloud applications.

The School District is committed to providing educational programs and services that will support meaningful educational progress for each student with special needs. The goal for students with special needs is the same as for all students, as stated in the District's Mission Statement: "…that students will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the ever-changing global society." The District supports the education of students with disabilities with students who are non-disabled to the maximum extent appropriate, as determined by an IEP team, which includes the parent(s) and student. The District recognizes that this approach benefits the entire educational community. The District is committed to implementing best practices and innovative approaches to provide a broad and flexible range of program options.

The District recognizes that there are students whose needs cannot be met with the available range of in-district program options. When this occurs, the District works closely with other public school districts and private schools to provide needed services.