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! Our student-centered classrooms are safe places for children to learn, work and grow. An award-winning National Network for Partnership School, Edgemont strives to create a welcoming school climate and to support student success. This commitment engages families in our goal of educating each student to the fullest potential to be 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 learning environment.
Edgemont provides a comprehensive academic program that is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), and taught by highly qualified teachers with additional expertise in Montessori practices. Diverse teaching techniques, hands-on and inquiry-based explorations 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 and writers, creative problem solvers, critical and logical thinkers, independent decision-makers, and lovers of learning.
Cosmic Studies is how we do science in a Montessori School. The term Cosmic Studies is used to describe the rich interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, experiential connections between all the science, social, and cultural studies. 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. This approach to science, unique to Edgemont, is extended further into the Outdoor Learning Environment, the Children's Garden, and the newly completed Nature Trail in the woods behind our school. The Peaceable School Model informs our social-problem-solving, conflict resolution, and character education program.
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 electives such as Band, Art Extravaganza, Technology, STEAM, and Debate by audition, portfolio and/or interest.
At Edgemont, we combine the well-researched, time-tested insights of Dr. Maria Montessori with the rapidly evolving technology of our time to create a progressive and academically excellent program that prepares our students for the 21st century in which we live. Montessori is not a thing we do, but the way we do things.
Key Features At-a-Glance
- Cosmic Studies Lab for experiential, project-based learning in the Sciences
- Integration of technology and use of digital tools throughout the subject areas
- Accelerated Related Arts offerings for 4th and 5th graders in Band, Art Extravaganza, Debate, Technology, and STEAM electives
- Family involvement and home-school partnerships
- Outdoor Learning Environment, Children's Garden, and Nature Trail
- Extensive PTA After School Enrichment Program
- Student Leadership Team with school-wide representation
- English as a Second Language for international students
- An inclusive, family-friendly school community