ACADEMICS
New Jersey has long been noted for its excellence in education, consistently producing National Merit Scholars, above-average SAT scores, and impressive percentages of college-bound high-school graduates. Favorable student-teacher ratios and generous per-pupil expenditure reflect the underlying commitment and dedication to providing the finest in classroom materials and tools, individualized instruction, and special programs. Schools often form dynamic partnerships with the corporate and business segments of the community, sharing resources to maintain the leading edge in every endeavor. Central New Jersey claims a number of highly acclaimed institutions of higher education including the prestigious Princeton University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Day Care Information
The New Jersey Department of Human Services regulates child care throughout the state, monitoring licensed child care centers and thousands of family day-care homes that are voluntarily registered with the state. Contact the Division of Youth & Family Services for details on a specific facility or use the statewide hotline for more general information:
Youth & Family Services
609-292-1018
www.state.nj.us/humanservices
Statewide Hotline
800-332-9227
Private Education
The New Jersey Department of Education provides a complete directory that includes non-public schools. This can be ordered for a nominal fee but is also available online. The following resources may also be helpful in evaluating alternative educational environments:
Non-Public School Directory
Trenton 609-984-0905
www.state.nj.us/njded/directory
Roman Catholic Schools
Diocese of Trenton
Trenton 609-406-7400
www.dioceseoftrenton.org
National Association of Private, Catholic & Independent Schools
Ann Arbor, MI 734-930-4535
www.napcis.org
Public Education System
Consult your local school district for the cut-off date in which a child must be five years old to register for kindergarten. To register your child, bring the child's birth certificate and social security number as well as proof of residency in the school district in the form of a current utility bill, federal tax return, mortgage papers, or a rental lease. A New Jersey drivers license is not acceptable verification for district residency. Registration is not complete without physician-signed verification of required immunizations. Transcripts from previous school attended and legal guardianship or custody papers may be required if applicable. For more complete information or answers to specific questions, contact your local school district:
New Jersey Department of Education
Trenton 609-292-4469
www.state.nj.us/education
Academic Standards
Trenton 609-984-5322
www.state.nj.us/njded/aps
Evaluation & Assessment
Trenton 609-984-6311
www.state.nj.us/njded/assessment
Charter School Information
Office of Innovative Programs & Schools
Trenton 609-292-5850
www.state.nj.us/njded/chartsch