Why PJS?

Specializing in Childhood

Our school campus and educational programs have been intentionally designed to meet the specific growth and developmental needs of children during this fundamental period of time.

A Family School 

We enroll families who become part of our inclusive community of learners. The Summer Buddy Family Program ensures that each new student coming to school has already made a friend in their class. 

Strong Relationships

Our classes are small by design to ensure that each child receives personal attention during these foundational years. Each child feels well-known and understood by teachers, allowing them to thrive.

 

 

Leaders of their Learning

At PJS, we encourage children to take purposeful initiative. In doing so, they learn about negotiation, compromise, assertiveness, success and failure, and resilience. By supporting children as they make choices, take action and reflect, we promote their ability to learn independently and transfer their successes to future learning.

Ethic of Excellence

At PJS we cultivate an ethic of excellence that is guided by a passion for quality and the shared expectation that teachers, parents and students are committed to and take pride in their best work. This ethic is embedded in our Community Covenant.

Community & Service Learning

Volunteerism and action are woven into the fabric of our school community and are integral parts of the curriculum. PJS cultivates a culture of empathy and curiosity in all of our students that leads them to take action. Students in Grades 3-6 take initiative toward causes that are important to them through the Glitter Lemonade Club.

Double Accreditation

PJS is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS).  The commendations and recommendations provided by these two agencies ensure that we remain focused on our mission and committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for our students.

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP)

The PYP curriculum framework is inquiry-based and collaborative. Through this challenging program, PJS students develop the ability to understand concepts across a broad and balanced range of knowledge disciplines, including languages, mathematics, science, humanities and the arts. 

International Mindedness

As an authorized IB World School, learning at PJS is expansive and extends beyond the classroom. Students have the opportunity to explore real-world issues that develop global awareness and challenge assumptions.

Place-Based Learning

Not all classrooms have walls! We use our local surroundings and campus in much of the learning that takes place at our school. Throughout the school year, students connect to the land and community around them, allowing them to learn more about their world and how they impact it. Students plant, harvest, and cook; conduct scientific research; observe the changing seasons and life cycles of local animals; and find quiet, solitude and inspiration in our labyrinth.

Teachers Who Love Learning

PJS teachers love to learn, and their passion is contagious! Our students learn from teachers who share and model their own learning pathways, and teachers are actively supported to pursue new learning opportunities and professional growth.