Highlights from the Montclair Public Schools, from Montclair.k12.nj.us
Academics
- An award-winning magnet systemwith elementary and middle schools identified by the themes global studies, science & technology, creating connections, Montessori, university, STEM, environmental science, and gifted & talented
- Academically challenging high school with a diverse curriculum, more than 25 AP classes, small learning communities (the Civics and Government Institute, Center for Social Justice and STEM); and visual art and performance options in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA)
- Nearly ninety percent of graduates matriculate at post-secondary institutions of higher learning, including at Ivy League universities and dozens at highly competitive schools
- Multiple world language offerings, including Spanish, French and Mandarin (K-12), as well as German, Italian, Latin (high school); Montclair High School language students typically earn top honors in competitions and on national exams
- Sixty percent of the district’s instructional staff hold advanced degrees in teaching and/or their subject area
- STEM education offered in all schools including the use of 3D printers
Extracurricular
- MHS offers more than 100 clubs, including community service, salsa dancing, bridge, Ultimate Frisbee, robotics, and literary magazine
- SVPA stages three productions per year, including Showcase, a student-run production, and the spring musical (e.g. “In the Heights,” 2014)
- Euro Challenge, Fed Challenge, Model UN, and Model Congress teams typically achieve top finishes in national competitions
- Mock Trial team consistently competes at regional, state, and national levels
- Math League team ranked in the top 20 of New Jersey high schools; in 2015 the team had best season, finishing first in the State
Athletics
- The district supports more than 30 varsity sports. In December 2017, the MHS Mounties football team won the North 1, Group 5 state championship, finishing the season undefeated. Earlier in the year, men’s and women’s crew became the first public school teams to win Garden State Scholastic Championship varsity titles
- In 2015-16, athletes earned State-level titles in Field Hockey, Girls’ Soccer, Fencing, and Swimming; County Titles in Girls’ Soccer, Cross Country, Golf; and conference/division titles in Cross Country, Girls’ Soccer, Bowling (girls), and Ice Hockey. Additionally, several coaches were awarded coach of the year honors at the conference and county levels. Typically a dozen or more athletes are recruited annually to Division 1 and 3 colleges and universities
District
- Glenfield, Hillside and Montclair High School named Model Schools for the Arts by the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership
- Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the district’s local education fund, annually awards over $200 thousand to the Montclair Public Schools through: teacher-initiated classroom grants, social and emotional learning projects, professional development experiences, and district-wide initiatives. Recent innovative projects include non-traditional seating options and focus tools to improve student learning in the elementary schools, hands-on science equipment for all three middle schools, and a state-of-the-art Media Center at MHS
- NJ Monthly ranks MHS in the top 100 of public high schools. Newsweekrecognition as one of the top 1,000 schools in the nation. US Department of Education distinction as one of six exemplary magnet school programs in the nation
- Charles H. Bullock and Edgemont Schools recognized for achieving the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification
School Feeder Pattern
Montclair Public Schools Magnet System
Watch videos and read more information on each of our schools.
There are 11 schools in the Montclair Public School System: seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one comprehensive high school.
In Montclair, children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their homes. The Board of Education has developed specialized programs in each of the schools and believes children are best served by a program that most closely supports their individual learning styles. Although the basic curriculum is the same, each school offers special programs consistent with its own magnet theme.
It is important to understand that learning styles are not related to intelligence. Many able learners work most productively within a well-ordered schedule. Others do well with greater direction from the teachers. Educational research suggests children learn best when they have a peaked interest in their learning. A different specialized program has been established at each school. All schools follow the same basic curriculum, but each offers a different structure or special activities related to its own special theme.
All of our schools are outstanding. There is no one school, nor one organization, that is best for all children. Rather, it is a matter of what program is best for the child. The decision is made with input from the parents with the assistance of the Montclair Public Schools staff.
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.
See also:
- A historical perspective
- Feeder pattern of Montclair public schools
- Start and end times of the different schools, and times for half-day Kindergarten
The school videos provide snapshots of our Elementary and Middle Schools. You’ll hear principals talk about the basic curriculum, electives, and extra-curricular opportunities at their schools, as well as what makes their schools unique — their magnet theme. You can also read additional (printable) information about each school by clicking on the “read more” links.
As you can see from the videos, the district provides families with a rich variety of learning environments for their children through its magnet system. Some schools, for instance, emphasize arts and science; others feature science and technology or visual and performing arts.
Montclair children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their homes. There are no “neighborhood” schools. Provided there is space available and that a balance of children from various economic zones is maintained, the magnet schools provide wide flexibility of educational choice, and ensure that the entire township is the “neighborhood.”

