Welcome to James A. Garfield School. Built in 1915, and located in the heart of Collingswood, New Jersey, Garfield is home to just under 130 students in grades K-5.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional education environment for all of our students, while focusing on their social and emotional development. Our students are significant contributors to the school environment as they help set goals and expectations. The classrooms in our school are welcoming, safe, creative, and engaging places where students feel empowered to take risks and make choices.

Through a rigorous, standards-based curriculum, and partnership within the school community, we are committed to ensuring that all students will not only meet, but exceed grade level expectations. Our academics are grounded in research and driven by data. We continue to utilize Everyday Math, which has proven successful for our students. Our literacy program follows the basic tenets of the Balanced Literacy paradigm. Differentiated instruction is provided during guided reading using level-specific texts. Reading comprehension strategies are strengthened through shared reading activities using a variety of authentic texts. To further these initiatives, teachers and other staff members work collaboratively to enhance each other’s individual instructional practices.

Our students are exposed to a variety of special areas including art, music, library/media, Spanish, and physical education. Fourth and fifth grade students are provided with their own Netbooks from which they build technological competencies though online projects, digital presentations, and academic blogs. Character development is infused daily using the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Our talented faculty members, who are among the best, guide students in exploration, critical thinking, and creativity. They encourage our students to apply their cross-discipline knowledge to address significant, real-world issues.

Our parents and volunteers help provide the support for a wonderful partnership between home and school. This support provides our students with access to additional activities and resources that enhance the learning environment.

I am very proud of James A. Garfield School and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a tremendous staff, dynamic students, and supportive parents. I truly believe that, by working together, we will be able to help our students grow to their fullest.