In September 2004, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement named Montclair one of six model magnet school districts in the country, an accolade that comes with inclusion in series of "Guides to Innovation" published by the Department of Education and the American Productivity and Quality Center in Houston. Among the factors in choosing Montclair as a model district was its long commitment to racial balance, as well as the district's success at maintaining magnet programs without federal funding.
In the Montclair district, parents have the opportunity to exercise freedom of choice with regard to which primary school their child will attend. The district also balances classes racially. In a district long noted for commitment to the arts, Montclair public school students, including actress Christina Ricci who made her theatrical debut at Edgemont School as a third grader are often cited for achievement. In 2006, Hillside Elementary's "Drums of Thunder" ensemble made their first-ever appearance on national television on the NBC Today Show.
Recent graduates of Montclair High School have had an impressive record of college admissions, including Harvard, Princeton and Yale. Under the leadership of former Superintendent Michael Osnato, Montclair's school system went far to reestablish itself as a rigorous, well-managed district with educational success stories on all levels, a mission now being carried forth by its current superintendent, Frank Alvarez.
In the fall of 2004, Mr. Alvarez announced the launch of the Gold Standard Arts Initiative in the district, in partnership with the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. The initiative aims to bring the highest level of administration and funding to the district's long admired music, drama, art and dance programs.
If your family is considering a move to Montclair, NJ, you will be happy to know your child’s education is in the most capable hands of the fine staff and administrators at the Montclair Public School District. Below is listed each elementary, middle and high schools in the Montclair District. If you would to schedule an appointment to visit any school or the home office of the district, the staff here at the Lane Team will coordinate this on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your visit to the Montclair Public School District offices.
Bradford Elementary
Magnet Theme: The University Magnet
87 Mt. Hebron Road
Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 973-509-4155
Grades: K-5
Principal: Ms. Catherine Vitone
School Hours
Open: 8:50 a.m.
Close: 3:05 p.m.
Dismissal Time on Abbreviated Days: 1:40 p.m.
Half-day primary unit sessions (Kindergarten): 8:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Edgemont Montessori School
Magnet Theme: Montessori
20 Edgemont Road
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 973-509-4162
Grades: K-5
Principal Dr. Adunni S. Anderson
School Hours
Open: 8:20 a.m.
Close: 2:35 p.m.
Dismissal Time on Abbreviated Days: 1:10 p.m.
Established in 1987 as Montclair’s only public Montessori school, Edgemont School is a totally unconventional school. Providing a “home-like” environment, Edgemont School is unique. Here children are educated in a philosophy that is deeply rooted in respect for the “whole child” – your child. Your family is invited “to look beyond the pink tower and golden beads” to discover a school that embraces the total child.
Hillside School
Magnet Theme: Gifted and Talented
54 Orange Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-509-4200
Grades: 3-5
Principal: Mr. Michael Chiles
Assistant Principal: Mr. Joseph Putrino
Schools Hours
Open: 9:20 a.m.
Close: 3:35 p.m.
Dismissal Time on Abbreviated Days: 2:10 p.m.
Hillside students participate in a coordinated magnet program that presumes that all children have special gifts and talents. Hillside staff and administrators feel the school bears a responsibility to identify and nurture these gifts and talents to their fullest potential.
Glenfield Middle School
Magnet Theme: Visual and Performing Arts
25 Maple Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-509-4171
Grades: 6-8
Principal: Mr. Alex Anemone
Assistant Principal: Mr. Marcus Rhaney
School Hours
Arrival: 7:50 a.m.
Dismissal: 2:09 p.m.
Dismissal Time on Abbreviated Days: 12:40 p.m.
Dedicated to a cultural philosophy that all students at Glenfield Middle School experience the visual and performing arts first hand, students are assigned to and remain with one of seven houses for their entire three years at Glenfield. The house system helps develop a strong sense of family among faculty and students.
Montclair High School
100 Chestnut Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-509-4100
Grades: 9-12
Principal: Dr. Mel Katz
Assistant Principal: Mr. William Gibney
Assistant Principal: Mr. Ed Lebida
Assistant Principal: Mr. John Porcelli
Assistant Principal: Ms. Shirlene Powell-Sanders
Assistant Principal: Mr. Peter Renwick
School Hours
Open: 7:15 a.m.
Close: 2:33 p.m.
Dismissal Time on Abbreviated Days: 1:00 p.m.
Consistently recognized by Ivy League and top tier university recruiters, Montclair High School traditionally produces highly qualified academic candidates with an eye on social awareness. Montclair High School takes great pride in its academic achievement for all students. Supported by a committed faculty and a dedicated team of top-notch professionals, this school offers a vibrant student life in visual and performing arts, business and vocational arts, academically gifted programs, sports and community involvement.