Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The Borough of Caldwell and the Township of West Caldwell have played a prominent role in the development of the Caldwell-West Caldwell school system and the quality of education it provides. Cooperation of the two communities began in 1872 when state laws governing school districts permitted the villages of Caldwell, Franklin and Westville to consolidate into a "School Borough." The following year, the state empowered the Board of Education to sell old school properties and apply the monies to the erection of a new school.
Located on the corner of Prospect Street and Academy Road, Central School opened in 1875. The original school had four classrooms with a second floor for the residence of the janitor.
The Early 1900's
In 1903, a revised state law made the Caldwell, Franklin and Westville school consolidation illegal. By law, two or more municipalities, but not parts of municipalities, could combine to form one school district. Franklin and Westville, still part of Caldwell Township, had to resolve the problem or be deprived of the school that they had supported. Township representatives held several meetings to discuss the issue of having Franklin and Westville withdraw from the rest of Caldwell Township. The Bill of Incorporation passed the House in Trenton with no opposition. West Caldwell became a borough February 24, 1904.
On March 30, 1904, a special school meeting was held to vote on the consolidation of Caldwell and West Caldwell into one school district. The vote was in favor of consolidation.
What is your primary product or service?
Statement of Educational Philosophy
In a world endlessly shared and reshaped by the revolution and evolution of peoples and ideologies, the one goal which remains eternally steadfast is the acquisition and application of our responsibility to do everything in our power to enable each student to reach their educational goals.
We acknowledge that each student has needs and purposes which are his or hers alone, that these needs and purposes relate to his or her living experiences and that this cotemporary relationship can be demonstrated, explained and strengthened through our help.
It lies neither within our ability nor desire to substitute or supplant the guidance and love of the student's family. We gladly accept the opportunity, within the bounds of this school system, to help all students experience the power, richness and beauty of the world. We desire to help all students develop an understanding of and respect for the integrity, opinions and ambitions of others.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
The Caldwell-West Caldwell Public School K-12 school district is dedicated to providing its students with a continuum of quality educational experiences directed at producing well-rounded citizens who are independent learners.
Each of the district's six schools is currently involved in a five-year plan, begun during the 2004-05 school year, to evaluate, revise, and develop instructional strategies for all curriculum areas. Paramount to this project is the aligning of each specific curriculum, kindergarten through grade 12, with the approved New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The Standards describe what all students should know and be able to do upon completion of a thirteen-year public school education. The Standards define the results expected to ensure that all students achieve the expectations.
The Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools have utilized the New Jersey Standards as well as National Standards and standards published by recognized professional organizations as resources in answering the following "key questions":
Is the current curriculum providing students with essential and timely knowledge, skills, and abilities that we want them to accomplish?
Is the current curriculum aligned with the most recent New Jersey State Core Content Curriculum Standards?
Is the current curriculum meeting the needs of diverse and differentiated learners?
The district continues to make investments in new technology that are continually implemented. During the school year, intensive staff development workshops are preparing teachers for the challenges of the new and expanded technology program. A continuing strength of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District is the continuity of instruction that enables James Caldwell High School to build upon the strong foundation developed at the elementary and middle schools. This constancy of purpose has allowed the district to consistently graduate students fully prepared for the next step in their adult lives.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Today, the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District enrolls more than 2,650 students across seven school buildings -- James Caldwell High School, Grover Cleveland Middle School, Jefferson Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, and Harrison School, now home for the school administration, pre-school, pre-school disabilities, and LLD-Harrison classes, and Special Education office.
Staffed by 230 teachers, 15 administrators, and 210 support staff, including secretaries, custodial/maintenance staff and part-time aides.
Each year, more than 90% of our graduates attend schools of higher education and student achievement is well-above state averages. James Caldwell High School is consistently recognized by New Jersey Monthly magazine as one of the top 75 high schools in the state.
The high school offers a comprehensive curriculum, including academics, visual and performing arts and practical arts. In addition, the district has made a large investment in technology labs and equipment for all students. To meet the academic needs of all students, we offer more than 15 advanced placement courses and there is a well-defined program for remedial and educationally disabled students.
In December 2007, the residents voted in favor of a new bond referendum to renovate and improve all of the district's school buildings. These renovations and upgrades include fire alarms, roof replacements, masonry repairs, new boilers and accessories, electrical service upgrades, resurfacing of parking lots and blacktop areas, field work and ADA upgrades at the high school, small group instruction rooms, auditorium upgrades and repairs at the middle and high schools, and more.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education
Harrison Building
104 Gray Street
West Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
Contact Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools:
