Pierrepont School

Union School a diverse and very successful 4-8 grade school, originally built in 1892, is recognized as a vibrant learning center where young learners are taught and guided by a professional staff whose primary mission is to provide an educational environment that is challenging and rigorous, yet supportive and nurturing. Currently we have approximately 475 talented students. Class sizes are 27 or less students per class. Teachers are firmly committed to the notion that all students are academically capable and they use a variety of resources to meet the needs of every child to ensure their success. At Union School we live by four words Respect, Kindness, Maturity and Success.

The standards based core curriculum is taught and evaluated by the faculty in their classrooms. We offer additional challenges through participation in local and national contests such as the National Spelling Bee and the Science and Mathematics Olympiads. Our Odyssey of the Mind Team won the State Championship in 2006. Union School's students perform very well on the NJASK 4-7 Grades, and the eighth Grade GEPA tests. The students' unique and special needs are addressed through the special services department and the gifted and talented programs.

Technology continues to play a vital role in the education of all students. The school's computer lab is equipped with a classroom set of Macintosh computers, and all classrooms have computers connected to the Internet for research. Students use computer software and the Internet as an integral part of their studies, and all fourth and fifth graders receive keyboarding instruction.

We strongly believe in the importance of the arts in everyone’s life. Our music and art departments offer numerous opportunities for students to develop and refine their skills. Several times during the year, the Union School chorus and band perform in our auditorium and throughout the town. Our "artists" display their work in school-wide exhibits and at regional and national contests. Field trips to the theater, concerts and museums all help to expand the cultural horizons of our students. Artists are invited in to enrich and share their talent with our students.

As a component of their physical education classes, all fourth and fifth graders receive swimming instruction. Over the years, this unique course has enabled thousands of our young people to become proficient and safe swimmers. An energetic and dedicated faculty is an important reason for the tradition of excellence that is Union School. Teachers are constantly improving their levels of expertise through advanced studies. Our faculty consists primarily of teachers holding master's degrees and all teachers participate in ongoing programs of professional improvement. Our staff cares deeply about their students and that is evident in the time they spend before school, during lunch, and after school. To meet the needs of students, the YMCA has instituted early morning, and after-school programs to provide a supportive climate to the children's school day. Union School children attend school each day in an attractive, clean, safe and well-maintained building where their education and well being is of paramount importance to all the school’s personnel. From fourth to eighth grade, students at Union School are well prepared to be successful in high school and ready to become productive citizens.

Union School strongly believes in parents as partners in their child’s education and encourages parental participation. Our PTA is dedicated, creative and caring. They help to organized many activities and fund raisers. Parents are always welcome in our school. We know that it takes a community to educate a child. Union School remains proud of its successes and will continue to provide even richer learning experiences for its students, parents and teachers in the coming years. Together we make a difference!