Cambridge Elementary School, nestled in the heart of the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick Township, has been recognized locally and nationally as a model elementary school. The themes of cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control are consistently woven into the curricular and co-curricular activities of the school. The school has been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a New Jersey "Star School," and "One of America's Best Elementary Schools" by Redbook magazine. The school was also selected by New Jersey Monthly magazine as one of the "31 Great Elementary Schools" in New Jersey.
Each school day, more than 600 students and staff come together to work, learn and play. Academic excellence is expected. Teachers believe that all students are able to flourish with appropriate instruction and support. Students are taught to reflect upon their work and taught strategies for making improvements. Classroom teachers work in concert with subject area specialists, Child Study Team members and administration to provide an educational program that works best for each child.
In partnership with parents, the school builds an atmosphere of respect among all members of the school community. On a daily basis, students live by and follow the “Cougar Code of Conduct” so that all members of our community are able to work, learn and play together in harmony. Cultural diversity and individual uniqueness are conveyed through student projects, activities, and assembly programs. Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking strategies are consistently taught by teachers and used by students. Programs, such as Responsive Classroom, Peer Mediators, Safety Patrol, and Cambridge Community Cares, provide opportunities for students to interact with one another and with staff to help build a sense of community, caring and respect for all.
The highly competent and dedicated staff of Cambridge School has been recognized in a variety of ways. Teachers have been cited by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the Department of Education, the Governor, the New Jersey Bar Foundation, The New Jersey Council on Economic Education and the United Nations. Additionally, teachers have been awarded financial grants to develop a variety of unique student learning projects.
The student population continues to grow and change as more and more families seek the kind of educational programming offered by the South Brunswick schools. In response to this ongoing change, the staff has worked even harder at maintaining the ideals of excellence and the sense of community for which Cambridge has long been recognized.