History
Following the passage of the Charter School Program Act of 1995, a group of Princeton parents explored the merits of opening a charter school in Princeton. After formulating their vision of a public school with high academic standards, the group actively sought out other parents and community members with similar goals. Lengthy discussions and hard work led to the creation of a charter, a document detailing the educational philosophy, curriculum and budget for the school. In September, 1997, the vision became a reality when the first 72 students began to attend classes. The school has thrived and grown from that first group of students to approximately 340 students in grades K-8. The school facilities have expanded to include two separate classroom buildings, one for grades K-4 and one for grades 5-8, and the recently opened Campus Center building. The Campus Center is used by all grade levels and includes a state of the art gymnasium, “black-box” theater and classrooms devoted exclusively to the instruction of art and music.
In 2011, the school charter was renewed by the New Jersey Department of Education for another five-year term.
Mission
The mission of Princeton Charter School is to provide its diverse student body the best possible education by focusing on the fundamental academic disciplines in an atmosphere that affirms academic achievement and, in so doing, to offer the community true choice in public education. Princeton Charter School believes that a “thorough and efficient” education is best accomplished through a rigorous curriculum that requires mastery of core knowledge and skills.
Objectives
- Recognize the importance of hard work, personal responsibility, and respect for others
- Develop clear and effective written and oral communication skills using standard English
- Acquire a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning skills
- Learn about the political, economic, cultural, geographic, and technological forces that have shaped the history of our country and the world
- Acquire knowledge and skills in the sciences and be able to conduct inquiries using the scientific method
- Develop an informed appreciation of the arts and participate in their creation
- Speak, read, and write in a language other than English
- Learn the essentials necessary for a healthy, safe, and fit life
Quick Facts
- No tuition, fees, or tests are required for admission
- English and Mathematics are the cornerstones of the PCS education and meet daily for one hour
- History, Science and World Languages meet daily for 45 minutes
- K-2 students are taught in self-contained classrooms led by a primary teacher
- PCS offers Special Education and related services in full compliance with state and federal law
- Grade 3-8 students are taught by subject specialists in each of the academic subjects
- Bus transportation is provided by the regional school district
- A variety of team sports and club activities are offered after school throughout the year
