All In for Academics

Right now, Collingswood’s elementary school structure is contributing to differences in educational achievement by spreading resources across five small schools. Voting yes on the referendum will allow us to combine our elementary schools, creating three lower elementary schools (kindergarten through third grade) and one upper elementary school (fourth and fifth grade).

These consolidated school environments will focus on the developmental needs of the students they serve, offering age-appropriate educational, social, and recreational experiences, and more opportunities to learn with — and from — their peers.

The result? Better outcomes for both students and teachers.

Academic Benefits of Consolidated Elementary Schools
Focused Curriculum: Each curriculum will be tailored to meet the specific developmental needs of its students. Teachers will benefit from collaboration and alignment with colleagues, resulting in more targeted teaching strategies and improved learning outcomes. These curricula will also include opportunities for special instruction for groups at all proficiency levels and also levels of interest.
Specialized Instruction: Teachers and staff will gain the opportunity to focus on their individual areas of expertise, creating greater opportunities for leadership and student achievement. Specialization also gives students more choices for deep study with specific teachers and more robust project-based learning experiences.
Social Emotional Learning: Students will interact with a larger cohort of their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community, better socialization skills, and ultimately, a more supportive environment for collaborative learning.
Smoother Transitions: Starting in 4th grade, students will ease into the experience of joining the larger school community, rotating to different classrooms for specialized courses and gaining independence, better preparing them for middle school.
Administrative Efficiency: School administration can focus on the unique needs and challenges of each school's students and staff, with resources spread across fewer campuses.

Facilities

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion