Program Descriptions

Preschool Programming

Located at Walnut Avenue School, our preschool programs serve children ages 3–5. We believe that diversity of student experience develops the whole child, and our inclusive model reflects this value.

Our preschool classrooms utilize The Creative Curriculum, a research-based system that honors the district's commitment to student agency and flexible learning spaces. This approach focuses on:

• Interest-Based Learning: Encouraging children to explore their world through "studies" that build critical thinking and perseverance.

• The Whole Child: Supporting social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development simultaneously.

• Inclusive Environment: Providing a framework that allows teachers to differentiate instruction seamlessly for students of all abilities within the same classroom.

Our Inclusive Preschool Model

Our inclusive preschool brings together typically developing children and students with special needs in a shared learning environment.

• Our Philosophy: We believe children learn best through modeling and peer motivation. By integrating students in a natural, enriched environment, we achieve maximum growth and empathy for all learners.

• Enrollment: Placement for general education students is conducted via an annual lottery system; tuition is charged for these students.

• Goal: To provide a foundational "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE) that fosters social-emotional growth and academic readiness from the very start of a child's educational journey.

Elementary Programming (Grades K–5)

We provide a comprehensive range of supports designed to meet the unique academic and social-emotional profiles of our elementary learners. Our continuum of services include:

• Collaborative Consultation: A special education teacher serving in a consultative role to a core content endorsed teacher.

• In-Class Resource Replacement (ICRR): Collaborative co-teaching where special and general education teachers partner to deliver instruction within the general education classroom.

• Replacement: Targeted, small-group instruction for students who require specialized replacement of specific academic subjects.

• Related Services: Integrated support including Speech/Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Behavioral Support.

Specialized Settings

• Language and/or Learning Disabilities (LLD): Available at Bloomingdale Avenue and Orange Avenue Schools, provide individualized academic instruction while maintaining general education participation to the maximum extent appropriate.

• Autism Program: Available at Hillside Avenue and Walnut Avenue Schools, utilize principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and specialized teaching approaches.

Secondary Programming (Grades 6–12)

As students transition to our middle and high schools, our continuum of services continues to be offered and focus shifts toward increasing student agency and dynamic learning.

 

Middle School (Hillside Avenue & Orange Avenue)

Our middle schools full continuum of programs and services is committed to student success in the Least Restrictive Environment, ensuring students remain connected to their school community while receiving the specialized support defined in their IEP.

 

Cranford High School (CHS)

At the high school level, continued programs are designed to foster independence and risk-taking.

• Collaborative Planning: A dedicated high school Child Study Team works with families to select courses that align with post-secondary goals and IEP requirements.

• Academic Excellence: Students have access to enriched instruction and technology, ensuring they are prepared for higher education or the workforce.

• Continuum of Settings: CHS maintains a variety of settings, from general education, inclusive co-taught classes, and departmentalized special education environments.