Education
At NJCDC, education is just another word for opportunity. We believe that the goal of education should be to instill in children a love of learning that persists throughout their entire lives and helps them reach their fullest potential. We offer high-quality, no-cost education for Paterson students in pre-K through 12th grade, designed to help our scholars open their minds and reach their fullest potential.
We founded and support the operation of three schools:
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Paterson Family Center – a preschool that gives 105 of Paterson's youngest students a head start to their education
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Community Charter School of Paterson – a K-8 school with over 900 students
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Garrett Morgan Academy – a STEM academy high school with nearly 175 students
Additionally, NJCDC is the lead agency at four Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) in Paterson: Public School #5 (Paterson's first Full Service Community School), the Joseph A. Taub Middle School, International High School, and John F. Kennedy High School—New Jersey's first federally-funded FSCS at a high school.
Our Full Service Community Schools offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep the school open late, on weekends, and during the summer to support student success and strengthen families. On-site services include mental health counselors, bilingual family caseworkers, after-school enrichment, health centers, dental care, nutrition, job readiness, ESL classes, and more.
NJCDC also runs a 21st Century Community Learning Center—Compete for Life—at John F. Kennedy High School, to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in life. Compete for Life prepares students for college and a career through after-school programming such as SAT prep, academic tutoring, and career exploration clubs ranging from cosmetology to coding.
92¢
of Every Dollar Donated goes directly to our Programs & Services
4K+
Children and Families Served Daily
200+
Affordable/Supportive Housing Units Built
