James Monroe Elementary School | Edison

James Monroe Elementary School is a public K–5 school located at 7 Sharp Road in Edison, New Jersey, within the Edison Township Public Schools district. It serves approximately 520 students and is recognized for its strong academic foundations, multicultural student body, and commitment to community engagement. The school stands out both for its modern infrastructure-rebuilt after a devastating fire-and for its focus on providing a nurturing, inclusive, and academically supportive environment for young learners.

Historical Background and Reconstruction

James Monroe Elementary has long been a cornerstone of the south Edison neighborhood. However, in March 2014, the school suffered a catastrophic fire caused by an accidental incident involving a contractor’s mishandling of flammable materials. The original building, which had stood since the 1960s, was completely destroyed.

Rather than relocating permanently, the Edison community rallied to support the school’s temporary relocation to a former Catholic school facility while a new building was planned. After nearly three years of planning and construction, a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility officially opened its doors in January 2017. The rebuilt school was designed with modern education in mind, incorporating the latest safety standards, energy-efficient systems, and flexible learning spaces.

Campus and Facilities

The new James Monroe Elementary School covers 67,000 square feet and was constructed at a cost of roughly $28 million. The architecture emphasizes accessibility, natural lighting, and modern technology integration throughout the campus.

Key features include:

20+ Classrooms with interactive whiteboards and flexible seating layouts.

Multipurpose gymnasium and stage for athletics and school events.

Full-service cafeteria with a commercial-grade kitchen.

Dedicated media center and library, equipped with digital and print resources.

Art room and music room for creative development.

Science and STEM labs for hands-on learning.

Outdoor playground and secure recreational areas.

Security enhancements, including secure entry vestibules, surveillance systems, and a full sprinkler system.

Leadership and Staff

The school is under the leadership of Principal Cynthia Tufaro, a veteran educator with a background in curriculum development and student advocacy. The teaching staff consists of certified professionals specializing in early childhood education, reading intervention, special education, ESL (English as a Second Language), and gifted instruction.

With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12:1, the school is able to provide close attention to each child’s academic and emotional development. Staff members participate in continuous professional development, focusing on differentiated instruction, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care.

Academic Curriculum

James Monroe Elementary follows the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) with a well-structured curriculum that includes:

Language Arts Literacy: Emphasis on phonics, comprehension, writing fluency, and vocabulary development. Guided reading sessions and writing workshops are regular components of daily instruction.

Mathematics: Built around problem-solving, conceptual understanding, and procedural fluency. Math programs are often supplemented with hands-on materials and digital learning platforms.

Science and Social Studies: Inquiry-based science instruction using NGSS-aligned materials; social studies themes include local history, citizenship, economics, and cultural studies.

Technology Integration: Each classroom has access to Chromebooks or tablets, and students are taught digital literacy, coding fundamentals, and responsible internet use.

Special Programs and Support Services

James Monroe Elementary prides itself on offering comprehensive academic and emotional support systems, including:

Gifted and Talented (G&T) Education: Identified students receive advanced instruction and enrichment activities tailored to their learning needs.

Intervention and Basic Skills Instruction (BSI): Targeted support for students who require extra help in reading and math.

English Language Learners (ELL): Language development classes and immersion strategies for students who speak a language other than English at home.

Special Education Services: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are developed with parents, specialists, and teachers to ensure students with learning differences receive the appropriate accommodations.

Counseling and Social Work: Full-time school counselor supports students’ mental health, social-emotional development, and conflict resolution. Group sessions and individual interventions are available.

Speech and Occupational Therapy: Available on-site for qualifying students.

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

Although elementary-aged students typically have fewer extracurricular offerings than middle or high schools, James Monroe provides a range of enrichment options designed to support well-rounded development:

School Clubs: Options such as Chess Club, Art Club, Environmental Club, and Technology Club.

School Play and Talent Shows: The multipurpose room/stage is used annually for student performances and assemblies.

Reading Challenges and Book Fairs: Events to encourage independent reading.

Field Trips and Author Visits: Local museums, cultural centers, and in-school guests expand learning beyond the classroom.

Parent and Community Involvement

Parental engagement is a vital part of the James Monroe community. The James Monroe PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is active in organizing:

Fundraisers for classroom supplies and technology

Family nights and seasonal celebrations

Volunteering initiatives

Educational workshops for parents

Teachers maintain regular communication through emails, class newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences. The school also promotes a strong anti-bullying stance and encourages a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Student Demographics and Culture

The school reflects the rich cultural diversity of Edison Township. Students come from a wide range of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, which creates a vibrant and inclusive environment. Special cultural events and multicultural fairs are often held to celebrate various heritages, enhancing global awareness among young learners.

Respect, kindness, and academic curiosity are emphasized as core values. The school also promotes environmental responsibility and community service through age-appropriate programs.

Performance and Recognition

Although elementary school performance metrics can vary, James Monroe has been recognized for:

High literacy and math proficiency relative to state averages.

Strong teacher performance ratings.

Growth in reading scores in early grades.

Above-average parent satisfaction in district surveys.

Standardized test data shows that over 55% of students are proficient in English Language Arts, and approximately 45% in Mathematics, with continuing upward trends due to curriculum support and targeted intervention.

Progression Path

After completing Grade 5 at James Monroe Elementary, students typically transition to Herbert Hoover Middle School (Grades 6–8), and then proceed to either Edison High School or J.P. Stevens High School, depending on their zoned location within the district. This progression path ensures continuity and alignment in curriculum and student development from early childhood through high school.

Conclusion

James Monroe Elementary School represents a successful fusion of modern educational infrastructure, strong academic programs, and a culturally rich community. From its origins as a neighborhood school to its rebirth as a model 21st-century learning environment, James Monroe continues to be a place where young learners are encouraged to explore, grow, and achieve.

Its student-centered philosophy, engaged staff, and supportive community make it one of Edison’s most well-rounded and resilient elementary schools.