Frequently Asked Questions

Third Grade Publishers

What is The Craig School, and what types of students go to Craig?

The Craig School was founded in 1980 as an independent, elementary school for children of average or above average ability with language-based learning difficulties. The Craig Upper School was added in 2000.

Many of our children have difficulty succeeding in the traditional classroom and require specialized instruction in a structured atmosphere. Such specialized phonics-based programs as Orton-Gillingham are offered in a small-group, nurturing atmosphere. We also focus on organizational skills derived from a variety of sources including the Landmark and Benchmark Schools.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

The overall ratio of students to teachers is 4:1. Our children benefit from a small, structured learning environment, so our class size is generally no more than eight students in the Lower School and seven students in the Upper School. For the younger students, our reading classes have a student-teacher ratio of approximately four to one.

How does your curriculum compare with the public schools?

We follow the New Jersey State Core Curriculum Standards. Since our goal is to return the child to the traditional classroom equipped with strategies to succeed, we want to ensure that we offer a comparable curriculum.

Is The Craig School accredited?

We are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and are a member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

What kind of specialized instruction is offered at Craig?

  • Orton-Gillingham instruction is offered both within the classroom and on a one-to-one or small group basis to address decoding, reading comprehension, and fluency issues.
  • Organizational and note taking strategies are taught based on the well-known Landmark notebook system.
  • A comprehensive social skills and character development program is followed at all grade levels and is based on the precept that a good sense of self is essential for good performance.
  • The entire school operates as a departmentalized system with students moving together within a designated group to different subject area classrooms. This system enables our teachers to concentrate on their specialized areas of teaching.

Where is The Craig School located?

The Craig School is located on two campuses both about 30 miles west of New York City near Interstate 287. The Lower School (grades 3-8) and administrative offices are located in Mountain Lakes, the Upper School (grades 9-12) is in Lincoln Park.

Do you have computers available for your students?

Yes. Many of our children have difficulty with written language and often cannot decipher their own writing so the computer is an extremely valuable tool. All our language arts classrooms have computers and all have specialized software designed to supplement the writing process. Assistive technology is also incorporated into all areas of the curriculum to support the learning process. Upper school students have wireless laptops in every classroom. Students have Internet access for research purposes.

Do you accept children with emotional and/or behavioral problems?

Our program is primarily academic. Our mission is to provide children with strategies that will enable them to succeed in the traditional classroom. In order for children to receive the full benefit of this program, they must be available for learning in the classroom.

What is the ratio of girls to boys?

A third of our lower school children are girls. This is a higher percentage of girls than most schools for children with learning difficulties. The overall percentage of girls in the school is 28%.

What is the admission procedure?

Admission is based on educational evaluations, a parent interview, and student visit.

To find out more about the admissions process or to request an application, please visit How to Apply or call our office at (973) 334-1295.

Is there a Summer School?

Yes, Craig offers a morning academic program during the month of July for both elementary and high school students.  An enrichment program meets for the full day in June, and for afternoons during July is offered to elementary school students at the Mountain Lakes campus.

What types of extracurricular activities does Craig offer?

Craig students have a variety of activities available to them. The Craig School Badgers play other independent Middle Schools in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Lower School students  may also participate in a winter skiing program at the Hidden Valley ski area. Saturday programs include the Craig School Bowling League and intramural sports.  Students in the 7th and 8th grades participate in an environmental studies program for several days in the fall at Frost Valley, New York. The Upper School "Stepping-Out" program is popular with our older students, and all Upper School students have a community service requirement.

How involved are parents in the school?

Parental involvement is an essential part of The Craig School experience. This involvement ranges from working closely with teachers to facilitate constructive learning habits to participating in a variety of social and recreational activities throughout the school year. The Craig School has an active parents' association (PACS) that sponsors events throughout the school year.

More Information

If you have more questions, please give us a call at (973) 334-1295.