School Narrative

The Dual Language School, in partnership with the parents and community of Perth Amboy, is dedicated to create a safe, nurturing environment conducive to learning for all of our students. Through the application of standards-based instruction, students will achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards through opportunities to develop independent learning skills, creative problem solving strategies, and a sense of responsibility while respecting the diversity of others in two languages; English and Spanish.

The Dual Language School is a fourth through sixth grade school with approximately 425 students located in Edison, NJ. Our school vision is that each student will read on or above grade level to be college and career ready.  

Our curriculum is designed to infuse literacy throughout the day. The schedule is set with allotted times throughout the school day for reading workshop, writing workshop, learning centers, do-now's, vocabulary morning message, as well as a literacy content block. In addition, our 4-6 classes utilize thematic units that assist our teachers in planning literacy instruction that integrates reading and writing skills in the content areas. These resources serve as a tool for linking instruction to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Each classroom has a collection of leveled reading materials that is thematically labeled. Learning stations are strategically placed within the classroom with motivational learning activities for the students. 

In the area of mathematics, our curriculum is delivered during a 90 minute block of instruction for grades 4-6 with a focus on the individual and diverse needs of our students.

Updated technology has been infused into each classroom. Interactive white boards are being utilized throughout all classrooms. The students also use Google Chromebooks to reinforce skills, conduct research, and complete classroom assignments. Every teacher also has their own wirelessly connected Laptop which is also linked to high-end copier/colored printer. Teachers can access various online applications and use a variety of software to enhance their lesson to create hands-on virtual lessons as well as to search for educational videos that correlate with their lesson plans and display them via their interactive whiteboards. We offer a one-to-one computer initiative in Grades 4-6th. Each student has his/her own Chromebook for the length of the school day.  The school uses various educational websites to assist students in mastering skills in language arts literacy and mathematics. These assessments include math and language arts and are aligned with the NJSLS. This computer adaptive assessment provides various levels of questioning based on the student's responses. The results are analyzed to drive instruction and monitor student growth towards their SGO's for our classroom teachers. The school's curriculum also includes science, social studies, health, music, art, library skills, physical education, and English as a Second Language.

In order to assure that our students feel safe, our faculty has taken a proactive approach to ensure that bullying is not tolerated.  Our school counselor completes classroom lessons at each grade level to teach students the procedures to identify, report and prevent Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying. This information is also shared with staff and parents through meetings and workshops. Our students also participate in school assemblies to reinforce Anti-Bullying and Character Education.

In addition to our outstanding staff of highly qualified teachers and related arts area teachers (technology, music/band, art, and physical education), we have a strong team of specialists that include a school counselor, nurse, and security guards that all contribute to the success of our school.

To celebrate the success of the school, the administrative team highlights school, teacher, and student achievements. Furthermore, we look forward to the continued growth and success of the Dual Language Program.