The exemplary programs and learning experiences at Holy Family School are represented by the following areas of consistent and recognized excellence.

I. Student application of learning objectives and demonstrated active Christian values.

We are blessed to witness students applying their knowledge and living their Christian values in community.  These attributes are visible in the quality of projects prepared for the School Fair, in which students of all grade levels participate.  Projects require a synthesis of ideas and original thought to produce demonstrated understanding.  Other students excel in applying leadership skills, such as the officers of the Student Council, or perform in concerts or plays for the younger students.  Many individual students enter – and win – poster, art, essay, and poetry contests at the state and national levels.

Equally important are students evidencing the development of moral character and social responsibility in real-life scenarios.  Students volunteer their time and labors to the “Bridges” lunch program for the homeless, to raise awareness (and money) for missions abroad and poor parishes in Atlantic City and New Orleans.  They share their talents and smiles with the homebound at Halloween and sing their Christmas Concert selections for assisted living and nursing home residents.  Our middle school students “buddy-up” with the children in the early childhood program, sharing holidays, Mass, and craft projects with them.  Others serve as lectors or altar servers.  Many others work for community improvement plans, public health and safety initiatives and environmental clean ups.

For consistently putting their education into practical use, and their values into service, students have been honored, recognized, and awarded by numerous national, state, and community organizations.

II. The community as classroom: providing enriching and enlarging developmental experiences for students.

In our global world, we acknowledge that learning is a life-long endeavor not confined to the classroom. The community is the wider schoolhouse. Our educational programs and co-curricular offerings encourage students to pursue special programs and interests both on, and off campus. The school recognizes and commends student achievements, even if not affiliated with a school program. The school established a partnership with Morris Museum by which they provide varied age-appropriate after school science enrichment classes.  The Computer Assisted Tutorial is another such offering, which uses the coaching model to enhance student computer mastery. The school offers an academic Summer Institute to students entering grades kindergarten through four. These clinics increase the child’s math and/or reading skills. Students benefit from several off-campus learning opportunities, including the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, the Pre-Teen America Program, and the Florham Park Theatre Camp.

The school supplements these experiences with quality assemblies that target specific age levels and subject areas. Very successful recent programs showcased poetry in a day long Writing Workshop, music with Generations of Jazz, art with Art, Animation and Beyond, values with Big Ideas about Kindness, and culture with the Yarina: The Culture and Music of the Andes.  Teachers are encouraged to plan several educational and cultural trips each academic year. A most memorable and moving recent social studies trip involved our graduating class visiting Ellis Island, each accompanied by their grandparents. Enrichment activities of a spiritual nature are just as important, and students regularly plan and participate in visits by missionaries, religious retreat days, and spiritual days of reflection.

The athletic and club programs operate to encourage the same development of self.  Varsity and junior varsity basketball teams exist for boys and girls; girls participate in softball; and track is co-ed.  Many other students are encouraged to participate in parish or township sports not offered by the school and many play baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and wrestle. Our expanding co-curricular programs exist to meet the interests of students. The Forensics Club and the Chess Club both field competitive interscholastic teams.  The Lit Wits Club produces a Literary Magazine, while the Yearbook Club plays an important role in the publication of the yearbook. The Photography Club is the newest addition to our program.

Through a combination of these opportunities, Holy Family School students have available opportunities to extend and enrich their learning experiences and their personal development in ways that influence the rest of their lives.