Cresskill's SOAR21 and enrichment program is designed for those students who "possess or demonstrate a high level of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the school district and who require modifications to their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities." (C.18A:35-35). Needs-based services are developed in accordance with Policy 2464 [formerly 6171.2] Gifted & Talented, New Jersey Administrative Code, Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, and with consideration of the National Association for Gifted Children. The eligibility criteria include multiple valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative measures to identify high ability and high potential in students. Enrichment services are provided within the classroom, as content-specific enrichment, or a more intensive project-based program called SOAR21.
The enrichment programming in the elementary schools seek to offer opportunities for all students to grow, create, thrive, imagine, and work through challenges. To grow, students have to push beyond their boundaries and take risks that may lead to success or failure. Developing a stronger growth mindset, learning from mistakes, and trying out something new in a low-risk space will benefit students academically and will prepare them for challenges they may face in the future.
SOAR21: Seizing Opportunity for Achievement and Rigor in the 21st Century
In the SOAR21 Program, we strive to go beyond Core Standards and support classroom learning by meeting the individual interests and abilities of students in the program. At each grade level and for each student, the program is structured to provide authentic and challenging experiences. Students are growing up in a time of constant change and education is the most important opportunity they will have to prepare them for world outside the walls of Merritt and Bryan School. Students will participate in 21st century skill building experiences, think globally about their presence in and contribution to the world, create and innovate through project based learning, and compete in challenges on local and state levels. Students eligible for this program meet for two hours once a week. It is my goal to encourage high achieving students who are lifelong learners, motivated to use their strengths and interests as the foundation for their critical thinking and leadership.
Small Group Enrichment
Students in 3rd-5th grade who do not meet the criteria for SOAR21, but may be within 1-2 points of the qualification score and still need extra challenge with specific content areas will participate in a small enrichment group. Students in this program are considered for this program based on teacher recommendation and recently collected student data. This group will meet once a week during the grade level's PARE period in which they will complete one unit that challenges them in a real world way with related content and skills. These enrichment groups are considered an extension of the in-class differentiation as our amazing teachers in Cresskill already provide and are meant to be challenging experiences. Some skills and work can be extended beyond our meetings, for independent enrichment in and out of class.
Students in 1st & 2nd grade are not eligible for the SOAR21 program, but students who show areas of strength in certain subjects through class assessments and teacher recommendation will meet for small group instruction once a week during their grade level's PARE period.
October 2025-December 2025
READING/WRITING ENRICHMENT
January 2026 - March 2026
MATH ENRICHMENT
April 2026-June 2026
GENERAL ENRICHMENT / TESTING
Middle School & High School
Students now receive numerous options based on interest and skill. Any enrolled student who meets the criteria for each selected course may take Accelerated, Honors, Advanced Placement and/or elective classes. Each of these classes has its own entrance requirements, curriculum and assessment practices.
Parents/ Guardians with Questions, Comments, or Concerns about G&T Services / Identification or Complaints should contact: Christine Hickey at chickey@cresskillnj.net
