About Borough School

The Morris Plains Borough School (Borough) features a comprehensive New Jersey Learning Standards-based curriculum for students in third through eighth grades. The continued success of Borough’s students is a direct reflection of the dedicated staff and varied offerings in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Borough is considered by many as a true “school community,” partnering with all key stakeholders by collaborating in countless ways to improve instructional practices and programs. Students, teachers, administrators, and parents have a shared interest in the school’s overall success. This collaboration has enabled Borough to make notable improvements, on a number of levels, over the past several years. Academically, Borough emphasizes literacy development in all language arts classes, with dedicated time for both reading and writing instruction. Foundational skills in language arts are also a focus for younger students. All language arts classes are extended periods, every day. There is a continued focus on the implementation of new science and social studies curricula, including the continued adoption of instructional tools and resources to support this initiative. Foreign language (Spanish) is a vital academic area for all students and is offered beginning in grade three. Borough students are extremely successful after moving into the high school foreign language program, with a significant number of graduating eighth graders placed into advanced Spanish courses. Mathematics classes are extended periods, every day, at every grade level and ability grouped beginning in grade six. Students who place into accelerated math are tracked to complete advanced math at the conclusion of eighth grade. A hands-on, inquiry-based approach is used in Borough’s science program throughout all grade levels. All science teachers use supportive resources and tools to enhance their classroom activities. All students rotate through a comprehensive related arts program, taking art, general music, STEM, and innovation lab. Physical education and health instruction are provided in small groups, with a focus on students’ overall physical and mental well-being.

Borough School continues its collaboration with the local high school district, strengthening and supporting the send-receive relationship between the two districts. As Borough students graduate from eighth grade and enroll in the high school, it is important for them to have all of the same opportunities to connect with curriculum requirements that their high school classmates had as students in the receiving district. Administration and the district’s curriculum coordinator have seen tremendous success from this professional partnership, ensuring the success of all Borough students as they transition to high school. Borough also has very strong relationships with a number of local private high schools, supporting the application process of those students who choose to apply.

Once per month, small groups of students meet with an advisor to discuss various topics of interest. This character education-based program affords students the time to have meaningful discussions and foster yet another healthy relationship with a caring adult in the school building.

Borough uses a suite of tools to support communication at all levels, including an online learning platform. The entire school building is wired for high-speed wireless Internet access, and all classrooms have their own access point. This infrastructure supports a one-to-one program that allows all students, in every grade level, to have an assigned device for use throughout the school day. All classrooms in the building are equipped with either flat-screen televisions or interactive whiteboards. Classrooms and other centers in the school are also equipped with sound amplification systems. These devices assist with student focus and make instruction more accessible for students in the classroom.

Teachers work collaboratively with support staff to help students with individualized education plans through differentiated instructional techniques, the creation and use of study guides, and teaching in small groups. This approach to teaching students with special needs helps all students succeed, regardless of their academic abilities. The school continues to take proactive measures to meet with and support staff by being committed to providing professional development opportunities to ensure the implementation of all school endeavors.

Borough has a full-time school counselor responsible for implementing school-wide character education programs, coordinating local and state testing, and supporting the emotional needs of all Borough students. The counselor also facilitates a student group for those students new to the district, as well as a student service corp. Remedial and enrichment classes are offered to all eligible students using a push-in and pull-out model. The school guidance counselor continues to assist with the implementation and monitoring of policies related to student well-being and safety. Working hand-in-hand with our local police department, Borough School runs a safety awareness program for fifth graders. 

Borough School students have the opportunity to participate in many extracurricular activities, such as art club, chess club, drama club, various musical groups, media crew, as well as student government and student council. Homework club is also offered to those students who need extra help in completing and organizing themselves with homework. Our after-school sports programs include boys’ and girls’ soccer, cross country, basketball and track and field teams, cheerleading, girls’ softball and boys’ baseball, and a comprehensive intramural sport program.

Borough School’s continued efforts, commitment, and advocacy towards the school and the community continue to expand and improve each year. With consistent presence in administration and strong communication with the entire community, the school district continues to stand as a top district in Morris County. The enrollment program for out-of-district students has been quite successful, and all participating students and families are immensely pleased with their decision to enroll in the program and have their children attend Borough School. We are committed to quality education for all of our students and continually strive for excellence. We openly share our deep appreciation of parental and community support. The town’s municipal officials, the Home and School Association, and the Education Foundation are extremely supportive of our school through the sponsorship of special events, classroom technology and instructional equipment, and the inclusion and ongoing commitment to featuring engaging and student-focused assemblies. This partnership makes for a successful and enriching experience for our students.

Borough School offers a variety of student support services. These include intervention and referral services, as well as individual education plans for students with special needs. For general education students, foundational skills in math and language arts are offered across all grade levels. We also offer a teacher-led homework club after school. For our English Language Learners, we offer a dedicated program.