The Deal School has embraced a movement in education referred to as "STEAM", which encourages a cross curricular integration of technology in all subject areas, especially mathematics, art and science. Each child in grades K-8 is equipped with a Chromebook computer to engage with instructional software, which focuses on conceptual learning. In addition to Chromebooks, students in grades K-3 have direct access to Ipads to support instruction and learning in the classroom . Further, students benefit from "cutting edge" technology as they utilize the multimedia workstations in our technology laboratory, which allows them to participate in virtual field trips, designsoftwareforengineers, 3D design and printing, andcreativeinquiry.

An intense shift toward teaching language arts has occurred with the School Wide Fundamentals Readers/Writers Workshop Model grades K-8. This approach toward teaching reading and writing offers a research-based reading model that utilizes 21st C e n t u r y learning techniques to address student needs. The various components of the reading program focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, oral language development, vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, and fluency. Writing instruction, connected to the theme of the unit, is incorporated into each lesson. While utilizing rotating literacy centers and project based learning with a focus on arts integration is evident and embraced in each classroom. The Big Ideas Math program serves as a core program, which emphasizes higher order thinking skills, conceptual problem solving, and functional applications of skills and concepts in everyday experiences. Driven by cooperative learning with an emphasis on individual accountability, common goals and key concepts in math are introduced and achieved.

Our science curriculum has embraced the NJSLS Standards for Science and allows students to investigate through hands-on activities and project/problem based learning, linking the real world to the classroom. Thematic, integrated science and social studies units of study correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards utilize various materials to provide a unique learning experience for students. Participation in project/problem based learning with a focus on integration of the arts allows teachers to promote application of concepts.

In addition, the Deal School offers music, art, physical education, and health programs to all students. A comprehensive blended world language program is introduced to students in Kindergarten and continues throughout grade 8. The Rosetta Stone Language Program is used to introduce students to the Spanish language and classroom setting is used to study the culture and people of Spanish-speaking regions in a blended learning experience. Fostering a respect for cultural diversity is routinely emphasized throughout instruction. Students learn key vocabulary and are encouraged to utilize their newfound language through greetings and requests in the classroom.

The importance of social and emotional learning and the construction of a sense of community and positive school climate is facilitated through the implementation of the Responsive Classroom/Morning Meeting program through grades K-8. The Responsive Classroom approach leads to the empowerment of educators to create safe, joyful, and engaging learning communities providing all students with a sense of belonging and feelings of significance.

The purpose of the chart below is to inform parents of choice seat availability before the application deadline in early December. After the deadline, the information will be outdated.

The Department of Education limits the number of choice seats that each district can fill. The “maximum number of new choice students that can be enrolled” tells parents how many new choice students the district can enroll in the next school year. If more than the maximum number of applications is received, a lottery will be held and a waitlist will be developed. Waitlists will be developed for all approved choice grades even if no seats are currently available. NA indicates the district is not accepting choice applications for those grades.

Maximum Number of New Choice Students that can be Enrolled: 18