The Kindle Education Public Charter School has received final approval to open in the Bergen-Lafayette section of Jersey City this fall, officials said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Many institutions cater to what’s perceived as the ‘average learner.’ However, in our eyes, the notion of an ‘average learner’ is an oversimplification. Every student carries with them a distinct blend of identity, talents, and passions. It’s our conviction that educational environments should not just accommodate, but celebrate and cultivate this diversity,” DJ Hartigan, one of Kindle Education’s co-founders, said in a statement.
“Kindle Education plans to do this by using workshop-style classes and multiple learning pathways to cater to different learners while providing each student with coaching to help them identify and achieve individualized goals.”
The school is partnering with Team Walker, a nonprofit led by Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3), to be housed in the nonprofit’s facility at 373 Communipaw Ave.
Kindle Education will open its doors with grade 6 and plans to grow by one grade each year until the school serves grades 6-12.
As a free, public school open to all students, Kindle Education will enroll a diverse student body and will not require entry exams or other selective criteria for admissions.
The school’s founding team, which is composed of educators and parents, says it has been working to bring Kindle Education to Jersey City for the past three years because of a need for more middle and high schools that offer student-centered, 21st century learning.
Back in January, the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association awarded a $1.25 million for Kindle Education and their president, Harry Lee, expressed enthusiasm about the school opening in September.
“We’re delighted to welcome an intentionally diverse charter school like Kindle Education to New Jersey’s most diverse city. The strong team behind Kindle Education is a testament to the school’s potential, and we’re confident in their ability to create a lasting impact in our community.”
A key aspect of Kindle Education’s approach is its focus on small class sizes.
In math and humanities, students learn in groups of 22 with one teacher and three tutors, while other learning spaces offer even smaller group sizes, as few as 11 students per group.
Limited seats remain for Kindle Education’s inaugural 6th grade class. To apply, click here.
