Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Innovative Education, Limitless Potential
Recognized for its forward-thinking curriculum, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to providing opportunities for every student, Hoboken Public Schools has emerged as a leader in education. The district thrives by developing innovative programs, promoting student-driven learning, and cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment.
At the core of Hoboken Public Schools are three guiding principles: innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson explains, “We do everything we possibly can to create the most unique and innovative programs for all of our students, making sure that we are including every child in every educational opportunity that we put out there.”
Launching Success From Day One
Understanding the critical role of early childhood education, Hoboken Public Schools provides a free, full-day preschool program for its youngest learners. Serving more than 1,000 children in 65 classrooms, the district implements the Tools of the Mind curriculum to help students build a strong foundation for future academic success.
“Our goal with preschool education is to provide equal opportunity, equal access, early education to every single three and four year old in our community,” says Superintendent Johnson. “When it’s time to enroll in kindergarten, they have all experienced educational, social, emotional, and play opportunities so that they can be successful in the early elementary years.”
Focused Foundations in Literacy & Mathematics
While many school districts across the country faced extended closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoboken Public Schools remained open—an approach that helped reduce learning loss. Looking ahead, the district is placing a strong emphasis on literacy by adopting the Orton-Gillingham method, a multisensory approach to reading instruction. With over 100 educators trained in this evidence-based technique, students are gaining essential reading and phonics skills from the earliest grades.
“We are just lucky enough to have an organization like the Hoboken Public Education Foundation,” says Assistant Superintendent Sandra Rodriguez-Gomez. “They heard us, really vetted our thinking around what we intended to do and the impact we knew we could have, to take something as specific as the Orton-Gillingham Tactile Learning Model and bring it into our classrooms.” Thanks to their backing, 100% of Hoboken’s K–2 teachers are now trained in the method, and model classrooms using this approach are in place for grades 3–5 across the district.
In mathematics, Hoboken takes a similarly engaging approach by offering hands-on, discovery-based learning experiences. This allows students to build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through exploration and inquiry.
In addition to curriculum development and teacher training, the district invests heavily in professional development and ensures educators have access to the necessary materials and resources. “We have found that there’s a lot of thought that goes into new applications and new modalities at the classroom level, but if there are not the resources and the professional development to support that, then it doesn’t have the impact,” adds Rodriguez-Gomez. “Right now, we’re in a really interesting place where many partner districts are coming to Hoboken to just watch the magic happen in these classrooms.”
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, plays a vital role in supporting the district’s continued success. Co-founder and President Jackie Dowd explains, “We have our own mission around raising private funds to benefit the public schools as well as to generate support and enthusiasm in our community. But our main goal is really to support the district in its move to become the best schools that we can be.”
In close collaboration with Hoboken Public Schools, HPEF works to identify key priorities and determine how best to meet the district’s needs. “We work with Dr. Johnson directly around what her goals are, gaps that need to be filled, and new programs that can be offered,” Dowd shares. As a result of this partnership, HPEF has helped provide Chromebooks for students during the pandemic, funded literacy initiatives, and supported innovative educational programming.
“We’re here to support the great stuff that’s going on in the district,” Dowd adds. “It’s been an incredible eight years for us. I think a lot of that is due to the support that we have within the community in Hoboken today.”
Future-Focused Education
Chris Dellafave, Director of Innovative Programs, highlights Hoboken Public Schools’ focus on a learner-centered approach, designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in the modern workforce. “We pride ourselves on not necessarily teaching students what to think and what to do, but how to think,” he explains. “What we’re actually doing is creating thinkers.”
The district’s curriculum, ranging from biomedical science and aviation to urban farming and engineering, emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. Students engage in hands-on, real-world experiences like the River Keepers program, where they conduct scientific research on the Hudson River, and the Classrooms Without Walls initiative, which offers international learning opportunities in places such as Japan and the Galápagos Islands.
“What we do really well here is provide choices,” Dellafave adds. “It’s the principles of creating learners. Rather than teaching what to teach, we teach how to learn.”
Equity, Belonging & Empowerment
In Hoboken, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) go beyond policy—they are integral to the district’s core identity. Stephen Dickerson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, ensures these values are woven into every facet of the school experience. From culturally responsive initiatives like the Amistad program to student-led cultural celebrations, the district fosters an environment where every student feels acknowledged, valued, and respected.
“Diversity is our superpower,” Dickerson says proudly. “Each month we focus on different themes and programs. But what we focus on the most, is ensuring that all this work is integrated in everything that we do. A lot of my work is with administration and how their buildings are built to connect and develop culture, and ensuring that all students, regardless of any identities, are coming into our buildings and feeling safe, feeling secure, feeling the opportunities that are there for them.”
Championing Success in Arts & Athletics
Hoboken Public Schools is proud to offer a nationally recognized theater program, with students competing in the prestigious International Thespian Competition, held at universities across the nation. Dr. Johnson shares, “Just recently they competed in a statewide competition at Montclair State University and won a record 10 awards at the New Jersey competition. They also were selected to be the first school district in North America to do the district-wide musical on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child debut on a school stage.”
The district also boasts a vibrant music program, including a renowned orchestra and the award-winning Rocking Red Wings marching band, who have been invited to participate in the Washington, D.C. Memorial Day Parade multiple years in a row. “what I think is the best part about the Fine and Performing Arts is that each of us have a hand in it,” Dr. Johnson says. “The HPEF has donated money toward so many different components, the Board of Education supports every initiative that comes across their dais when it comes to fine and performing arts. And from a DEI perspective, we make sure that we put instruments in the hands of every child from the time they’re in second or third grade all the way up.”
In athletics, the district offers a wide range of sports, from traditional options like football and basketball to newer programs such as lacrosse, wrestling, and eSports. “We operate not only varsity athletic programs, but junior varsity programs, and in some cases, freshman programs as well,” Dr. Johnson notes. “Approximately 67% of our students in Hoboken High School participate in at least one sport. That’s really important, because in some way, we want our kids to be connected through a cocurricular or extracurricular activity.”
Additionally, Hoboken Public Schools boasts a highly successful debate program, with students competing both nationally and internationally. “They are extremely, extremely accomplished, winning multiple awards in Harvard Model Congress, Junior Model UN and Mock Trial,” Dr. Johnson highlights. “Both advisors to that particular program are very in tune with our district’s goals that are associated with inclusion, diversity, equity, and opportunities for all students. Well over 100 students participate in this debate program.”
Future Goals & Strategic Priorities
As the district continues to experience steady enrollment growth, space has become an increasingly urgent concern. Although a recent referendum for a new school building did not pass, Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the district remains committed to this goal. Looking ahead, the Board of Education will continue to prioritize student achievement and advance the district’s innovative initiatives. “It’s super important for us to keep moving obstacles out of their way, making sure that they have everything that they need, so that this amazing work can continue to grow and flourish,” says Board President Ailene McGuirk.
Vice President Sharyn Angley adds, “We are one school community, but we have endless possibilities. And as a board we want to make those possibilities happen for every student, whether it’s in the classroom, or out of the classroom, to prepare them for a full life ahead.”
AT A GLANCE
Who: Hoboken Public Schools
What: A Progressive School District
Where: Hoboken, New Jersey
Website: www.hoboken.k12.nj.us
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