Rafael De M Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City

Know everything about Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City:

Interview with Principal Derek of Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is a public school near Hamilton Park serving students from Pre-K 3 to 8th Grade. The student body is comprised of 820 students, 700 from the local neighborhood. The school is 100 years old and very community-driven.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City has programs for special needs students, as well as a gifted program (HOPE). There is no dual language program. Before and after care is offered at a nominal fee to families.

Class student:teacher ratios vary depending on the age group. For Pre K the ratio is 15:1. For older kids the ratio is 20-25:1.

Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City has a vibrant Pre K program.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City offers Pre-K 3 and 4 programs serving students aged 3 and 4. Currently, we have 60 spaces for Pre-K 3 and 105 spaces for Pre-K 4 (Including an inclusion room which serves general education students and some students with special needs). This does not include our Pre-K disabled classes which mix 3 and 4 year olds with disabilities as determined by their IEPs. What is capacity for Pre K 3 & 4? When the Pre K program is at capacity, some children get bused to other schools. This is determined by a lottery overseen by the Early Childhood Department. For Pre-K 3, all spaces are determined by lottery. Once students are in Pre-K 3, they automatically are enrolled in Pre-K 4. The remaining spaces are determined by lottery if there are more students registered than spaces. Those not selected are bused to other schools with capacity until spaces open up in the school. The Early Childhood Department decides which children get bused.??? This year, 32 students will be bused to another school due to over capacity at Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City  offers discounted lunch for students who qualify. Families have to complete an application to determine if they meet the financial requirements. Approximately 40% of students are eligible for free lunch.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City has a full service gym and an auditorium.

Sports such as soccer, basketball, and flag football are offered to middle school students after school (are these after school???). After school activities include enrichment programs such as music, wood carving and other classes. There is a nominal fee for these programs.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is just two blocks from Hamilton Park. Pre K classes use this park on a regular basis.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is a very diverse place. Overall, our percentages are below.

How diverse is PS 37? 

PS 37 is a very diverse school

30% Hispanic

?? Asian

African American

South East Asia

Parents are very involved in Cordero/PS 37. When they see a need they try to fill it. For example, many parents were dismayed that there were not A/Cs in the classrooms. The PTA took it upon itself to raise funds and now classes have A/C units.

Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City has many safety measures in place. Once a month, staff and students practice active shooter drills and fire drills. Each exterior door has an inside and outside camera. Visitors, as well as parents, have a sign-in requirement and have to go through security measures. The school has a very strict drug policy and will address anything suspicious.

About the Principal Derek Stanton: Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is his 4th school as an educator in the Jersey City Public Schools and his first as a principal (as principal???). He believes it is a very special place with a powerful community. He welcomes all parents to get involved and have a voice in the direction of the school. Principal Stanton envisions a future where Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is the school of choice for Jersey City parents.

Enrollment at in Pre-K 3 & 4 Rafael De J Cordero/PS 37 in Jersey City is lottery based, enrollment in all other grades is subject to address, but the school does accept students outside their zone through the District Open Enrollment Process given there is space available. Minimum enrollment age is Pre-K 3. Beginning in December 2018, parents can receive information to enroll their children via the JCBOE website (www.jcboe.org). To start the enrollment process, you can contact Ms. Mimi at the main office number: 201-714-4390