Teaneck High School

Highly Engaged Employees

Whittier Elementary School is a public K-5 institution located in the West Englewood section at the western end of Teaneck, New Jersey, serving the local community with a comprehensive educational program rooted in academic excellence and student development. Originally constructed in 1923 and named after poet John Greenleaf Whittier, the school fe... atures distinctive architectural character with wide hallways and detailed design elements. Two major facility expansions have significantly enhanced the campus, adding modern classroom space, a multipurpose room, and a state-of-the-art media-library center, along with specialized instructional rooms dedicated to music lessons, speech instruction, and offices for outreach workers, math specialists, and literacy specialists. Whittier Elementary's educational philosophy emphasizes the development of foundational academic skills while integrating hands-on learning experiences and the arts across the curriculum. The school recognizes that interdisciplinary educationconnecting knowledge across music, visual arts, dance, and physical educationenables students to apply their learning in creative and meaningful ways. A cornerstone of Whittier's approach is fostering cultural awareness and understanding among its diverse student population, allowing children to learn authentically about different cultures and recognize shared human values. The school actively cultivates a culture of community service and civic responsibility, providing students with numerous opportunities to support others through organized initiatives. Notable service programs include a November food drive sponsored by third-grade students that collects donations for a local food pantry, and participation in Scholastic book and pajama drives that distribute materials and clothing to children in shelters, temporary housing, and other facilities. School climate and student well-being are central priorities, with administrators and staff continuously seeking innovative ways to expand service opportunities and ...Read More