Pleasant Valley School welcomes approximately 650 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students daily from the Harrison Township School District. The school was originally opened in January 2001, with new instructional areas completed in 2004. The school offers state-of-the-art classrooms and additional instructional spaces that are conducive to exemplary teaching and the highest-quality learning.

The true strength of Pleasant Valley School lies in the achievement of our students. Standardized test scores consistently rank our students in the top 10% of the state. Our students achieve because of the combined commitment from our parents, teachers, administration, and Board of Education. Curriculum initiatives include standards-based instruction and backward-unit design. The district’s teachers have been instrumental in the planning and the implementation of these initiatives. The students’ academic day is highlighted by our guided reading program, the National Science Foundation-endorsed Everyday Mathematics, an ‘inquiry-based’ approach to science and social studies, Spanish instruction focusing on the spoken language and culture, and challenges offered in technology instruction, library, art, and physical education classes. Our guidance counselor, with support from the physical education department and the homeroom teachers, addresses the social, emotional and academic needs of the students.

Our teachers have spent significant time developing and nurturing the team concept. Instructional teams in fourth, fifth and sixth grades develop and implement interdisciplinary units in the best interests of their students. The team concept is also addressed within our special education population. Regular and special education teachers are working diligently to develop our co-teaching model.

The success of our band and choir programs can be measured by the active participation of over 250 students. The school’s programs are further strengthened by a high level of parental involvement. Parents regularly volunteer to assist our students and teachers. Our “parent coach” program trains parents in Everyday Mathematics so that they may provide assistance in individual classrooms. Our P.T.A. collectively supports each student by providing high-quality assembly programs, instructional materials, recess equipment, and contributing to the overall effectiveness of the entire educational program.

The entire Pleasant Valley School community—students, parents, teachers, administration, and township citizens—proudly share in the achievements of all of our students.