Where We Excel

Far Brook School
WHERE WE EXCEL

"Excellence 'pops up' in every nook and cranny. . . .
Perhaps the strongest thing about Far Brook is that
all the 'good stuff' is repeated everywhere. . . .
Even Dewey would be impressed."

The above remarks were made to the Far Brook faculty by Dr. Arlene Hartman, Chairperson of a team of evaluators from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Elementary Schools, at the completion of her team's observation of Far Brook School as part of our accreditation process. In its formal report, the team highlighted, among other commendations,"the exceptionally high degree of correspondence between the written philosophy and the programs and practices of the school," "a very strong interdisciplinary approach," and "clear evidence of attention to higher-level thinking skills observed at all levels in almost all situations." At the time of Far Brook's reaccreditation during the 2000-2001 school year, the Report of the Evaluation Team Visit included such statements as the following:

"The quality of excellence...was played out over and over again throughout our entire visit."

"During our visit we observed a learning environment that provides a balance of challenge and support tailored to the needs of the students, while encouraging faculty collaboration and collegiality. We found students who were engaged in activities that stimulated their thinking and creativity and parents who expressed their appreciation for all that the Far Brook experience has to offer. We talked with faculty who feel valued as one of the school's most important resources and an administrative team that provides strong leadership and is dedicated to upholding the school's mission."

"The team agrees that Far Brook is a place where student learning is of the utmost importance and where learning experiences are designed to stimulate all of the intelligences. In the words of one parent, 'Far Brook not only provides a quality education but also nurtures the soul.'"

Upon graduation from Far Brook, our students are well prepared for the variety of local public schools, independent day schools, and leading boarding schools which they attend. Independent schools entered in the last five years include: Benedictine Academy, Delbarton School, Dwight-Englewood, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Gill St. Bernard’s School, Groton School, The Hotchkiss School, The Hun School of Princeton, Kent Place School, Lawrenceville School, The Montclair Kimberley Academy, Morristown-Beard School, Newark Academy, Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, The Peddie School, Phillips Academy at Andover, Philips Exeter Academy, The Pingry School, St. Benedict's Preparatory School, Seton Hall Preparatory School, and Villa Walsh Academy.

We find evidence of excellence in years of outstanding results on the ERB's, our standardized testing for Grades Three through Eight. Since 1994, Far Brook class averages have been at or above independent school norms -- the highest norms in the country -- in over 90% of the normed skill area test groupings. In addition, the majority of our Seventh Graders qualify each year to take the SAT's as part of a program sponsored by Johns Hopkins University to identify academically talented and gifted youth.

Almost half a century ago, Far Brook School set out to provide an education of uncommon quality, one that would, through the experience of great art, music, and drama, and hands-on activities, prepare its students for future academic challenges and make them lifelong learners. That ideal of an education in which solid academic preparation is developed and nourished by a strong background in the creative arts continues to be at the heart of the Far Brook experience today.