Students at The Red Oaks School in Morristown already know something about the global context that will define their futures. That’s because from the first day of school, they are surrounded by classmates from all over the world. This progressive independent school is proud of its international student body, where half of all families originate from outside of the United States. Many already speak at least one, sometimes several different languages in their homes. They represent 6 different continents and more than 25 different countries. Learning in this kind of international milieu helps to send powerful messages to these young students; about the nature of our global community, about differences in culture and tradition; and about our common humanity.

But Head of School Marilyn Stewart, who also serves as President of the American Montessori Society and Chair of the Montessori Asia Task Force, knows that preparing for success in the 21st century involves a lot more than just student diversity.

“The world these children will inhabit as young adults will be radically different than the world their parents have known. The problem is, we don’t know exactly what that world will look like. The accelerating rate of change in modern society makes predictions about the future almost impossible. So as educators, we need to prepare our students differently. It’s not enough, anymore, just to know things. Our students have to know how to know things. They have to be able to think – creatively and critically. They have to be problem-solvers. That’s what a 21st century education is all about and that’s what we’re all about here at The Red Oaks School.”

So with the start of a new school year, students at The Red Oaks School can look forward to a standard-setting curriculum that includes (among other things):

· Deep study of subjects in an interdisciplinary and experiential format

· Singapore Math

· Unique Model United Nations program

· Upgraded upper elementary technology program

· Foreign Language (Spanish and pilot program for Mandarin in early childhood classrooms)

· Full integration of art and music

To learn more about The Red Oaks School parents are invited to attend an Open House on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 9:45 AM. Please call 973.539.7853 ext. 20 or visit the web site at www.redoaksschool.org to register.

More About The Red Oaks School

The Red Oaks School, founded in 1965, is a fully accredited independent day school serving a diverse population of students ages 3 to 12: “The mission of the Red Oaks School is to lay the foundation for students to be engaged global citizens, equipped with 21st century skills. Our dynamic curriculum is based on core Montessori principles, enhanced by current educational research. The Red Oaks School provides a culturally diverse environment in which students develop a love of learning, a strong social conscience, and a spirit of discovery as they pursue their full academic and personal potential.” The school is among a select group of schools nationwide to earn triple accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the American Montessori Society. The Red Oaks School admits students regardless of sex, race, and religious beliefs.