Education

None on post. All residents of Picatinny Arsenal will attend the Rockaway Township Public School District for grades K-8 and Morris Hills Regional School District for 9-12. Busing is provided to each school.

All schools are located off post. All residents of Picatinny Arsenal will attend the Rockaway Township Public School District for grades K-8 and Morris Hills Regional School District for 9-12.

Busing is provided to each school at designated bus stops throughout the housing areas on base and at the School Age Services Program.

The schools provide a complete lunch daily, including milk, and prices are posted each year. Students may, of course, bring lunches from home.

Each school has a posted dress code that must be followed.

Contact the Picatinny School Liaison if you have questions about the local schools, 973-724-5726 or DSN 312-880-5726.

The Rockaway Township Schools and Morris Hills Schools are accredited under the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Pupil/Teacher Ratios

Student-teacher ratios in Morris County schools are approximate 12:1. These ratios vary from district to district for off-post schools. For more information regarding ratios for districts other than West Point please consult the individual district's website.  

Registration Information

Registration for all students new to Rockaway Township School District must be done by calling the Administration Building at 973-627-2200. Registration for Morris Hills Regional School District can be scheduled by calling 973-664-2200.

Please bring child's original, state-issued birth certificate, passport or adoption papers; Social Security number; proof of residence; and records showing dates of the following immunizations at the time of registration: A minimum of 4 doses of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and 3 doses of Oral Polio Vaccine are required. One dose of each must have been administered on or after the fourth birthday. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine given after the first birthday, preferably MMR, and one dose each of rubella and mumps vaccine administered after the first birthday, preferably MMR, for those children born on or after January 1, 1990 is required.

A physical examination completed by the child's private physician is required before the student enters school in September. A child five years of age or older shall have no more than one year to complete all immunization requirements. However, to remain in school the child must have an appointment for and be in the process of receiving the vaccines on schedule.

All other Elementary and Middle School students must present a transfer card and/or report card and Social Security card number. It would be helpful to have school records and health records available at registration and to have copies of the students most recent test scores.

Kindergarten Registration

1. A valid birth certificate
2. Be 5 years old on or before October 1 of the year child is to enter school
3. A record of required immunizations
4. A physician's report of the child's recent medical exam, given after January 1st of the current year. A dental screening is recommended.

Registration for Transfers

1. Must present proof of required immunizations
2. Students entering from out of state (or country) must have a MANTOUX TB test within 6 months of entrance to school.

Grading System

The minimum passing grade for all subjects is 70. In high school, the student's final grade is the average of the four marking periods and final exam/project. All subjects excluding Physical Education, Pass/Fail and Audit Courses are included in determining the student's grade point average and class rank."

Special Needs Pre-School

Picatinny Arsenal offers several options for preschool children. Contact Central Enrollment at 973-724-5555 for more details.

School Services for Children with Special Needs

Special education is specially designed instruction, support, and services provided to students with an identified disability requiring an individually designed instructional program to meet their unique learning needs. The purpose of special education is to enable students to successfully develop to their fullest potential by providing a free appropriate public education in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as implemented by Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 1342.12, "Provision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents."

In Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), special education and related services are available to eligible students, ages 3 through 21 years of age. To be eligible for special education:

• The child must have an identified disability;
• The disability must adversely (negatively) affect the child's educational performance; and

Note: Students with a disability who are not found eligible for special education and related services may receive reasonable accommodations and modifications under DoDEA Policy Memorandum: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in a DoDEA Dependent Educational Programs and Activities.

Gifted and Talented Program

The school system has a gifted and talented program as well as a special needs program. Gifted students attend enrichment classes, where they work closely with teachers to enhance their special skills. The same is true for special needs students, who receive education in the least restrictive environment and get extra help through resource centers. Children go to the resource centers as many periods a day as needed depending on their individual needs. Teachers work on communications skills, math skills, and a variety of other areas. The philosophy behind the program is to help the children succeed in a non-threatening environment.

High School Activities

Activities in High School include football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, field hockey, volleyball, band, choir, drama, junior ROTC and scholastic and vocational clubs. There is also a TV studio run by the students.

Before and After School Programs

Most activities take place during the normal school day. As a result, very few before and after school programs exist through the schools. For more information please consult the Rockaway Township Public School or the Morris Hills Regional School District websites. 

School Sports

There are a number of interscholastic competitions for men and women during three seasons. A physical examination is required yearly to try out, practice and to play.

There are numerous private schools within a 20 - 40 minute drive of Picatinny Arsenal; to include Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Christian, Quaker (Friends) Lutheran, 7-Day Adventist, etc. There are also numerous Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, and High Schools. All schools are accredited by the State of New Jersey

The School Liaison Officer (SLO) maintains a full listing of private and parochial schools in the area, if there are any questions contact the SLO at 973-724-5726.

Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at 973-724-7892 for more information concerning home schooling and other programs listed above.

Adult Education Center 973-724-5631