Jefferson Township New Jersey

Jefferson is the northernmost township in Morris County formed by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 11, 1804, from portions of Pequannock Township and Roxbury Township. The township was named after Thomas Jefferson, the President of the United States at the time the township was created.

The township has two large divisions, Milton and Lake Hopatcong. Each half has its own first-aid squad, fire department substation and set of elementary schools. Both sections of the township share a high school and middle school.

Jefferson Township has many natural and recreational facilities to offer including Lake Hopatcong (the largest lake in New Jersey), Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, and Camp Jefferson to name a few. Jefferson Township also offers many community activities including sports, scouts, library programs, concerts, picnics, as well as its yearly Jefferson Days celebration.

Our Schools

The Jefferson Township Public School District is committed to providing a quality education to all of our students, from kindergarten through grade 12. With approximately 3,000 students district wide, our seven schools promote the highest standards of academic excellence, as well as the highest social and ethical expectations within our learning community. Our district’s comprehensive K-12 curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they will require to be life-long learners, productive workers, and responsible and contributing citizens. At the Jefferson Township High School, our co-curricular programs offer a complete range of inter-scholastic athletics. We are consistently recognized by the NJSIAA for our sportsmanship.  Students compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference as well as Morris County tournaments in athletics.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) exist in every school.  Within the PLCs, teachers work together to improve instructional practices.  The district continues to focus on tools for student assessment.  These assessments enable teachers and students to identify strengths and areas needing additional work. Unit and semester assessments are designed to prepare students for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) administration.

The district has incorporated the Common Core Standards (CCS) in all curricular areas and professional development to assist our teachers is on-going.

Our Mission

All students are held to the highest standards for academic, social and ethical behavior. They are motivated to learn, self-assured, and confident individuals. Students are prepared to apply their skills and knowledge as productive citizens in an ever-changing world. 

Members of the educational community are facilitators of learning who work cooperatively and support students. The educator differentiates instruction while encouraging inquiry-based learning, critical thinking skills, and community based activities.  Instruction focuses on practical and technological problem solving applications. 

A diverse curriculum provides opportunities which promote student learning. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and a global perspective.  Student assessments provide continuous feedback on achievement of benchmarks which align with learning outcomes, state, and national standards.

It is the expectation of this school district that all pupils achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards at all grade levels.

Belief Statements

• We believe that Jefferson Township students should develop a sense of responsibility emphasizing interpersonal relationships, good citizenship, cultural and global awareness.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students learn best in a safe and secure environment which encourages them to accept challenges and become creative problem solvers.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students should be able to communicate appropriately and effectively with others in a diverse population.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students should be prepared to apply acquired skills and knowledge in an ever-changing society.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students should reach the highest academic, social, and ethical standards.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students should make positive contributions to the community.
• We believe that Jefferson Township students should become life-long learners.

Strategic Plan 

The District will be hosting the third and final strategic planning session on December 12, at 7:00 PM at the Jefferson Township High School Media Center.  All are welcome to attend.