In a small borough like Old Tappan, schools tend to reflect the character of the place itself. What began as a Dutch farming settlement in the late 1600s has gradually become a residential community where education holds a central place in everyday life.
That connection is visible in Old Tappan Public School District, where T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School and Charles DeWolf Middle School serve as central parts of the community. Together, they provide a learning environment that feels both structured and personal, shaped by long-standing traditions and evolving expectations.
The district’s purpose centers on creating a community of learners where each student’s interests, abilities, and goals are recognized and developed. Learning is not treated as a fixed path but as a process that allows students to explore, grow, and express themselves in different ways.
Its vision reflects that balance. Classrooms are designed to challenge students while also providing the support they need to build confidence. This approach is guided by a set of values that influence everyday decisions, including curiosity, creativity, courage, and commitment. These ideas continue to shape how the district approaches education, keeping it grounded in both its history and its direction forward.
A Two-School System with Strong Outcomes
Old Tappan’s structure is straightforward, but the experience within it is carefully built. T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School serves students from Pre-K through Grade 4, while Charles DeWolf Middle School supports Grades 5 through 8. After that, students continue to a regional high school located within the same community.
Recognition reflects this structure. The district has been named among the best in the country by Niche, while both schools have earned top rankings in New Jersey, with CDW placing in the top 3 percent and TBD in the top 7 percent.
A Balanced Approach to Learning
Led by talented principals and an outstanding faculty and staff, classrooms across the district reflect a steady mix of structure and exploration. Early learning focuses on building strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics, supported by a curriculum designed to match each stage of development. As students progress, project-based learning becomes more visible, especially in science and social studies, where concepts are explored through application.
Students also engage in a broad range of subjects, including art, music, world language, STEM, and physical education. At the middle school level, Curriculum Extension courses allow students to explore related interests. Families remain closely involved in extending all learning beyond the classroom.
Leadership That Balances Tradition and Growth
In a district shaped by long-standing traditions, leadership often carries both responsibility and perspective. That role is led by Dr. Danielle Da Giau, Superintendent of the district. Working alongside a supportive Board of Education, she guides a system where schools are seen as lasting parts of the community.
Her message reflects that balance. “We are committed to giving our students both roots and wings,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of honoring tradition while encouraging growth. Through collaboration among educators, families, and leadership, the district continues to provide a steady foundation while adapting to new ideas and opportunities.
Planning with Clear Priorities
Progress at Old Tappan is not left to chance. It is shaped through a process that brings different voices into the same conversation. Strategic planning takes place every three years through a structured process that includes input from stakeholders. This approach allows the district to reflect on what is working and identify where more attention is needed.
The current plan focuses on five areas: supporting the whole child, strengthening academic programs, investing in faculty and staff, improving facilities and operations, and building stronger relationships with the community. These priorities guide decisions across the district while keeping student growth at the center.
Meeting Students as Individuals
Classrooms across the district are shaped by how well students are known, not just how they perform. Teachers focus on understanding each student’s strengths, needs, and learning style. Instruction is adjusted to make learning more personal, while greater emphasis is placed on interaction and social-based learning rather than constant screen use.
Support also extends beyond the classroom. Schools work closely with families to build consistent support systems, helping students feel understood and supported in both settings. This approach keeps attention on the whole child, not just academic outcomes.
Building Strong Home-School Connections
Relationships with families remain central to how the district operates. Partnerships are built through ongoing dialogue and shared involvement. The “Let’s Partner! The Parents” Series brings families into a yearlong set of workshops that offer insight into classroom practices while also providing support on topics that matter at home. These interactions help create a more connected approach, where families and schools work together to support student growth.
A School Experience Beyond the Classroom
Student life at Old Tappan stays active throughout the day and well beyond it. Middle school students take part in a wide range of activities, including athletics, debate, math and science clubs, student government, and music and drama programs. Opportunities such as art shows, yearbook, Old Tappan Broadcasting Network, and school publications give students additional ways to contribute.
Elementary and middle school students also benefit from after-school clubs supported by the PTO, along with experiences like book fairs, author visits, and cultural events such as the International Dance and Food Festivals, all of which extend learning beyond the classroom.
How Planning Guides Daily Operations
Much of the district’s work is organized through a shared plan rather than isolated decisions. The Blueprint for Growth and Development serves as that guide. It shapes how schools, departments, and staff set priorities and align their efforts.
Goals within the Blueprint are tied to clear strategies and performance measures. Progress is reviewed in shorter cycles, often in 90-day intervals, allowing adjustments along the way. This structure keeps planning connected to daily work while maintaining focus on long-term outcomes, with student learning remaining at the center.
Ensuring Support for Every Student
Across the district, services are layered to respond as needs evolve. Intervention starts early and, when necessary, extends to a Child Study Team that works closely with families and teachers. Specialists, including reading and math interventionists, counselors, social workers, speech therapists, behaviorists, and English-language learner teachers, provide support within the school setting.
Opportunities also extend in both directions. Students who need additional help receive targeted support, while those ready for more advanced work engage in enrichment through programs like LEAP, a dynamic Gifted and Talented program. Health, wellness, and social development are supported through character education, guidance programs, and daily opportunities for interaction and play.
Looking Ahead with a Shared Direction
Looking forward, the district’s focus remains on creating an environment where both students and staff continue to grow. The goal is to ensure that every learner is supported while also being challenged to think more deeply. That same expectation extends to educators and staff, who are encouraged to keep learning and developing within the community.
The Blueprint for Growth and Development continues to guide this work, offering a clear structure for future planning. At its core, the direction remains centered on strong relationships, a supportive environment, and meaningful learning experiences.
Quotes
“We believe that through relationships, we strengthen ourselves and our schools.”
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