"I am contantly inspired every time I come to the school for events, lectures, teacher conferences. That is what is so amazing about this place - I am constantly learning and yearning to follow the mission that this school employs. They are able to learn not from memorizing but by learning and integrating Music, Arts, Sciences, History, Languages and other cultures all together. It is a beautiful thing to see happen so seemlessly. The kids barely know that they are learning. They love it so much. I asked one of my daughters what she loved to do at school and she said write poems - now remember she is only 6 years old still. How many children say that. She also loves her Calligraphy and writing the japanese characters - which they have learned at such a young age.
— Andrea Filippone, Gladstone
"The Cottage School has prepared our son for a successful transition to public school. The school's focus on the arts, problem-solving, literature, and creativity has instilled in him a confidence in learning that he has carried with him and demonstrates every day in his studies, with teachers and among friends."
— Wayne and Amy Dietrich
"The Cottage School has been a very special home to our children for the past 5 years and has sparked some wonderful relationships for the entire family. A great emphasis is placed on teaching through art, music, nature and storytelling. Exposing young children to different cultures, multiple languages, baking, drawing with pastels, and painting with watercolors and tempera paints were just some of the reasons the school is so unique. In addition to a rich curriculum, the children are encouraged to play and are given a kind and nurturing atmosphere filled with toys of only natural materials. Our girls certainly came out of the school with a love, excitement and appreciation for learning. Thank you. It has been real gift! "
— Lisa Streger, Peapack
"The Cottage School has helped our children see the beauty that surrounds them - in music, art, stories and nature. Through the school's philosophy, the children are developing a strong sense of curiosity and the ability to express themselves with creativity and thoughtful response. We especially appreciate the friendships and social environment of The Cottage School, including respect the children learn for each other and the teachers."
— Amy and Wayne Dietrich, Gladstone
"The Cottage School gives a child the space, freedom and confidence to be creative by allowing the natural process of play to happen. My children have always been happy and comfortable at the Cottage School because the experience encourages them to be themselves without constraints. Each child is given time to develop their life skills, language ability, maths, art, science and dance. For some this may take 3 years and for others only a couple of months. Where else can you learn Spanish in the morning, folk dance in the afternoon and be served a balanced lunch while singing a sweet song about how the Earth is good to you? Anyone contemplating sending their child to school should attend our end of the year play where our students create a lavish and inspirational performance with singing, dancing and acting. "
— Sally Flanagan, Bernardsville
One of our favorite components of the Cottage School curriculum is the "special classes" the children teach. All the pre-schoolers present 2 special classes a school year, and these classes consist of the following:
The children choose a topic of personal interest. Young children often give their first class on family and they bring photographs to share with the class. Examples of other topics are owls, flowers, trains, Africa, science experiments, soccer, etc. The children create, gather, and prepare material (such as songs, photographs, drawings or collections) to present to their peers. Kindergartners are assigned countries or states as their topics. Special classes provide an open and creative opportunity for the children to share their interests with the class in a safe teaching environment. They also allow for children to take their passion to a high educational level. Our children always looked forward to presenting their special classes as well as being excited to attend the classes of their peers.
We also are impressed with the Cottage School productions. Each year the children put on a play. The children participate in many aspects of the production, from painting programs and scenery, to rehearsing lines, songs and dances, to performing in front of an audience. The costumes and props are all hand-crafted or created; it is a real community effort. Our children have been very proud of their class plays and enjoy reading the scripts well after the year is completed.
— Jeff and Debbie
The Cottage School has been an enriching and wonderful experience for both of our sons. The diverse curriculum and nurturing teaching style have helped our children to grow both intellectually and emotionally. The school's unique educational approach engenders a sense of personal pride and confidence in everything our children do. We are continually suprised by what our children learn and bring home from the Cottage School. The Cottage School has given our boys a wonderful educational foundation from which they will continue to benefit for years to come.
— Felicia & Dave DiSabato / The DiSabato Family
The other amazing thing that the teachers work on with each child is self confidence. Our girls started at the age of 3 and each semester they have to do a presentation in front of their class or the whole school. It seemed unimaginable at first to assume a child that age would have the confidence to do this. But over the years I have seen this confidence build and build. They learn presentation skills, preparation, doing the research, standing in front of a crowd, answering questions. I just wish my teachers started me at that young an age.
— Andrea Filippone
Another beautiful program taught at the Cottage school is folk dancing. The 4 and 5-year-olds learn folk dances from many different countries and then give a 30 minute performance in costume for their families. They perform independently and gracefully as they beam with pride in their accomplishment and joy for dance.
— The Steinhorn Family
We have been thrilled with the exposure to the arts and other cultures that the Cottage School has given to our daughter. Their educational philosophy extends beyond the classroom with helpful workshops for parents.
— Isabel and Cort Corbin
Additional Testimonials
Parent's Testimonial June 2010
Parent's Testimonial June 2011