The mission of the Wesley D. Tisdale School is to promote academic excellence in a caring environment where independence and a sense of responsibility are developed. Focusing on the whole child, teachers develop appropriate activities that address the academic, social, and emotional needs of each child. Teachers strive to build on successful experiences for every child on a daily basis.

Students receive a well-balanced education that meets the requirements of the New Jersey State Department of Education. The curriculum consists of reading, language arts, mathematics, health, social studies, science, art, music and physical education. Mastery of the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics are stressed throughout the grades. Additionally, goals focus on teaching children to think, communicate effectively, work well with others, be creative, and to use their knowledge to solve problems. Classroom experiences are designed to insure that students develop the necessary skills and strategies to become lifelong learners and face the challenges of the next century.  Our outstanding kindergarten program was recognized and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The school was built in 1952, completed its first addition in 1961, a second addition in 1998, and a third addition in the spring of 2003. The school contains 27 classrooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, nurse’s station, office area, a pre-school classroom, and several smaller teaching areas for speech, ESL, Basic Skills instruction, and special education. The media center, completed in the spring of 1998, houses a wealth of fiction and non-fiction books, a large instructional area, and a lab with 24 computers. Each classroom is also equipped with several networked computers and a printer. All computers have direct access to the Internet. Most classrooms have Smartboards. Technology is utilized to enhance the learning process at all grade levels using a variety of software that is related to the subject areas.

A wide range of extra services is available for students. The Intervention and Referral Services Committee is comprised of Tisdale staff members. This committee reviews requests from teachers or parents for assistance with students who are experiencing difficulty in the classroom. Should further assistance be required, the Child Study Team provides diagnostic and consultative services to pupils who are identified in need of special education in order to succeed in their school program. The ESL (English as a Second Language) program serves the children in the school who speak different languages. This program also celebrates the multi-cultural aspects of the diverse student population. The Basic Skills Improvement Program provides support for students who need assistance in the areas of reading, language, or mathematics.

The Tisdale School students enjoy being taught by specialists in the areas of Music, Art, Library, and Physical Education. The Health program includes the "Here’s Looking At You 2000" drug education program and a DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education Program) visitation component that is taught by officers from the Ramsey Police Department. The Enrichment teacher works directly with all students in grades two and grade three.

Parents and students enjoy a before and after school child care program operated on a tuition basis, by the Ramsey Adult School. This program insures the safe and efficient supervision of children for parents needing this service.

Parents are also an integral part of the school community. They volunteer and provide funds for a variety of activities which support the mission of the school such as volunteering in the library, reading with children in individual classes, helping with classroom activities, and participating in PTO projects. Family Reading Day and Grandfriend’s Day serve as symbols of the school’s belief in the importance of families and the school reading and sharing traditions together. Parents serve mentors in the student run school store, and presenters in the Meet the Master, art appreciation program.

The Tisdale staff has demonstrated a commitment to continued professional improvement and growth.  Teachers participate in building level study groups that focus on curriculum areas such as writing, differentiating instruction, and best practices in reading instruction. In the district of Ramsey there is a comprehensive long-term curriculum revision process in place where each area of the curriculum is reviewed and evaluated every five years. 

Tisdale School is an exciting learning community. The students have the opportunity to participate and become involved with visiting authors, illustrators, scientists, musicians, and dancers through fine assembly programs. Students have performed on stage, conducted research, solved complex mathematical problems, studied a variety of topics, and discovered the joy of reading and writing. They have learned the importance of helping others through the food drive and holiday gift service projects.  Students learn about the character trait of the month such as honesty, kindness, and responsibility through literature, song, and projects. All of these experiences enrich and support learning at Tisdale School.

The students thrive in an atmosphere that is rich in educational opportunity. They are nurtured by a caring network of teachers, parents, administrators, and community members who recognize the vital role of a neighborhood school.