About

The School District of South Orange and Maplewood serves more than 7,000 students in nine schools, including six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The community and its schools are racially and economically diverse with more than 90 percent of Columbia High School graduates planning to attend college each year.

The mission of the South Orange Maplewood School District is to empower and inspire each student to explore and imagine, to pursue personal passions, and to collectively create a better future by creating a learner-centered environment through multiple pathways; re-imagined structures, systems and supports; innovative teaching; partnering with families; and maximizing community expertise and resources.

Highlights of SOMSD

• SOMSD has been nationally recognized as one of the top 100 communities for Music Education 4 years in a row.
• The diverse student body is recognized annually for academics, championship athletic programs, award winning fine and performing arts programs, high school publications, and robotics team.
• SOMSD has the highest number of Nationally Board Certified teachers in any district in New Jersey.
• 5 elementary schools have been named national Let's Move Active Schools.