FAQs

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Q. What distinguishes Peck faculty from other elementary/middle schools?

  Peck employs and retains an exemplary faculty and staff.
  
  Peck teachers are professional educators with well-developed classroom skills who are knowledgeable in the developmental needs of elementary and middle school-aged children. They are masters of their subject matter, are well-prepared and organized, and set high expectations for their students. They are dedicated and reflective educators who form strong relationships with their students. Peck is fortunate to have exceptionally vibrant and caring members of our remarkable learning community.

• Q. At what grades do you accept students?

  We accept students at all grade levels from kindergarten to eighth grade.
  
  However, there is optimal opportunity for admittance during the most common entry years—in kindergarten (the beginning of Lower School), and in fifth grade (the beginning of Upper School).
  
  We strongly encourage parents who are considering entering Peck at any grade level to contact the Admissions Office to arrange a Parent Meeting and campus tour as early as possible!

• Q. How long is the school day?

  Classes for all students begin at 8 a.m., with both Lower and Upper School students first spending time in "Morning Meetings" with their Homeroom teachers (K-4) or their Advisors (5-8) as a way to strengthen community and relationships and start the day on a positive, joyful note.
  
  Additionally, Peck provides both morning and after-hours care during the week.
  
  Morning care begins at 7:30 a.m., and our AfterSchool program runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m., which includes time for homework assistance, supervised play both indoors and outdoors, and enrichment activities.  

• Q. What is the average class size at Peck?

  Our program structure and class sizes are designed to ensure students benefit from small-group instruction, individualized attention, class collaboration, and an environment where each child feels known.
  
  Our student-teacher ratio is 6:1. There are two full-time teachers in each Lower School (grades K-4) homeroom, with class sizes averaging 16-20 students. Upper School (grades 5-8) class sizes average 12-15 students.
  
  Lower School homerooms are co-taught by a Lead Teacher and an Associate Teacher, with a number of additional educational specialists dedicated to reading, math, science & design, technology & innovation, visual arts, sports, information literacy, modern language, and music.
  
  In addition to small class sizes, Upper School students benefit from small-group advisories (avg. 5-8 students) that nurture meaningful and strong connections throughout the year.

• Q. Does Peck have a dress code?

  To set a productive tone, minimize distractions, and signal equal stature, The Peck School has established a Uniform Dress Code for all grades, K-8.
  
  In addition, the PA maintains a “Swap Shop” for gently-used uniforms in good condition. Families are encouraged to donate uniform tops and bottoms as well as Commencement attire, and can also select items that fit their child at no cost.

• Q. Does Peck offer after-hours supervision?

  Yes! Parents may enroll their child in Peck's AfterSchool program on a regular or as-needed basis. We offer structured care from 3-5:30 p.m., which includes time for homework assistance, supervised play both indoors and outdoors, and enrichment activities.  
  
  During a typical school year, Peck also offers a series of 8-week-long enrichment courses during these hours each term that taught by Peck teachers. Our program, called PEP (Peck Enrichment Program) offers a variety of engaging classes designed to appeal to a wide range of extracurricular interests.  In the past, we've offered classes such as Chess, Art, Coding and Robotics, Soccer, Sports, and more!

• Q. What are the application deadlines?

  We welcome inquiries for entrance to all grades throughout the year; however, optimal opportunity for enrollment exists when following the timelines below:
  
  Early Bird Application Fee Waiver: Families applying prior to Nov. 1 may use a promotional code to waive the non-refundable application fee. 
  
  Application Deadline: Applications received by January 15 will receive an early March notification. Applications submitted thereafter will be on a rolling basis as space allows.
  
  Financial Aid Applications: Requests for financial assistance are indicated on a child’s admissions application to the school. Families must then complete and submit a TADS application prior to January 15.

• Q. What do you look for when making Admissions decisions?

  The Admissions Committee seeks students who have the ability to succeed academically at Peck and whose families are committed to the core values of the school. We also look for qualified students who represent a diverse range of racial, economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to identify students with the potential to grow into young persons of integrity, confidence, and poise; with a love for learning, who may go on to positively impact their communities and the world as responsible, ethical leaders.

• Q. Do you offer financial aid?

  The Peck School designates a certain amount of funds every year to be awarded to families in the form of financial aid. Aid is granted on a needs basis and is determined by a family's ability to meet educational expenses, not a willingness or unwillingness to pay.
  
  While the admissions and financial aid processes are separate, there are times when, due to a limited financial aid budget, "need-aware" admissions decisions may be made.
  
  Families who choose not to apply for financial aid when applying for admission to the school will not be considered for a financial aid award in the future unless their financial situation changes significantly.
  
  Families receiving financial aid will need to reapply for aid each year, therefore grants may be adjusted if the family's financial situation changes.
  
  We are happy to waive our application fee for families who intend to apply for financial aid! Please be sure to contact our office for the code.

• Q. Where do Peck graduates go to high school?

  Peck graduates go on to pursue their education at some of the best, most prestigious boarding and day schools across the region and the nation. 
  
  A dedicated Director of Secondary School Counseling, along with our faculty and staff, counsel and support your family through the complex process of choosing a secondary school that’s right for each child. See our most recent Secondary School and College report here.

• Q. How can parents get involved at Peck?

  Peck greatly values its strong partnership with parents. Communication between home and school is one of the cornerstones of a Peck education. Working together, hand-in-hand as a team, is the most effective way to provide each student with the support, guidance, and encouragement needed throughout their elementary and middle school years.
  
  In addition, the Peck Parents Association (PA) is an integral and robust part of our vibrant community. Upon enrollment, all parents are automatically members of the PA, and are encouraged to volunteer on special committees, become class parents, help organize events and get involved in the everyday life of the school.
  
  There are a number of PA-sponsored events throughout the year that give parents a chance to socialize, have fun, and develop lasting friendships!

• Q. How do I receive more information about Peck?

  Our school office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please feel free to call Wanda Fiorini, our Admissions Assistant, at 973-539-8660 x 108 or email her at wfiorini@peckschool.org.
  
  You can also fill out our Information Request form, and you will be contacted shortly by a member of our Admissions Office regarding the next steps.