Aquinas Academy is a Catholic elementary school for students in pre-K through eighth grade. Operating under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Newark, AQA is dedicated to academic excellence and the development of Christ-centered values and principles.

The school offers a challenging comprehensive educational program and numerous extracurricular activities for students.

A Focus on Faith

“Parents and students love Aquinas  because it’s a faith-filled community that provides love, nurturing, social and academic support and promotes students to achieve their full academic potential,” says principal Eileen O’Neill. “AQA staff create an environment of trust in which positive, lasting relationships are developed within a collaborative community.”

Students are taught Christ-centered values and principles. While students of any religious denomination are welcome at AQA, all students are expected to participate in daily religion classes and faith-based activities.

A Proactive Approach to Learning

“We use a school-wide PBIS (positive behavior intervention and supports) system in which we promote respectful and responsible behavior choices and teach social and emotional skills through problem solving and healthy communication,” says O’Neill.

All students have a daily W.I.N. period (What I Need) in which they’re offered support for specific skills in academic areas.

AQA is offering live instruction for preschool two, three or five days per week including daily preschool enrichment classes in science, art, music and crafts. There is also a new integrated support preschool program with differentiated instruction for students with disabilities.

AQA took a proactive approach when it switched to remote learning during coronavirus, hosting online “lunch bunch” and story time to keep up a sense of community. The school plans to hold in-person classes for the 2020-2021 school year. “Our smaller class sizes will help us insure adequate social distancing in the classroom and during lunch periods,” says O’Neill.

The school will also offer grade level Learning Gardens and outdoor lessons to provide breaks from the classroom and nature-based learning for younger students. All in all, AQA is a place that nurtures the whole child, says O’Neill.

“The school is an environment in which the unique strengths, talents and diversity of students are encouraged to shine.”