Our Approach

All Foundation Academies campuses share a common "No Excuses" program. "No Excuses" is a set of basic principles guiding the operation of schools. Its premise is simple: We commit to our students that we will ensure they are prepared for college and we make no excuses for why we will not succeed.

Many of the nation’s pre-eminent schools—including those run by KIPP, Achievement First, and Uncommon Schools—have pioneered and implemented this program in urban areas across the country and have thereby empowered their students to achieve academically at high levels, regardless of background or circumstance.

The key elements of our "No Excuses" program are:

  1. High and Clear Expectations
  2. More Time on Task
  3. Data-Driven
  4. Rewards and Consequences
  5. Values Focused

High and Clear Expectations

  • We base our curriculum on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCS).
  • We test our students regularly on their progress towards state standards.
  • We benchmark our students' performance against the best schools in the State of New Jersey and we adjust our instructional program based on how we compare.
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More Time on Task

  • We have a longer school day - 8½ hours
  • We have a longer school year - 200 days
  • By the time students graduate from Foundation, we have provided them with the equivalent of one additional full year of schooling.
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Data-Driven

  • We judge our performance as professionals based on student results on state tests and other external assessments.
  • We report to our parents every six weeks on their child’s progress in school.
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Rewards and Consequences

  • We use a set of common conduct expectations in each classroom and we enforce them from the first day of school to the last.
  • Students earn privileges, including social events and special trips, based on their conduct.
  • Students are denied privileges when they fail to do their homework, do not wear their school uniform properly or do not meet our conduct expectations.
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Values Focused

  • We recognize students in front of the school community when they exemplify our core values.
  • We expect our students to apologize to the school community if they violate our core values.
  • We require students to perform community service and participate in co-curricular activities.
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