11 Spencer Lane ♦ Annandale, NJ 08801 ♦ 908.832.7200

what sets HPS apart

 

The first of four water color self portraits done by Hunterdon Prep seniors in art class
The second of four water color self portraits done by Hunterdon Prep seniors in art class
The third of four water color self portraits done by Hunterdon Prep seniors in art class
The fourth of four water color self portraits done by Hunterdon Prep seniors in art class

"Senior Portraits", Watercolor creations by HPS students

Everyone who becomes involved with Hunterdon Prep quickly comes to know that HPS is an exceptional school. Our students and parents know it, our staff members know it, our community partners know it, visitors to the school know it. Putting your finger on specifically what sets HPS apart is a little bit more difficult, however. 

When Executive Director, Toby Ray Loyd, posed this question to several community partners, Child Advocate, Dana Carney, provided the following response.

FROM DANA CARNEY, Advocate, Ignite Kids Advocates

As a parent and a Professional Special Education Advocate, I have spent years observing all types of schools.  When looking to make a decision to place your child out of district, you need to think about who your child is, and what your child needs in an educational program to enable personal success. 

The first time I entered the Hunterdon Preparatory School, I instantly knew that HPS was the one school that was finally providing what so many kids need; the undeniable advantage of being in a truly unique and authentic learning and social environment where they can trust and feel the security that allows for maximum academic and personal growth.

What puts HPS in a league of its own is its "Good Faith Agreement” honor code which is incorporated into all areas of daily life at the school.  This agreement requires all students and staff members to share feedback, practice conflict resolution and acquire the communication skills necessary to create and sustain healthy relationships and practice effective self-advocacy.  These skills naturally carry over to work in the classroom and greatly facilitate academic achievement.

These are what I call real-life skills; the ability to effectively problem solve the conflicts that happen in real life using direct, appropriate language in line with social expectations.  In most schools, conflict resolution and communication skills, if they are addressed at all, are merely ‘scripted’ goals that never become internalized for use beyond the classroom setting.

HPS has proven that this critical learning can be accomplished without a script by building its program on a foundation of open communication, respect, accountability and acceptance.  It is real-life skill learning in its most effective and authentic form.

The Hunterdon Preparatory School is a rare gem.  The authenticity of the faculty is remarkable,

There is no pretense. The environment feels as safe as if you were in the company of old friends.  The academic success that this environment produces is clearly in evidence by the large number of college and career-bound HPS graduates.

Recent News

students petting a small dog

On December 6th, HPS hosted its first therapy dog Meet and Greet event for students.&nb...

photo of dolls on a table
Holiday Hands 2023
December 1, 2023

Many, many thanks to our students and staff for generously supporting the United Way&rs...

clip art of a coat drive
Warm coat drive collection
November 22, 2023

WINTER COAT DRIVE ... sharing warmth, one coat at a time Today Hunterdon Prep studen...

two students with a puppy
Welcome back!
September 21, 2023

We are off to a great start at HPS!  There is a sense of optimism and hope filling...

painting of a river and trees
Paintings by Hannah L.
May 12, 2023

Hannah L. is part of our 12+ program and has been attending classes at Raritan Valley C...

Black dog in a harness

Our friend, Pele, graduated from the Seeing Eye in February. She was matched with a wom...

Upcoming Events

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908.832.7200 ♦ Fax: 908.832.9772 ♦ 11 Spencer Lane ♦ Annandale, NJ 08801
csmith@hunterdonprep.org

HUNTERDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL IS A, not-for-profit, day school serving students between the ages of 12 and 21
 from over 40 school districts in New Jersey. We are located near the town of Clinton in west central NJ.

WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
Hunterdon Preparatory School is committed to making our content accessible to all members of the public, including those with disabilities. This includes parents, students, employees, and all others associated with our district. If you need assistance in accessing materials on the district website, please contact the school.

 

HUNTERDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL
The Hunterdon Preparatory School provides educational services to applicants and employs personnel without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, economic or social background, or religious preferences. School programs and school related activities during the day and after regular school hours provide equal access for all students regardless of race, color, creed, sex, and national origin. Books, curricula, and other materials, course content, subject matter, and reading lists are reviewed for sex, race, and cultural bias. Materials are chosen to represent a wide range of opinions and suggested pupil activities.