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Charter School · Clifton, NJ

Classical Roots.
Modern Achievement.

Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 5 through 8 in Clifton, NJ. With small classes, rigorous academics, and a supportive community, we prepare every student for competitive high schools and beyond.

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180Students Enrolled
14:1Student-Teacher Ratio
50%Attend Competitive High Schools
🏆Charter School to Watch
Our mission is to provide academic excellence for our diverse student body through traditional learning and modern-day initiatives to create a progressive learning environment. — Our Core Mission, Classical Academy Charter School of Clifton
What We Offer

Programs Built for Student Success

At Classical Academy, every program is designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare students in grades 5 through 8. From rigorous core academics to hands-on STEM experiences, we give every learner the tools to thrive.

Classical Core Academics
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Classical Core Academics

Our classical curriculum grounds students in strong reading, writing, and mathematics. Two ELA and two math periods per day ensure every scholar builds a solid foundation for high school success.

Honors and Advanced Learning
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Honors and Advanced Learning

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may enroll in honors and advanced coursework, raising the academic ceiling and preparing them for competitive high school programs throughout New Jersey.

STEM Program
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STEM Program

Science classes are STEM-infused, and our after-school STEM program gives students hands-on experience with drones, engineering kits, and problem-solving challenges led by dedicated instructors.

Arts and Latin
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Arts and Latin

Our visual arts and Latin programs enrich students' classical education, building creative thinking, discipline, and language skills that support achievement across all subjects.

Student Support Services
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Student Support Services

We provide intervention support for students who need extra help and special education services for qualifying learners, ensuring every child at Classical Academy can reach their potential.

Clubs and Intramural Sports
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Clubs and Intramural Sports

Students can join STEM Club, Art Club, Chess Club, and Homework Help, or participate in intramural soccer, volleyball, and basketball, building teamwork and school spirit beyond the classroom.

Classical Academy students
Est. 1998 Serving Clifton Families
Why Choose Us

A Tight-Knit School Where
Every Student Belongs

Classical Academy has been part of the Clifton community since 1998. We combine the discipline of classical education with modern STEM initiatives, small class sizes, and a staff that genuinely knows every student by name. Families choose us because we deliver results and because students feel at home here.

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    Small Classes, Big Results

    With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and approximately 20 students per class, every child receives the attention they need to grow academically and personally.

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    Proven Academic Achievement

    Classical Academy is recognized as a Charter School to Watch and featured by Educational Insider. Fifty percent of our graduates go on to attend competitive private and magnet high schools.

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    Tuition-Free Public Charter School

    Classical Academy is a free public charter school open to all New Jersey families. There is no tuition. Enrollment is lottery-based, with sibling priority and rolling admissions throughout the year.

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    Positive, Safe Learning Environment

    Secure entry, a clear uniform policy, and a caring staff create a school where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to achieve every single day.

Families Say

Voices from Our Community

Hear from parents who chose Classical Academy and saw the difference firsthand.

★★★★★

"The teachers here actually know my daughter by name and check in on her progress every week. The small class sizes made all the difference. She went from struggling in 5th grade to earning honors in 7th."

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Maria T.Parent, 7th Grade Scholar
★★★★★

"We were nervous about the lottery process, but once our son got in, we knew immediately it was the right school. The principal runs tours personally and the staff is incredibly dedicated. Our son got accepted to a competitive private high school."

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David R.Parent, 8th Grade Scholar
★★★★★

"Classical Academy is a hidden gem in Clifton. The STEM after-school program got my son excited about science in a way his previous school never did. The community here is warm, focused, and genuinely invested in every child."

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Lisa M.Parent, 6th Grade Scholar
Take the Next Step

Ready to See Classical Academy for Yourself?

Tours are available on a rolling basis and are led personally by our principal, Dr. Greg Farley. Schedule your visit today, bring your child along, and discover why families choose Classical Academy.

📅   Pick a Date & Time — It's Free