The Waldo School
General Information
About (Overview)
The Waldo School, also known as Waldo International School or “World of ABC, The Waldo School,” is a private, coeducational institution located in Jersey City, New Jersey, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. It is an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Middle Years Programme. The school aims to nurture globally minded learners through inquiry-based pedagogy, rigorous academics, and a strong emphasis on character, innovation, and personalized learning. The Waldo School cultivates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Classrooms are equipped with technology and sustainable design elements. The curriculum integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), project-based learning, and interdisciplinary inquiry. The Waldo School seeks to empower students to become compassionate, creative problem solvers who are able to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. Its small class sizes and dedicated faculty help deliver differentiated instruction and individualized support. The institution has grown since its founding, expanding its campus footprint and offerings, while maintaining a mission to combine academic excellence, global orientation, and social-emotional growth.
Contact Informations
Address: 110 1st Street, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA (primary campus)
Phone Number: (201) 721-6000
Email Address: contact@waldoschool.com
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2011 |
| Type | Private, coeducational day school (preschool through grade 8) |
| Motto / Mission | Developing globally minded learners through inquiry, innovation, and character |
| Accreditation / Program | International Baccalaureate (PYP & MYP) |
| Grades Offered | Preschool / Early Years through Grade 8 |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 8 : 1 |
The Waldo School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Metric |
|---|---|
| Niche Private School Rating | Overall “A” |
| Student-Teacher Ratio (compared nationally) | 8 : 1 vs average ~16 : 1 |
| Diversity Rating | A+ (in Niche data) |
The Waldo School Academics
The Waldo School Faculties / Departments
- Early Childhood / Preschool / Kindergarten
- Primary Years (Elementary)
- Middle Years (Grades 6–8)
- STEAM / Technology / Innovation
- Language / Literacy / Humanities
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies / Global Inquiry
- Arts / Music / Performing Arts
- Physical Education / Wellness
The Waldo School Courses and Programs / Majors
Because The Waldo School functions as a K–8 institution, it does not offer majors. Instead, it provides a suite of courses and program strands, including:
- IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) curriculum units
- IB MYP (Middle Years Programme) interdisciplinary units
- STEAM integration (robotics, coding, maker space)
- Project-based inquiry units
- Language and literacy enrichment
- Mathematics extension courses
- Arts, music, drama electives
- Design thinking / Innovation labs
- Social-emotional learning modules
Online Learning
While in-person instruction is central to The Waldo School, it may utilize blended or hybrid learning tools, especially to supplement inquiry projects, assign digital research modules, or extend learning in STEAM and language arts. These tools serve to extend the classroom experience rather than replace it, offering flexibility and enrichment via digital platforms, virtual collaboration, and independent inquiry assignments.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Reported Average / Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized Assessment (IB internal / external) | Varies by year and cohort | The school does not publish SAT, ACT, or GRE, as it is a K–8 institution |
| External Benchmarking | Meets or exceeds grade-level expectations on standardized metrics |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a K–8 school, The Waldo School does not report retention or graduation in the manner of secondary institutions. However, student retention is strong, as many families continue from preschool through middle school. The move into high school is beyond the school’s scope, but internal progression rates indicate high consistency of attendance, low attrition, and a supportive environment that keeps students within the school system through grade 8.
The Waldo School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because The Waldo School is a preschool through grade 8 institution, GPA thresholds and standardized test score ranges (SAT, ACT) are not applicable. Admission decisions focus on readiness, assessment, interview, and fit rather than prior GPA or high-stakes test scores.
The Waldo School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | Admissions are selective and depend on available seats; high demand means some wait lists |
The Waldo School Application Requirements
Applicants to The Waldo School typically undergo a multi-step process designed to assess readiness, fit, and alignment with the school’s mission. Requirements include a completed enrollment application, a readiness assessment (in areas such as literacy and numeracy), a parent interview or meeting, review of prior academic or developmental records, and in some cases, a student visit day or sample work. Families may be asked to submit supporting materials such as portfolios, teacher observations, or personal statements regarding their child’s learning style, interests, and goals. The admissions team considers each student holistically, factoring in intellectual curiosity, social-emotional maturity, and potential contribution to the school community.
Application Process
- Request or submit an admissions packet / enrollment application
- Complete readiness assessment or screening evaluation
- Participate in parent interview or orientation meeting
- Submit developmental or prior records (if available)
- Conduct student visit / sample work or portfolio review
- Receive acceptance or waitlist notification
- Confirm enrollment and register student
The Waldo School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Deadline / Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | January to early spring for fall entry | Varies annually |
| Assessments & Interviews | Shortly after application window | Scheduled by admissions office |
| Acceptance Notification | Mid to late spring | Families are notified of decision |
| Enrollment Commitment | Shortly after acceptance | Required to secure spot |
| Orientation / New Student Welcome | Summer before school year | Introduction to campus, teachers, etc. |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Applicants (or families) may be asked: “What excites you about The Waldo School’s inquiry-based, globally minded curriculum, and how do you hope your child will grow academically and socially in this environment?” This prompt allows the admissions team to gauge family alignment with the school’s values and educational vision.
The Waldo School Scholarships
The Waldo School offers need-based financial aid and tuition assistance to qualifying families to promote access and inclusivity. Scholarships may cover partial tuition for families demonstrating financial need, intended to ensure that students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds can attend. The school may also reserve funds for merit-based awards or sibling discounts, depending on annual budget allocations.
The Waldo School Tuition and Fees
| Grade / Category | Tuition / Fee Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Early Years | (Private tuition rate) | Varies by schedule and programming |
| Elementary / Middle School | Approximately $20,500 for highest grade level | Tuition for upper grade (grade 8) often quoted |
| Fees | Additional costs for materials, labs, enrichment | Electives, technology, extracurriculars may carry extra fees |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The Waldo School enrolls approximately 203 students in grades PK through 8, with gender evenly split (about 50% male and female). The age range spans roughly from 3–4 years (pre-K) to about 13–14 years (grade 8). In terms of racial and ethnic composition, the school includes White, Asian, Hispanic, Black, and multiracial students, with notable percentages of international students as well as a diverse cultural mix. The school’s diversity profile reflects its global orientation and mission to welcome learners from varied backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The Waldo School strives to support equity and access. Through its financial aid and scholarship program, it extends tuition assistance to families with limited means. The school may also support students with learning differences or special needs via differentiated instruction, accommodations, and collaboration with specialists. While the school is not primarily a special-education center, its small class sizes and individualized approach allow it to provide inclusive support for learners with diverse needs.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~203 students |
| International Students | Substantial proportion, making up over 25% in some reporting |
| Full-Time Teachers | ~20 |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | ~8 : 1 |
University Diversity
Though the Waldo School is not a university, its diversity efforts are significant. The school embraces cultural, linguistic, and national differences among its student body. With families from multiple countries and backgrounds, the school maintains an environment in which global perspectives are a daily part of the learning experience. Teachers integrate multicultural content into the curriculum, celebrating heritage months, facilitating cross-cultural projects, and inviting student voices into classroom dialogue. The international composition of the student body helps cultivate empathy, cross-cultural literacy, and global awareness. The school’s mission deliberately incorporates principles of inclusivity, equity, and respect. Students are encouraged to share their cultural traditions, languages, and perspectives with peers, enriching class discussions and collaborative inquiry. This heterogeneous community strengthens student understanding of the world beyond their immediate context and supports the development of globally minded, socially conscious citizens.
Average Earnings
As a K–8 institution, The Waldo School does not track post-graduation earnings of alumni. However, given its mission to prepare students for rigorous secondary and tertiary pathways, many graduates likely enter selective high schools, participate in advanced coursework, and ultimately matriculate into higher education. The foundational skills in inquiry, critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness aim to position students favorably for future academic and career success. By fostering strong intellectual habits, social-emotional competencies, and leadership orientation, the school contributes indirectly to the long-term potential for favorable earnings among alumni. While precise figures are not available, anecdotal evidence suggests graduates from such rigorous preparatory schools often pursue high-achievement fields and advanced degrees, which correlate with elevated lifetime earnings.
The Waldo School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Waldo School maintains a robust faculty with approximately 20 full-time teachers supported by additional part-time staff. The student–teacher ratio is about 8 to 1, enabling deeply personalized instruction. Faculty include classroom teachers, specialists in STEAM, arts, language, and inquiry, as well as learning support staff, counselors, and administrative leadership. This team collaborates closely to deliver differentiated, inquiry-driven curriculum and maintain consistency across early years through middle school.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
The faculty at The Waldo School are selected for both content mastery and alignment with inquiry-based, global pedagogy. Many teachers hold advanced degrees in education, subject-matter specialization, or IB training. They bring experience in project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and multilingual or multicultural teaching environments. Some lead student research, innovation labs, robotics or maker-space initiatives, and publish or present educational work at conferences. Teachers may also mentor students through exhibitions of learning, service projects, or global inquiry presentations. Their achievements contribute to the school’s reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
The Waldo School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Waldo School is a day school and does not offer student housing. The campuses (110 1st Street and 125 1st Street in Jersey City) host preschool through middle school levels. The facilities include classrooms filled with natural light, technology-enabled maker labs, STEAM labs, art and music studios, libraries, media centers, indoor gymnasiums, and outdoor play and garden areas. Some campuses feature eco-friendly interiors, sustainable materials, and gardens for outdoor learning. Student life revolves around inquiry projects, clubs, arts, robotics, service initiatives, and cultural events. Enrichment programs, after-school clubs, guest speakers, and exhibitions of student work animate daily life. Costs for student life are generally bundled into tuition; extracurricular or enrichment sessions may incur additional fees.
Transportation
Families typically transport students via car, public transportation, or school-arranged pick-up zones, as Jersey City has a network of buses and transit options. Some students may walk or bike, depending on proximity. The school’s urban location supports access by local transit, and drop-off/pick-up systems are managed to ensure safety and flow. Inside campus, students move between buildings or classrooms via corridors, stairwells, or accessible walkways. The relatively compact urban setting allows for efficient transitions between classes, labs, and communal spaces, and encourages students to engage with their immediate environment for outdoor learning, garden-based inquiry, and community connections.