At the McKinley Avenue Elementary School, we believe that our success is built upon the hopes and dreams of our students, staff, and parents. McKinley's highly qualified teachers deliver a rich educational program with skill, enthusiasm, and expertise. With our dedicated educators, the curriculum is delivered in a creative format. Lessons are child-centered and tailored to meet the needs of each of our students. With differentiating instruction, our program incorporates best practices and current research about curriculum, instruction, technology, and assessment. As an active school community, we are a strong team that constantly and consistently strives to provide the best education for each and every child.
The McKinley Avenue Elementary School currently serves over 600 students in third and fourth grades. We are very proud of our balanced literacy program that creatively utilizes authentic literature, trade books, and leveled readers to teach our children essential reading strategies and skills. The development of students’ writing skills is enhanced as writing is infused in all content areas and writing portfolios are continually developed. Our mathematics program promotes the use of manipulatives, hands-on lessons, and problem-solving activities. Science concepts are actively explored in our Discovery Center and our children are able to access the tools needed to boost their technological skills in our school’s Computer Lab, Distance Learning Lab, and in their classrooms as they use laptop computers. Special subject areas that are provided for our students include: art, music, physical and health education, world language, technology, and library. In addition, the school offers chorus, band, safety patrol, peer mediation, guidance groups, and the We Care Club.

Students are provided with opportunities to address their developmental needs and interests. Our Additional Assistance Program (AAP) allows teachers to work with students who would benefit from additional instruction and practice. In addition, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and resource room services are available for students who need such assistance. Children who have been identified with noteworthy abilities in reading, writing, math, science, art, or music may participate in our After-School Curricular Enhancement (ACE) program. During the school day, our Quest and Quantum programs address the needs of students who have been identified as academically talented in language arts or mathematics.

Parents and community members are encouraged to volunteer and assist classroom teachers through our V.I.P. (Very Important Parent) program. Other opportunities for parents to become involved in their child's school life are arranged as well, including Back to School Night, Curriculum Fairs, classroom visits during American Education Week, Parent Teacher Conferences, Individual Student Goal Conferences, the Parent Advisory Committee, and the District Parent Advisory Committee. Our Home School Liaison has provided workshops that provide parents with information about the curriculum and strategies that can be utilized to effectively interact with their children. Through the concerted efforts of parents, teachers, and administrators working together, a collaborative bond has been established between home and school. At the McKinley Avenue Elementary School a very active PTO conducts numerous events throughout the year, raising funds that benefit the school and enhance our academic and cultural programs. Our students enjoy many valued and appropriate assembly programs, sponsored by the PTO, that focus on specific academic areas, cultural awareness, and character education.

The spirit of generosity and good citizenship has become contagious through our school-wide fundraising for Make a Difference Day. The McKinley Avenue Elementary School has been participating in Make a Difference Day for the past ten years. Our teachers have been organizing this event since 2000. In 2000 we supported The Ronald McDonald House, in 2001 A Walk to Remember for 9/11 families, in 2002 the Ocean's Harbor House, in 2003 Children's Specialized Hospital, in 2004 The Food Bank of Ocean & Monmouth Counties, in 2005 Ocean's of Love, in 2006 the Stafford Township Police Department, in 2007 the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, in 2008 the Ocean County Hunger Relief, in 2009 the Family Promise of Southern Ocean County, and in 2010 the Popcorn Park Zoo. Our children recognize the value of service learning.

The McKinley Avenue Elementary School takes great pride in the positive and nurturing environment that characterizes our school. By teaching our students to think and dream, we continue to create life-long learners who will achieve success in any area they pursue.