Jersey City Ed

November Plans 🍁 Fun Events for Students in JC + Online! 😊

November is here, and there are plenty of ways to get out, try something new, and learn something along the way! I’ve put together a few events and activities for students to check out this month, both in person and online. There’s something for everyone!

#1. International STEM Day – STEMpower + Inspiring Girls USA

Ever wondered what a future in STEM could look like? 🚀 You don’t have to know what you want to do in the future to join. Just come curious!

Hosted by STEMpower, a New Jersey-based organization, in collaboration with Inspiring Girls USA, a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to explore their futures, this FREE virtual panel of Women in STEM celebrates International STEM Day!

Follow @stemp0wer for updates and future events!

📅 Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Zoom Link – Inspiring Girls USA x STEMpower: Role Model Talk
🎓 Age: Middle and high school students

#2. SJC Youth Eco Ambassador: Climate Fresk Workshop

SJC Youth Eco Ambassador Presentation: Climate Fresk Workshop — Date has been updated to November 7th

Interested in climate change and protecting the environment? This interactive workshop helps students understand climate science, connect the dots between environmental issues, and explore ways to make a difference. It’s specifically listed for high school and college students, with limited spots available.

📅 Date: Saturday, November 7
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
📍Location: Jersey City City Hall, 280 Grove Street – SJC Youth Eco Ambassador Presentation: Climate Fresk Workshop Tickets
🎓 Limited to 24 high school and college students

#3. Teen Programs at Jersey City Free Public Library

Teen Volunteers Wanted at Communipaw Branch Library

Teen Etiquette Workshop at Miller Branch Library

Looking for something to do after school? The library offers teen activities that give students a place to hang out, play games, get creative, and connect with other teens. Check the November calendar for specific sessions and activities!

📍 Location: Variety of Libraries around Jersey City – November Results – Events Calendar – Jersey City Free Public Library
🎓 Age: 12–18
💸Cost: Check individual event listings for cost and registration requirements.

#4. Rutgers 4-H Science Saturday: Planet Superheroes

Want to learn how science can help protect our planet? Join Rutgers 4-H and learn about current Rutgers research that is making our communities more resilient to climate change. And find out how you can get involved!

📅 Date: Saturday, November 7
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Location: Rutgers University, Cook Campus Greenhouse, New Brunswick, NJ – Rutgers 4-H Science Saturday: Planet Superheroes
🎓 Age: Grades 3-7 ONLY
💸 Cost: $25

#5. Rework Your Wardrobe: Sweater Weather Workshop

Bring an old sweater or sweatshirt and give it a fresh look with patches, fabric paint, and other decorations. No sewing experience is required.

📅 Date: Saturday, November 21
⏰ Time: 12:00–3:30 PM
📍 Location: SMUSH Gallery, 340 Summit Avenue, Jersey City – Rework Your Wardrobe: Sweater Weather Workshop | Jersey City
🎓 Age: 16+
💸 Cost: Check registration

🍂 That’s it for November! There are plenty of ways to make the most of the month!

📌 Save this post for later, share it with a friend, and check the event links for the latest details, registration requirements, and any updates before heading out.

Hope you find something fun to do this November! 😊🧡

Here’s a short list of free upcoming events that are worth going to 😊☀️

Summer is finally here! I’ve listed a few events that students could learn from and will definitely enjoy. Also, if you have a series you’d like us to do, please comment or send us an email.

#1. “Memories by Kromacolor”

Art Show by Mia Woodard – Go see Mia’s senior thesis art show! You can see all the details on this flyer.

Location: Gallery 14C, Suite 407, 157A 1st Street

Date/Time: June 11 from 3:30 – 6:30

#2. HPNA Movie Night

Hamilton Act I on June 19

#3: Eco-Youth Art Exhibition (Opens June 1)

Students are exhibiting environment-themed art works at NJCU’s Visual Arts Gallery this week. The public is invited. See the poster for information. A reception will take place Saturday, June 6, from 3:30-6 pm, with awards announced at 4:30.

Infinity and McNair Applications for Fall 2026 Entrance Now Available

The application process for McNair Academic and Infinity High School is now open to 8th and 9th-grade students seeking admission! The application process is only open to students residing in Jersey City. Online applications can be accessed here. Applications opened on November 26, 2025 and completed applications must be submitted by Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Note that a PSAT score is still a required part of the application. You can view our posts on McNair and Infinity to see how PSAT scores affect how applications are evaluated.

As of now, Infinity and McNair High School’s plan is to begin sending out acceptance letters in late February.

County Prep & High Tech Application Now Open (Fall 2025)

Applications for High Tech High School opened on Sunday, October 5, 2025 and close on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM. High Tech High School and County Prep High School share a single, joint online application as they are both part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology system. Click here to apply!

High school application results are typically returned in the spring, usually in late winter or early spring. Please comment or send an email if you have any questions for us! ☺️

Separately, McNair and Infinity applications will open soon! I’ll also post information for the two schools when the applications open (they will likely open the week of November 24th).

Jersey City Schools Enforce Districtwide Classroom Cell Phone Ban

The New Jersey Department of Education is aiming to create an “unplugged” classroom setting starting this school year. Many other districts and states are in the process of adopting stricter in-school device policies to reduce distractions.

What the Policy Says

The Jersey City Board of Education unanimously passed the ban on personal communication devices on September 18, 2025, to take effect October 1, 2025.
This includes smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. This rule might extent to personal laptops, which means students would start using school-issued chromebooks only in classes (I will update this page if so!)
Under the new policy, students must have their phones in backpacks, lockers, or in the pouches provided by the school during class time.
Use of devices is allowed during noninstructional times, such as in the hallways and at lunch.
There are exemptions for students with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), IHP (Individualized Health Plan), or under Section 504 accommodations.
Repeated violations may require students to turn over their device each morning (this just depends on your school)

Potential Benefits

Reduced distractions
Improved focus and engagement in classrooms
Better social interaction among students
Supports policy alignment — consistency across all 39 public schools in the district.

This is definitely a big change! For any students who are bummed about it, it might be helpful to know that even the presence of your phone reduces memory recall. A study with undergraduates found that those who had their smartphone nearby (even if turned off) had poorer recall accuracy on memory tasks compared to those without their phones. So, this policy might benefit you more than you’d think! 😊😊

Important Information for the Upcoming School Year (’25-’26)

Hi everyone! 😊☀️ For students in Jersey City Public Schools, I hope everyone enjoyed their first full week back at school! To access this school year’s monthly calendar, click here.

School Checklist and Tips

For middle school and high school students, make sure you don’t forget your IDs (freshman are given them during orientation)
Bring your chromebook (make sure it’s charged)
If you participate in a fall sport, make sure you remember equipment, uniform, and anything else you’d need depending on if you have a game or practice. Throughout the year, to look at your team’s statistics and roster, you can usually find updated information on the nj.com site.
New students should receive an infinite campus account in the first two weeks of school. To learn more about what your infinite campus account contains and how to log in, click here.
High school seniors are permitted up to three additional excused absences for college visits, provided they submit proof to their guidance counselor (for example: an email that confirms you attended a college tour). For those of you curious about attendance policy, click here.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and good luck to all students this year 🍀

Monthly Update for June 2025! ☀️

Hi everyone! Here is the update for June. For students, remember that finals start next week on Monday, but after finals there are only 6 days of school left.

June 9th – 13th: Elementary, Middle, and High School Final Exams

June 19th: Half Day (12:45 Dismissal)

June 20th: Juneteenth Observed – District Closed

June 23rd & 24th: Half Day (12:45 Dismissal)

The full school year calendar can be accessed here.

Monthly Update for May 2025! 💗💗

Hi everyone. Here’s the update for May! There are only 37 school days left to go. The full school year calendar can be accessed here.

May 1st: Virtual Record Card Night (6:30-8pm) for High Schools

May 20th: MP 4 Progress Report Cards Due

May 22nd: Parents as Partners Conference (parents can learn about registering here)

May 23rd: Half Day (12:45 Dismissal)

May 26th: Memorial Day Observed— District Closed

Juniors will take the NJSLA Science from Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 22, 2025. (NJSLA is the same week of the AP Makeup exam).
For a step by step guide on how to view your child’s grades, click here.
Sports teams and schedules can be accessed on nj.com

Monthly Update for April 2025!

Hi everyone. Here’s the update for April, for all Jersey City Public School students. The full school year calendars can be accessed here.

April 10th: End of Marking Period 3

April 17th: Half day/12:45 dismissal (Spring Break begins!)

April 18 – 25: Spring Break

April 29th: Virtual Report Card Night (6:30-8pm) for Elementary Schools

April 30th: Virtual Report Card Night (6:30-8pm) for Middle Schools

For students taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course, there are 35 days until May 5, which is when AP testing begins.
For a step by step guide on how to view your child’s grades, click here.
Sports teams and schedules can be accessed on nj.com

Monthly Update for March 2025! 💚

Hi all! Here’s the update for March. Right now, Jersey City Public School students are about half way done with Marking Period 3, which ends April 10.

March 10th: MP 3 Progress Reports due

March 10 – 14: NJGPA Statewide Assessment Testing for juniors in high school

March 31st: Schools Closed, Eid-al-Fitr

For students taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course, there are 9 weeks until May which is when AP testing begins
For a step by step guide on how to view your child’s grades, click here.
For families whose children play a sport right now, you can access the stats and schedule on the nj.com website.
To see the full calendar for this school year, click here.

Monthly Update for February 2025!

Here’s the update for Februrary, for all Jersey City Public School students. To see the full calendar for this school year, click here.

February 5th: Collaborative PD for teachers (12:45 Dismissal for students)

February 11th: Elementary Schools Parent Conf. 1:30-3pm (12:45 Dismissal for students)

February 12th: Middle Schools Parent Conf. 1:30-3pm (12:45 Dismissal for students)

February 13th: High Schools Parent Conf. 1:30-3pm (12:45 Dismissal for students)

February 17th: Schools closed for Presidents Day

Marking Period 2 ends February 4. For a step by step guide on how to view your child’s grades (U.S. Public Schools) click here.
For anyone wondering about Jersey City Public School Attendance Policy, click here.
For families whose children play winter season sports, you can access the stats and schedule on the nj.com website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnet School Applications

When are Infinity and McNair’s applications generally released?

Infinity and McNair open applications every school year sometime in January and information on applications can be found on the respective websites. At school, students may also receive a McNair and Infinity Parent Letter with information on when applications open and close.

2024 – 2025 OLSAT Information (For Middle School Students)

Jersey City Public School students in 5th and 6th grade who apply to AEP and Infinity Institute must take the OLSAT assessment. To see how the OLSAT is weighted in admission criteria, click here. For Infinity Middle School, click here.

We have a page on Tests and Test Preparation. A tutor usually isn’t necessary for the OLSAT because there are practice books that should prepare students adequately. In order to do well on the OLSAT, students often benefit from seeing a similar test format and similar questions. The PSAT is not about pattern-recognition, like the OLSAT is, and has different test material.

The OLSAT date tends to be administered in schools during the week of April 22nd. To see the date, click here. Based on previous years, this is what the process should look like this year.

Date	Event
March 28, 2024	Applications are available
April 15, 2024	Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET
April 22, 2024	OLSAT assessment takes place in schools

Answering the Top 5 Most-Asked Questions

Please feel free to comment or use our contact us form for any other questions you have. We also do educational consulting.

Transportation

For anyone curious about bus tickets, bus tickets are only given to students who live 2.5 miles or more from the school. If you are going to any Jersey City Public School this upcoming school year, a teacher will usually talk to students about bus tickets and give out bus tickets (if they are eligible) within the first two weeks of school.

When are Infinity/McNair’s applications generally released?

Infinity and McNair open applications every school year sometime in January and information on applications can be found on Infinity or McNair’s website. At school, students may also receive a McNair/Infinity Parent Letter with information on when applications open and close.

How do I look at my child’s grades, schedule, and attendance?

We already have a post on infinitecampus, an app that Jersey City Public Schools use so parents can see their child’s grades, schedule, attendance, and more.

How should I study for the OLSAT?

We have a page on Tests and Test Prep. A tutor usually isn’t necessary for the OLSAT because there are already practice books that should will prepare you adequately. In order to do well on the OLSAT, students often benefit from seeing a similar test format and similar questions. The PSAT is not about pattern-recognition, like the OLSAT is, and has different test material.

What are the magnet schools in Jersey City?

Public magnet schools in Jersey City are different (from regular Public middle schools and high schools) because you have to apply and test to get in. Infinity, AEP, and Academy 1 are the three magnet Public middle schools, which means the schools have an accelerated program with a more advanced cirriculum. McNair and Infinity (Infinity is also a high school) are the only Public Magnet high schools in Jersey City.

Monthly Update for October 2026!🍂

Hi everyone! 😊 Here’s your October update with some important dates and events to keep in mind.

If you’d like to see what’s happening for the rest of the school year, check out the Calendar for the Upcoming School Year (’26–’27).

📅 Important October Dates

October 5–9: Week of Respect
October 12: District Closed — Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 14: Marking Period 1 Progress Reports Due
October 28: National PSAT Day

🏅 Fall Sports

For families and students involved in fall-season sports, you can find team schedules, scores, and stats on NJ.com.

Have a great October, everyone! 🍁

Monthly Update for May 2026! 🌸

Hi everyone! Here’s the May update for all Jersey City Public Schools students. You can access the full school year calendars here.

Important Dates:

May 4 – May 15 : AP Testing
May 21: Parents as Partners Conference
May 22: Half Day Session for Schools – 12:45 Dismissal
May 25: Memorial Day – District Closed

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we wish all students, families, and staff a strong finish filled with positivity and pride in everything you have accomplished. Have an amazing end to the school year! 🎓✨

Monthly Update for April 2026!🌷

Hi everyone! Here’s the April update for all Jersey City Public Schools students. You can access the full school year calendars here. 📅

Important Dates:

April 2: 4-hour session; dismissal at 12:45 PM
April 3: Good Friday — District closed
April 6–10: Spring Break — Schools closed; Central Office open
April 13: Classes resume
April 15: Marking Period 4 begins

Report Card Conferences (Virtual, 6:30–8:00 PM) 💻:

Elementary Schools: April 28
Middle Schools: April 29
High Schools: April 30

We wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable spring break. ☀️ As always, thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a strong finish to the school year!

Monthly Update for March 2026 🍀

Hi all! Here’s the update for March. Right now, Jersey City Public School students are about halfway through Marking Period 3, which ends April 15.

Important Dates:

March 19: Half Day (Staff Professional Development)
March 20th: Eid-al-Fitr (Public Schools will very likely be closed, tentative though)

For students taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course, there are 9 weeks left until May, when AP testing begins!
For a step-by-step guide on how to view your child’s grades, visit here.
For families whose children play a sport right now, you can access stats and schedules on the nj.com website.
To see the full calendar for this school year, click here.

Monthly Update for February 2026 💕

🎉 Welcome to February! 🎉

A new month means fresh goals, important dates, and lots to look forward to.

Key Dates for February:

January 30 – Marking Period 3 Starts

February 10 – High Schools Open House 1:30-3pm (In Person)
Feburary 1`1 – Elementary Schools Open House 1:30-3pm (In Person)
Februrary 12 – Middle Schools Open House 1:30-3pm (In Person)
February 16 – Presidents’ Day Observed (District Closed)

✨ Make sure to mark your calendars and stay updated. February is short, but it’s packed! For families whose children play winter season sports, you can access the stats and schedule on the nj.com website. 🏒 🏀

Monthly Update for January 2026! ❄️

🎉 Welcome Back! 🎉

Welcome back, students and families! We hope everyone had a safe, restful, and joyful winter break. ❄️✨ We are excited to welcome students back to support a successful start to 2026! 📚💙

Here’s the update for January for all Jersey City Public School students. To see the full calendar for the school year, click here.

January 1st: New Year’s Day—District Closed 🆕 🎉

January 2nd: District Closed (continuing winter break) ❄️

January 5th: Classes Resume 📚

January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day—District Closed

January 30th: Marking Period 3 Begins

📌 Reminder:

Students and families should continuously check Infinite Campus for grades, attendance records, and schedules at any time. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date!

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As always, thank you for being an important part of our community and Happy New Year.

Monthly Update for December 2025! ☃️

Hi everyone! ☺️ Here’s the update for December for all Jersey City Public School students. To see the full calendar for this school year, click here.

December 23rd: Half Day (12:45 Dismissal)

December 24th – January 2nd: Winter Break (9 days)

Marking Period 2 ends January 28th! Students can check their grades and schedule on Infinite Campus. For any parents that want to see a step by step guide on how to view your child’s grades on the Infinite Campus website, click here.
For anyone wondering about Jersey City Public School Attendance Policy, click here.

For families whose children play winter season sports, you can access the stats and schedule on the nj.com website. 🏒 🏀