Liberty Middle School is one of two 7th and 8th-grade middle schools in West Orange, with an enrollment of 560 students. The state-of-the-art facility, erected on a 22-acre site in the northwest corner of the township, officially opened its doors on December 5, 2005.

The Liberty Middle School administration and staff believe that all students have the right to fairness, respect, and safety as well as the right to be included. These qualities are part of our Character Education Program. Students meet with an Advisory teacher where Character Education lessons are taught, social-emotional learning lessons are experienced, extra academic support is provided and organizational skill-building is practiced.

Since middle school is a time of growth and exploration, our students are offered a full academic program that encompasses the four core content areas: Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. The focus in all core subjects is placed on developing critical thinking skills and creating independent learners. World Language instruction begins on an exploratory level in grade seven and continues to be studied and developed in grade eight. All students select French, Chinese, Spanish, or Italian in 7th grade and continue a more intense study of the language with an everyday full-year program in eighth grade. Organized by teams, Liberty provides a strong support system that fosters academic, social, and personal growth at a time when students are developing more rapidly than at any other time in their lives. Teams of teachers meet daily to evaluate the needs of their students and to plan a program that is coordinated and integrated across all of the subject areas. In light of the Pandemic, the spring statewide New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) ELA and Math test may be administered to all seventh and eighth-grade students and is subject to the decision of the NJ Department of Education. Eighth graders may also take the NJSLA-Science assessment in the spring if permitted.

The complete development of our students is fostered in the school with related arts courses such as band, orchestra, chorus, STEM or art.  Students are also encouraged to participate in our wide range of after-school programs (subject to availability due to our virtual schedule). Some of which may include Student Council, Helping Hands Service Club, and STEM Club.  Involvement in activities beyond the school day not only broadens middle school experiences but will provide additional memories that will last a lifetime.

Finally, technology as a learning tool is an integral part of the curriculum, with Chromebook devices utilized via carts in the classroom. Students are taught how to utilize technology to help solve curriculum-based problems.

With a dedicated faculty and the continued support of our community, we approach this unique re-opening of the 2021-2022 school year still committed to academic excellence, but with the added challenge of supporting our students' transition back to in-person full-day learning.  Our students will receive social and emotional support as they have been distanced for many months from their friends and classmates.

Mr. Xavier Fitzgerald
Principal
(973) 243-2007  Ext. 29510