Liberty Middle School is one of two 7th/8th grade middle schools in West Orange, with an enrollment of 550 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 on a daily basis where Character Education lessons are taught, 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 every day 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. The statewide New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) ELA and Math test will be administered to all seventh and eighth-grade students and is used to monitor and evaluate student progress. Eighth graders will also have the NJSLA-Science assessment in the spring.

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, some of which include Student Council, Helping Hands Service Club, Chamber Chorus, Drama Club, STEM Club and Jazz Band. A full complement of interscholastic activities is available to all students. Interscholastic athletics consist of soccer, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, baseball, and softball. Involvement in activities beyond the school day not only broadens middle school experiences but will provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Finally, technology as a learning tool is an integral part of the curriculum, with Chromebook devices to be issued to each student for use in all courses. 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 the 2019-2020 school year committed to academic excellence, as well as social and emotional growth in a caring, student-centered environment.

Mr. Robert Klemt
Principal
(973) 243-2007