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Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
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Plainfield Public Schools announces expansion of F.W. Cook Elementary and Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies Schools
PLAINFIELD, NJ – February 28, 2025 – Plainfield Public Schools is thrilled to announce the expansion of 6th grade at Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) and F.W. Cook Elementary School, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This expansion allows eager students to begin their academic and creative journeys earlier in a vibrant, enriched learning environment.
PAAAS, known for its academic excellence, creativity, and innovation, will now be able to welcome students beginning in 6th grade. This expansion provides a unique opportunity for younger students to immerse themselves in the school’s dynamic Studios, including Dance, Vocal, Theater, Visual Arts, Piano, Graphic Arts, Robotics, TV Production, and Visual Arts.
"PAAAS continues to be a trailblazer in arts education, offering a creative environment where students excel academically and artistically," said Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. "He continued, "With a 100% graduation rate, PAAAS demonstrates the power of providing students with opportunities to pursue their passions while receiving a rigorous academic education. This expansion will ensure that even more students have access to these programs, setting them up for success as they move forward in their educational journey."
“The PAAAS community is thrilled to welcome our newest members—sixth graders! Their arrival marks an exciting expansion of our school, creating a seamless transition from middle school to high school,” said Gregory Sneed, Principal at PAAAS. “With their energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives, these young learners will add even more vibrancy to our halls. This milestone strengthens our commitment to nurturing talent from an early age, ensuring students thrive academically and artistically. We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions our sixth graders will make as they embark on their PAAAS journey!”
The new 6th grade program at PAAAS will begin in the 2025-2026 school year, with a clear timeline of key dates for families to follow. Applications are now open, and an Open House is scheduled for March 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. After the application process, auditions will be held in April 2025, and notifications will be sent by April 30, 2025.
F.W. Cook Elementary School, which houses the district’s renowned STEM program, will also begin offering 6th grade. Parents' positive feedback suggests a growing demand for more educational options that prepare students for their future.
"The STEM program at Cook has already seen tremendous success, encouraging more families to re-enroll in Plainfield Public Schools. The program's hands-on learning experiences and focus on critical fields like technology, engineering, and math have made it a standout," said Superintendent Hasan.
“I’m thrilled about Cook Elementary School’s expansion to include grade six,” said Caryn Cooper, Ed. D, Principal of F.W, Cook Elementary School. “This marks new opportunities for learning, leadership, and growth for our students.”
The district encourages families and students interested in applying to PAAAS to attend the Open House to learn more about the application process and the audition requirements.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.