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Cedar Hill Prep School
Basic Information
Address: 152 Cedar Grove Lane, SOMERSET, NJ 08873
County: Somerset
School District: Franklin Township, Somerset
Phone Number: 7323565400
Fax Number: 7323565408
Email: nmenon@cedarhillprep.com
President: Dr. Nandini Menon
Principal: Donald Seeley
School Type: Private, Secular School
Additional Information
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Founded: 2003
Organization Affiliation: NBOA; ASCD, IB Candidate School
Ages/Grades: Preschool - Grade 8; Collegiate Prep Academy(hybrid) - for gifted students - Grades 7-12
School Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, after care until 6 pm
School days in Calendar Year: 171
School Holidays: Winter Break (2 weeks); Spring Break(based on Easter); All federal holidays
Community:
Cedar Hill Prep provides an inclusive learning environment that nurtures academic, emotional, and social growth. Cedar Hill Prep School is a multicultural community represented by more than 35 countries. The demographics are mostly suburban, college educated families with at least seventy percent being professionals with advanced degrees; Specifically, sixty percent identify as Asian/Pacific Islander; twenty percent identify as being of African heritage, seven percent identify as multi; six percent identify as of spanish/Latina heritage.
School Size: 260 students
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Tuition:
$15000-25,000 (Preschool - Grade 8)
Financial Aid:
NA
Departments:
Early childhood (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
Elementary School (Grades 1-4)
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
World Languages (Spanish and French)- (preschool through grade 8)
Physical Education and Sports Skill development (preschool through grade 8)
Visual Arts (preschool through grade 8)
Performing Arts(preschool through grade 8)
Technology Education (Grades 1 through 8)
Language and Literacy Department
Individuals and Society Department
Math Department
Science Department
Curriculum:
What Makes Cedar Hill Prep’s Curriculum Different
The true purpose of education is to make learners knowledgeable in a way that transforms how they think, connect, and act. At Cedar Hill Prep School (CHP), this belief forms the foundation of its academic philosophy. Education at CHP goes far beyond textbooks, online repositories, or digital platforms—it is rooted in the human connection between teacher and learner, where knowledge is not only shared but also understood, applied, and expanded upon.
Cedar Hill Prep’s curriculum is built upon the tenets of interaction, inquiry, and real-world application. Teachers serve as mentors who guide students through meaningful exchanges of knowledge—whether through writing, debate, art, or experiential learning. Every lesson becomes a dialogue, a discovery process that connects classroom learning to life beyond school. This humanistic approach ensures that students develop not just academic proficiency but also empathy, confidence, and critical thinking skills.
From Preschool through College Prep, CHP provides a comprehensive and sequential learning experience. Each grade level builds upon the previous one, ensuring a strong foundation and a steady progression of skills. Students explore core knowledge across disciplines through transdisciplinary learning, where subjects are interwoven to mirror the interconnectedness of the real world. Through field experiences—including regular visits to the New Jersey Institute of Nature and experiential trips at every grade—students connect theory to practice, sparking curiosity and reinforcing understanding.
The school’s instructional framework is guided by Understanding by Design (UbD) principles and aligned with International Baccalaureate (IB) standards. This ensures that learning is purposeful, inquiry-driven, and focused on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Students are encouraged to question, analyze, and synthesize information, preparing them to think deeply and creatively.
CHP’s Collegiate Prep Academy for Grades 7–12 provides unique opportunities for gifted and motivated students, particularly those with a passion for STEM. Through collaborations with institutions such as Raritan Valley Community College, NJIT, Babson College, and Thomas Jefferson University, students can pursue specialized coursework and even earn collegiate certificates before graduation.
What sets Cedar Hill Prep apart is its ability to blend tradition with innovation. While the curriculum emphasizes timeless academic disciplines—language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies—it also integrates technology-rich learning experiences through the use of iPads, Chromebooks, virtual and augmented reality, and a comprehensive STEM/STEAM program. This fusion of classical and modern education ensures that students master both critical thinking and digital fluency—skills essential for the 21st century.
At the heart of CHP’s philosophy is a deep respect for the individual learner. Through differentiated instruction, small class sizes, and personalized teaching, every student receives the attention and support they need to thrive. Teachers recognize that each child learns differently and design customized assignments that challenge and inspire growth.
Ultimately, Cedar Hill Prep School cultivates globally minded, compassionate, and reflective thinkers who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. Its curriculum—anchored in human connection, experiential learning, and intellectual rigor—stands as a model for how education should evolve: not merely to inform, but to transform.
Percentage of Graduating Class: 100%
Support Services:
Cedar Hill Prep School focusses on the individual needs of each child within the general ed classroom. The instructional strategies used are rooted in evidence based practices and neuroscience. Additional support is provided based on their specific needs.
Camp Programs: Yes
After School Programs: Yes
Computer Capabilities:
Cedar Hill Prep School ensures that its community remains technologically proficient and up to date to promote efficiency, creativity, and safety across all operations.
Cybersecurity:
The school employs advanced security systems to safeguard both physical spaces and online environments, ensuring a secure and responsible digital experience for students and staff.
Technology Devices:
All classrooms are equipped with Smartboards to enhance interactive learning. Students and staff have access to desktops, laptops, tablets, and a dedicated computer lab to support diverse academic needs.
Software and Applications:
Teachers utilize a wide range of instructional software, online learning platforms, business tools, and design applications to enrich classroom instruction and project-based learning.
Integration and Connectivity:
Cedar Hill Prep operates through a fully integrated school management and learning management system, enabling seamless communication, academic tracking, and resource sharing.
Technical Support:
An on-site technology team provides timely troubleshooting, system maintenance, and user support for all members of the school community.
Internet Access:
The entire campus is Wi-Fi enabled and supported by robust LAN, wireless, and wired networks to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and access to digital resources.
School Championships:
Robocup National Champions
Garden State Debate Champions
Top three schools in County for Math League in grades 6,7, and 8.
International Academic Competitions Regional Champions in History, Geography, Science.
School Clubs:
lubs and Enrichment Programs
At Cedar Hill Prep School, students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop new skills through a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and leadership.
Elementary School
Amazing Athletes
Art Club
Chess
iCode (Programming)
Reading and Writing Club
Woodshop
Middle School
Chess
Ceramics
Debate
Drama
FIRST Robotics
Future City Engineering
Geography Bee
Green Team (Sustainability)
History Bee
iCode (Programming & Gaming)
IM – Cooking
Math Competition Prep
NAQT (Quiz Bowl)
Science Bowl
National Elementary Honor Society
National French Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Woodshop
Athletics
Students participate in a variety of competitive and recreational sports, including:
Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
Notable Graduates/Alumni:
Notable Graduates:(First graduating class from grade 8 (2013)completed college in 2021)
Megha Thomas, Class of 2015, U Penn; Policy Analyst at the U.S Dept of Treasury
Kathryn Lytkowski, Class of 2015, Georgetown University, Foreign Policy Correspondent in training
Matthew Johnson, Class of 2015, Williams College, Lacrosse Player, Financial Analyst
Ananya Gangavarapu, Class of 2017, Cal Tech University, Founder of AI Startup
Omkar Acharya, Class of 2017, Co founder of AI Startup
George Rookes, Class of 2017, Boston College, Syracuse University, College Football player.
Cole Shannon, Class of 2017, U Penn, College Football
Ryan Johnson, Class of 2017, Williams College, Lacrosse Player
Graduates of Cedar Hill Prep are known for their adaptability and academic prowess, with many earning top honors such as Valedictorian and Salutatorian, and attending prestigious universities worldwide. The school's emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence ensures that students are well-prepared to make positive contributions to their communities.
Parking Spaces/Availability:
100
Uniform Guidelines:
Cedar Hill Prep School uses Lands End - https://www.landsend.com/co/account/school-uniforms?selectedSchoolNum=90...
Admissions Deadline: Rolling Admissions based on availability of seats!
Mission Statement:
Cedar Hill Prep’s mission is to cultivate globally-minded thinkers by nurturing their unique talents and fostering respect. This commitment to empowering students to reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally, sets a strong foundation for future success.
Philosophy/Belief Statement:
Cedar Hill Prep blends rigorous academics with global best practices to inspire independent thinkers. We honor each child’s spirit, foster diversity, and build a community grounded in respect, creativity, and moral development.
School History: Cedar Hill Prep School was founded in 2003 by Dr. Nandini Menon and Dr. Raghu Menon with the vision of blending the finest educational practices from the East and the West. Guided by the belief that a strong preschool–Grade 8 foundation is essential for future success, the school’s curriculum emphasizes explicit instruction, hands-on learning, and visible, measurable outcomes. This approach ensures that students develop deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking skills, and the readiness to take on rigorous high school coursework in preparation for admission to the most competitive colleges.
Cedar Hill Prep students consistently perform in the top 20% nationwide on the TerraNova Next standardized assessments. In recognition of its exceptionally high academic achievement, the school received the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2017. Over the years, CHP graduates have continued to excel, gaining admission to many of the top high schools in America and to numerous institutions ranked among the top 50 colleges in the United States.
Today, Cedar Hill Prep School remains committed to its founding mission—providing a global, research-driven education that empowers young learners to thrive academically, socially, and morally.
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