Kennedy Elementary School: 7 Essential Facts to Know
Kennedy Elementary School in Harrison, NJ is the perfect place to start your child's learning journey — grades, programs, enrollment & more.
What Makes Kennedy Elementary School Worth Knowing About?
If you are a parent trying to find reliable information about Kennedy Elementary School in Harrison, New Jersey, you have landed in the right place. This school serves some of the youngest learners in the Harrison Public Schools district, and it plays a truly important role in shaping early childhood education in the community.
Picking the right elementary school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The early years of schooling build the foundation for everything that comes after — reading, writing, math, and most importantly, a love of learning.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Kennedy Elementary School, from its mission and programs to enrollment details, school hours, and the 2026–2027 academic calendar. Let's get into it.
A Quick Overview of Kennedy Elementary School
Kennedy Elementary School is a public elementary school located at 1 Washington Street, Harrison, NJ 07029. It is part of the Harrison Public Schools district, which serves the town of Harrison in Hudson County, New Jersey.
The school currently enrolls around 355 students across grades Pre-Kindergarten through 1st grade. That makes it one of the earliest entry points into formal education within the Harrison district, welcoming the youngest and most curious learners.
With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1, children at this school receive meaningful attention and support from their teachers every single day.
Key School Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Washington Street, Harrison, NJ 07029 |
| Phone | (973) 833-8500 |
| Fax | (973) 483-2455 |
| Grades Served | Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 1 |
| Total Students | ~355 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 14:1 |
| District | Harrison Public Schools |
| County | Hudson County, New Jersey |
The Mission Behind Kennedy Elementary School
Every great school has a clear purpose, and Kennedy Elementary School is no exception. The school's official mission is powerful and deeply rooted in child development.
The mission states: "To ignite a lifelong love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences that celebrate curiosity, creativity, and individuality." This is not just a tagline — it reflects the daily energy and commitment that teachers and staff bring into every classroom.
The school is also committed to the academic, character, and social-emotional growth of every student. It works to empower children to become compassionate, kind, confident, and capable members of their diverse community.
Who Does Kennedy Elementary School Serve?
Understanding the student body helps parents know what kind of environment their child will enter. Kennedy Elementary School serves a richly diverse community, which is one of its greatest strengths.
The student population is made up of approximately 73% economically disadvantaged students, reflecting the school's strong commitment to equity and inclusion. The school actively participates in the ESSA Title I program, which provides additional funding and support for schools serving high-need communities.
- Hispanic students make up the majority of the student body at around 72%
- Asian students represent approximately 13% of enrollment
- White students make up around 8% of the population
- Female students account for 47% and male students account for 53%
The school's diversity is one of its defining features, and the community takes real pride in celebrating different cultures and backgrounds every day.
Programs and Support at Kennedy Elementary School
ESSA Title I Program
Kennedy Elementary School participates in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I program. This federal program provides important resources to schools with large numbers of students from lower-income families.
Title I funding helps the school provide extra academic support, improved instructional materials, and additional learning resources. It is a critical part of what makes this school able to serve its community so effectively.
Before and After Care
Working parents can breathe a little easier knowing that Kennedy Elementary School offers a Before and After Care program for enrolled students. This gives families flexible scheduling options without compromising on their child's safety and supervision.
You can find full details about this program through the Parents section of the official school website at kes.harrisonschools.org. It is always a good idea to reach out to the school directly at (973) 833-8500 to confirm availability and registration steps.
Food Service
The school provides both breakfast and lunch through its food service program. Parents can conveniently manage meal payments online through the My School Bucks platform, which is linked directly from the school's website.
This makes it easy for families to keep track of their child's meal account without having to send cash to school every day.
Harrison Public Schools District — Where Kennedy Fits In
Kennedy Elementary School is just one part of a well-structured district. Understanding how the full Harrison Public Schools system works helps parents plan ahead for their child's entire educational journey.
| School | Grades | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Elementary School | Pre-K – Grade 1 | 1 Washington Street |
| Lincoln Elementary School | Grades 2–3 | 221 Cross Street |
| Hamilton Intermediate School | Grades 4–5 | District Campus |
| Washington Middle School | Grades 6–8 | One North Fifth Street |
| Harrison High School | Grades 9–12 | 401 Kingsland Avenue |
This structured pathway means your child starts at Kennedy Elementary School and progresses through a connected system all the way to high school graduation. That kind of continuity is genuinely reassuring for parents planning long-term.
Academic Performance and Standards
The Harrison Public Schools district spends $20,520 per student annually, which reflects a serious investment in education quality. The district reported that 42% of elementary students tested at or above proficient in reading, and 30% tested at or above proficient in math.
Kennedy Elementary School follows New Jersey's core academic standards for early childhood education. Given that the school serves Pre-K through Grade 1, the focus is on foundational literacy, numeracy, social skills, and emotional development — the building blocks of all future learning.
The school employs 26 full-time equivalent teachers, all working to deliver engaging and age-appropriate instruction every day.
School Hours at Kennedy Elementary School
Knowing your school's daily schedule is essential for planning drop-offs, pick-ups, and after-school activities. For the most accurate and up-to-date school hours, parents should visit the School Hours page directly at kes.harrisonschools.org/our_school/school_hours or call the school at (973) 833-8500.
The school office is responsive and ready to assist families with any scheduling questions they may have throughout the year.
Kennedy Elementary School Academic Calendar 2026–2027
Planning ahead for the school year helps families stay organized and avoid surprises. Below is the expected academic calendar for Kennedy Elementary School and the Harrison Public Schools district for the 2026–2027 school year.
All dates are based on New Jersey district calendar patterns and should be verified at the official Harrison Public Schools website at harrisonschools.org.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | September 2026 |
| Halloween Parade / Events | Late October 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Recess | November 25–27, 2026 |
| Winter Recess | December 24, 2026 – January 4, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2027 |
| Presidents' Day Recess | February 15–16, 2027 |
| Spring Recess | April 2027 |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2027 |
| Last Day of School | June 2027 |
Always check the official Harrison Public Schools calendar for finalized and board-approved dates before making travel or childcare plans.
Is Your Child Ready for Kennedy Elementary School?
New Jersey has specific age cutoff requirements that determine when a child can enroll in Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten. Getting this right from the start saves you from confusion, delays, or missed enrollment windows.
In New Jersey, children must turn 5 years old by October 1st to enroll in Kindergarten for that school year. For Pre-Kindergarten, eligibility rules can vary by district and program type, so it is always best to verify directly with the school.
This is exactly where the free LearnerStep School Age Calculator comes in. Simply enter your child's date of birth and select New Jersey, and it will instantly show you which grade your child qualifies for — based on verified state cutoff dates. Use the LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com to check your child's eligibility for Kennedy Elementary School enrollment before you even pick up the phone.
How to Stay Connected with Kennedy Elementary School
Staying involved in your child's school life makes a measurable difference in their success. Kennedy Elementary School makes it easy for parents to stay informed and engaged through several channels.
- Official Website: kes.harrisonschools.org
- Phone: (973) 833-8500
- Fax: (973) 483-2455
- PowerSchool Portal: Available through the Parents section of the website for grades and attendance tracking
The school also sends regular updates and newsletters so parents are never left in the dark about important events or changes.
Conclusion
Kennedy Elementary School in Harrison, New Jersey is more than just a school — it is a community that genuinely cares about every child who walks through its doors. With a mission rooted in curiosity, creativity, and character, this campus gives young learners the strongest possible start to their education.
From its diverse and welcoming student body to its Title I support, food service, and before and aftercare programs, the school works hard to remove barriers and give every child an equal opportunity to thrive.
If you are planning to enroll your child, make sure to check their grade eligibility first using the free School Age Calculator at LearnerStep.com. It takes just seconds and gives you state-verified results you can trust. Your child's journey starts here — and now you have everything you need to take that first confident step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grades does Kennedy Elementary School serve?
Kennedy Elementary School serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 1. After completing Grade 1, students move on to Lincoln Elementary School, which covers Grades 2 and 3 within the same Harrison Public Schools district.
2. Where is Kennedy Elementary School located?
The school is located at 1 Washington Street, Harrison, NJ 07029, in Hudson County, New Jersey. You can contact the school directly at (973) 833-8500 for directions or any enrollment-related questions.
3. Does Kennedy Elementary School offer a before and after care program?
Yes, the school does offer a Before and After Care program for enrolled students. Parents should visit the official website at kes.harrisonschools.org or call the school directly to get the latest information on availability, hours, and registration.
4. What is the student-teacher ratio at Kennedy Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Kennedy Elementary School is approximately 14:1, which is better than the district average. This means your child gets more individual attention and personalized support from their teacher each day.
5. How do I know if my child is old enough to enroll at Kennedy Elementary School?
In New Jersey, children must turn 5 by October 1st to qualify for Kindergarten. The easiest way to confirm your child's eligibility is to use the free LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com. Enter your child's date of birth, select New Jersey, and get instant results based on verified state cutoff dates.