Craig School Positions For Future With Acquisition Of Current Lower And Middle School Facilities

MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J. - May 10, 2015 - PRLog -- The Craig School, a leading, New Jersey-based independent school that specializes in working with students with language-based learning disabilities in grades 2 - 12, today announced that it will be purchasing its current Lower and Middle School facilities, and administrative building, located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.

Founded in 1980 as a school for children of average or above average ability with learning disabilities, The Craig School is built on the foundation that students will thrive if the right environment, strategies and supports are made available to them, including specialized instruction in a structured, small-group, nurturing atmosphere.

The purchase of the Mountain Lakes facilities - and related renovation program - will enable the school to increase enrollment and provide students with broader and deeper learning opportunities in science, math and technology, art and language arts, among other areas.  The Craig Lower and Middle schools have leased the Mountain Lakes facilities since 1999, when enrollment was less than 90 students.  At the start of this school year, 105 students were enrolled in the Lower and Middle schools, and during this year we have grown to approximately 115 students.

Grant L. (Tad) Jacks, Head of School, said: "The acquisition and renovation of our Mountain Lakes facilities is a milestone initiative for The Craig School.  It marks our success in unlocking the true potential of students with learning disabilities over the past thirty-five years, and positions Craig to reach more students with a deep and rich academic offering over next thirty-five.  The upgrades we are planning will make Craig a modern and responsive teaching facility where our talented educators will continue Craig's mission of providing students with strong academic foundations, increasing their ability to be active and independent learners, and developing a sense of who they are as individuals."

Christopher Coates, Chairman of The Board of Trustees, said: "We are excited to be moving forward on this compelling opportunity to secure our future and continue to grow and enrich Craig.  More than a school, Craig is a family of students, educators, and parents dedicated to changing the lives of children with learning disabilities.  We have had a great home in Mountain Lakes since 1999, and are glad to be staying."

Following completion of the purchase, which is expected during the summer of 2015, the Craig School will begin a renovation program on the Mountain Lakes facilities, including the expansion of the school's Orton Gillingham teaching wing for students with Dyslexia and related academic learning disabilities, science lab and technology teaching areas and art studio space. A new state-of-the-art occupational therapy room is also in the preliminary plan.  The renovation program, which will be managed to avoid operational disruption, is expected to be completed by September 2016.

About The Craig School

The Craig School is an independent school that specializes in working with students with learning disabilities in grades 2 - 12.  Craig offers an academic program aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Standards.  The school's program features proven, research-based learning strategies including multi-sensory approaches, assistive technology, and organizational skills.  The Craig Lower and Middle Schools are located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.  The Craig High School is located nearby in Boonton, New Jersey.  Currently 143 students are enrolled at Craig.  To learn more about The Craig School, visit http://www.craigschool.org/.