NJMOM Back To School Guide: Activities and Resources for A Successful School Year

0
 
 
     

School is right around the corner, and while there might be a lot to do, a little planning can go a long way. Whether you are looking for a new school, stocking up on school supplies, needing activities after school, or searching for resources, we have lots of great options from our NJMOM partners. From preschool to swim school to ballet classes, we have you covered to get back to school ready before September hits. (featured photo credit: istock/Kalinovskiy)

After School and Weekend Activities

SPONSORED

Back to school

Photo Credit: British Swim School

British Swim School

British Swim School, the nation’s most established swim school franchise with over 40 years in business, believes that every individual, regardless of age or ability, should have the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer. Offering lessons for babies, children, and adults, the brand is dedicated to its mantra, “Survival of the Littlest,” focusing first on the survival skills needed to survive a water accident, then moving on to stroke development and more advanced skills, while staying true to their philosophy of teaching true floating skills without flotation devices. Another remarkable feature is their signature “Survival Week,” 4x per year, where students learn to float and swim with their clothes on to simulate real-life accidents. British Swim Schools give peace of mind to countless families who seek the essential life skill the brand offers their children. With over 20 locations in New Jersey, there is one close to you.
Various locations throughout New Jersey
SPONSORED
Five Star Swim Back to school

Five Star Swim School

Five Star Swim School is THE place for quality swim lessons in New Jersey and Pennsylvania! They are dedicated to the success of each student, whether it be getting over a fear of water or reaching the next level of swimming. Their staff is passionate, committed, highly trained, and certified, with years of experience in aquatic instruction. They are focused on details and are constantly improving our teaching techniques. The programs are specialized with our unique teaching style and methods, utilizing repetition of drills, and each class follows a routine that students get easily accustomed to. The indoor saltwater pool is heated to 90 degrees. Classes are divided by age group. Our infant classes start as early as 6 months, and the student-to-teacher ratio is [6:1], with one parent/caregiver with a child in the water. Children aged 2.5 to 15 are grouped by age categories and separated into skill-appropriate levels, and the student-to-instructor ratio is [3:1].
Five Star Swim School has locations throughout New Jersey in Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Brunswick (Opening soon!), East Hanover, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway, Princeton, and Pennsylvania in Lehigh Valley. Contact them today, and start now your child’s journey on Swimming Lessons.
SPONSORED
New Jersey Ballet
Photo Credit: New Jersey Ballet School

New Jersey Ballet School

This academic year, join the wonderful faculty of New Jersey Ballet School as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary. Located in Florham Park, the School has been a beacon of excellence in dance education for nearly seven decades. As we eagerly prepare for the new season, we invite aspiring dancers of all ages and skill levels to join us on an extraordinary journey of artistry, discipline, and self-expression. Our dedicated team of experienced instructors fosters a nurturing environment where students can explore their passion for dance while honing their technical abilities. From age four to aspiring professionals striving for perfection, our tailored curriculum caters to each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. Our state-of-the-art facilities boast four spacious studios, providing the necessary space for an exceptional learning experience. Join New Jersey Ballet School this fall and unlock your full potential and witness the transformative power of movement. Enroll today and let your passion for dance take center stage. Website: www.njschoolofballet.com Instagram: @njbschool Facebook: @NJSBallet
7-9 Vreeland Rd, Florham Park, NJ 07932, 973.597.9600 | info@njballet.org

SPONSORED

Back to school guide

Photo Credit: Big Kahuna’s

Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna’s Water Park is a tropical destination located in West Berlin, New Jersey. Best known for its retractable roof that guarantees year-round, weatherproof fun, this family-friendly water park offers a safe, clean, and fun environment with a team of well-trained and certified lifeguards. Big Kahuna’s is committed to inclusivity and is currently on its way to becoming a Certified Autism Center and is hosting a sensory-sensitive event in September. It’s also the perfect venue for birthday parties throughout the year, offering a variety of party options tailored to different budgets. The guest of honor will undoubtedly feel like a true Big Kahuna! Secure a group or party reservation online 24/7 at bigkahunas.com/NJ. Big Kahuna’s Water Park has solidified its place as an exciting and family-favorite staycation destination. The best part is that Big Kahuna’s doesn’t break the bank, with ticket options starting at just $29.99. For a splashtastic deal, consider purchasing a 2023 season pass, which remains valid until the year’s end, priced at $69.99. Buying discount tickets online is recommended. Big Kahuna extends discounted admission for groups that secure reservations in advance of their visit. 
535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
SPONSORED

Njswim Photo Credit: Njswim

Njswim

Njswim has created a safe approach to swim lessons that helps children of all ages become proficient swimmers. The Njswim lesson programs are for all ages and developmentally suitable to keep kids interested in swimming and building strength as they become independent swimmers. Swimming is a life-long activity to be enjoyed as children grow. It all begins with learning how to swim—a priceless life skill every child should know. Each Njswim location offers a swim program, and now is the best time to enroll in swim lessons so your child will be more comfortable and safe in and around the pool or the beach next summer. For more information on how to teach your child this crucial life skill, go to Njswim.com.
Locations in Brick, Florham Park, Lakeside-Roxbury, Manasquan, Sparta, and Turnersville.

Stocking up on supplies

SPONSORED

Back to school guide

Photo Credit: Pearle Vision

Pearle Vision

We are a multi-faceted, comprehensive, innovative, and visionary optometric practice specializing in providing comprehensive state-of-the-art eyecare. Our optometric physicians and their support staff work as a team to provide patients with a personalized experience, leveraging today’s technological advances. Our professionals treat and monitor most ocular diseases and eye injuries.  We also co-manage surgical aftercare with local ophthalmologists. We are your friendly neighborhood eyecare center to care for all of your vision needs. For kids 18 and under, we offer comprehensive eye care, a wide selection of frames, state-of-the-art lens offerings, free cleanings and adjustments, and free lenses for kids. 
Various locations in New Jersey
SPONSORED

Photo Credit: American Dream

American Dream: The Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping Destination

Send your kids back to school with the styles and supplies they’ll need to make it their best year ever. Our Ultimate Dream Back-to-School Gift Guide includes Journeys: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack, perfect for everyday use, featuring a durable Vinylon exterior and a spacious interior. The Apple Store: AirPods Max can be personalized with free engraving to make sure they are unmistakably yours. Boxed Lunch: Tarana Halo Gray Insulated Lunch Bag isn’t just a practical way to pack your favorite foods—it’s also an opportunity to protect the planet. Made from 16 recycled water bottles, the easy-to-clean insulated cooler with an expandable compartment makes for a major upgrade in the bagged lunch category. Foot Locker: Nike Blazer High is giving major vintage vibes with the old-school basketball look for an extremely versatile and supremely comfortable throwback. Best Buy: Chromebook is packed with performance and value and will give your student the edge they need to kick start their day with power, speed, and security. Vans: Kids Realm H20 Backpack offers an all-purpose two-pocket design with an organizer in the front and a classic slip-in interior pocket. Pair with the latest fashions from Abercrombie Kids and Cotton On Kids, and your kid is first-day ready.
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Resources

SPONSORED

back to school guide

Photo Credit: The Arc of New Jersey

The Arc of New Jersey

The Arc of New Jersey is the state’s largest advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Part of our mission is assisting individuals and families to find the supports and services they need, helping them navigate the many different government systems and entitlement programs, and ensuring each person is connected to our community and available resources. Whether it’s guiding a family through the transition years from school to adult life, explaining how to apply for benefits, or educating our network about the available services and how to access them, The Arc of New Jersey wants to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families every step of the way.
Various locations in New Jersey

Schools to tour

SPONSORED

Photo Credit: Apple Montessori School

Apple Montessori School

Apple Montessori Schools offers infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary programs for children ages six weeks – twelve years*. For over 50 years, our educators have helped guide children toward their fullest potential—all in a caring, safe, and fun environment. Our well-rounded programs focus on more than academic achievement, we nurture physical, social, and emotional growth. Through character education, yoga, art, coding & robotics, outdoor learning, and more, we prepare children for happiness and success well beyond their preschool years. LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY
*Programs vary by location. Multiple locations throughout NJ.

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.

 
 
     

About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

CLOSE
CLOSE