Jersey City Schools Confirm Controversial Kindergarten Move

URGENT UPDATE: Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) are pressing ahead with a controversial relocation of kindergarten students from Cornelia F. Bradford School (P.S. 16) to the Danforth Avenue Early Childhood Center for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Norma Fernandez confirmed this decision in a letter to parents sent out just moments ago, despite growing objections from the community.

The plan, first unveiled during the Jersey City Board of Education’s caucus meeting on January 20, aims to address significant overcrowding issues at P.S. 16. Currently, kindergarten and first-grade classes are being held in the Washington Street annex, a temporary solution that many parents believe is inadequate.

Since its inception in 2018, the Danforth Center has been home to P.S. 16’s pre-K classes, further complicating the logistics for families. The move has ignited heated discussions amongst parents, with many expressing concerns about the impact on their children’s education and social development.

In her letter, Fernandez emphasized the necessity of this move to provide a more conducive learning environment for the young students. However, the decision has not gone without backlash. Parents are rallying to voice their concerns, highlighting the disruption it may cause to both students and families.

This development comes at a critical time as the school district faces ongoing challenges related to student capacity and resource allocation. The urgency of the situation has local officials calling for a deeper investigation into alternative solutions to overcrowding that would not require such a significant shift for the kindergarten students.

As this situation unfolds, parents are urged to stay informed and engaged. The next school board meeting is scheduled for February 15, where further discussions are expected to take place. Community members are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions.

The JCPS’s decision to relocate kindergarten classes has immediate implications for families in the area, and it will continue to be a focal point of discussion leading up to the school year transition.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as community reactions and official responses are likely to shape the future of this contentious issue.