Packanack Elementary School is located in Wayne, New Jersey and serves Packanack Lake, a thriving suburban community of approximately 1,500 homes, 30 minutes northwest of New York City. Approximately 430 students, preschool to fifth grade, attend Packanack Elementary School. The Packanack Parent Teacher Organization serves as a vibrant, energetic force that binds this remarkable school community. Parents are considered key partners in their children’s education.

At Packanack our goal is to address the needs of each individual child. Reading Benchmark Assessments are administered at the beginning of the school year for each child. Mathematics diagnostics are administered before each unit to determine each student’s instructional needs. Packanack’s talented and dedicated staff fosters a love of learning through lessons crafted with a focus on deeper understanding in all areas of the curriculum. Preschool students have opportunities for play-based learning where language development, literacy and math experiences are provided daily.

The Language Arts curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Balanced literacy is experienced through the School Wide literacy program with a focus on growing readers and writers through small group/individual student-centered learning. Mathematics curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and developed through the integration of the 8 mathematical practices..

Students are also provided with project-based learning experiences in science and social studies. The environmental education program for students in grades 1-4 is done in partnership with Ramapo College culminating in a 2 day environmental education encampment for the fifth graders..

At Packanack we strive to develop the whole child. Packanack’s team of specialists provide dynamic lessons in physical education, art, choral music, instrumental music, media and technology. As a school that nurtures the talents of students, we also provide extracurricular activities, such as a variety of after school enrichments, Talent Show, and the very popular Safety Patrol program..

Packanack employs a proactive approach to anti-bullying through its HERO initiative (Help Everyone Respect Others). Students are encouraged to be the “front line’ in the most natural settings, playground or lunchroom, supporting their peers.

Packanack Elementary School is a place where all participants are respected for who they are, students are expected to reach their full academic potential and teachers and parents work together to developing life-long learners.

The mission of the elementary schools in Wayne Township is to prepare students to function in a global society, to reach their academic and social potential, to become lifelong learners, and to build strong character through an emphasis on honesty, responsibility, caring, and respect for self and others. 

One of the factors that is unique to Packanack School is the belief that the exchange of knowledge between students and teachers is an important part of the educational process.  The thrust of units-of-study and projects is geared towards this belief.

The staff of Packanack School is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that allows children to become actively engaged in an educational environment that places lifelong learning in the forefront.  

If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please make sure to let the Nurse know. Either call the attendance line at 973-633-3170 and follow the prompts for the attendance line. Please make sure to include your child's name, their teacher, and the reason for their absence (please include symptoms).  

The federal law, called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requires teachers to be “highly qualified” in the subjects they teach.  As parents you have the right to inquire about the qualifications and the “HQT” status of your child’s teacher.  At Albert Payson Terhune Elementary School every classroom has a “Highly Qualified Teacher” who is dedicated to the success of each child.  You are encouraged to continue to support your child’s education and communicate with his or her teacher on a regular basis.  By partnering with your child’s teacher, together we can provide your child with the best education possible.  

WTPS 1:1 Chromebook Initiative