At the heart of the Renaissance School are students and faculty who investigate ideas through an interdisciplinary thematic curriculum. The thematic approach centers on essential questions that provide the discipline to exceed state and school district standards. The teachers of the Renaissance School have crafted an interdisciplinary curriculum that has at its foundations state standards and tasks that evaluate achievement. Student work is assessed through portfolios. The portfolios are maintained electronically and indicate growth over time.
Structure is based on commitment to maximum use of instructional time.
The school implements an extended day schedule. For the efficient allocation of resources during its growth stages, the Renaissance School relies on adjunct instructors and community resources. These resources include physical education at the Montclair YMCA and a collaboration with the Montclair Art Museum. Part time instructors for specific skill sets come from other schools in the district. In keeping with the philosophy of the classroom with few walls, the thematic units include field study and investigation.