North Caldwell School Lands on 'Reward' List (Video)

Gould Elementary School is living up to the words "Excellence in Education" carved in a sign posted outside the North Caldwell school.

Gould is one of 57 public schools in New Jersey to make the “Reward Schools" list released by the Christie administration earlier this month, according to a report in NJ Spotlight.

The North Caldwell school is among the 17 listed as “high performing" as a result of the students’ performance or progress on state tests.

To be considered “high performing,” a school must achieve proficiency levels in the top 10 percent of the state for every category of students, as well as achieve an overall proficiency rate greater than 90 percent.

“This achievement is a result of our staff’s on-going dedication and commitment to our students,” Principal Chris Checchetto said in a release. “They have always given 110 percent and we are immensely proud of their tireless efforts.”

The Reward Schools list is part of the state’s accountability system approved two years ago. 

The recognition does not come with any funding for the school, which includes fourth-through-sixth grade students.

Nearby Essex Fells Elementary School was also among the schools labeled “high performing.” Brookdale School in Verona is on the list of 57 as a “high growth” school.

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