Mustard Seed School

"I currently have two children at Mustard Seed (2nd and 5th grades), with one more starting in the fall (preK-4). Our connection to Mustard Seed began as a practical one – the preschool schedule worked best for our family when it came time to enroll our oldest child in preschool. But we quickly learned that Mustard Seed was a community we wanted to belong to for many reasons beyond that. While my list of things I love about Mustard Seed is long, I will highlight three things that I think are noteworthy. First, what we noticed in our very first parent teacher conference – and what has been reinforced every year, through every interaction – is that the teachers really know the children. Their personalities, their learning style, their strengths, their quirks – the whole person, and they adapt to what each child needs. The size of the classes and the approach to teaching really lend themselves to this. Whether it be parent teacher conferences, quick email updates, or the honors bestowed on our children at the end of each school year, my husband and I always walk away saying to each other, “yes, that is exactly right about him.” Second, they have instilled in our children a love for learning and exploring that teaches them to ask “why” and “how” and “to what end,” to enjoy the journey of finding things out verses simply learning the answer. My children have benefited from this teaching style by becoming both analytical and entrepreneurial – they regularly talk about things they might invent to solve a problem they encounter to make a specific task easier to achieve, and then they think through why their theories may or may not work. They learn how to learn at Mustard Seed. I have full confidence this skill will benefit them throughout their academic careers and in life generally. Lastly, the spiritual foundation of the school, and how they instill in the children and their families a strong connection to faith and common goodness is so critical in today’s world. Understanding that their behaviors impact others, knowing that they are unconditionally loved by God, and integrating faith into their daily lives are things we try to emphasize at home, but the reinforcement of these critical values at school and when among their friends helps to develop their characters much more deeply. Mustard Seed is a welcoming and loving environment where my children have the freedom to learn and explore – we are so grateful to be part of the community."

"I am a mother of two children at MSS, finishing their 5th and 7th grades. We have been thrilled with the education at the school, and the teachers are incredible. They develop the whole child, and they except the best from each and every one of them!"

"Prior to this year I always heard so many positive things about Mustard Seed and now I am the gushing parent. There is no school locally like MSS on every level. Their approach is different, they think differently and they treat the kids, staff, teachers, parents and community differently, with respect, love, empathy, and much much more. My daughter has had an amazing experience at MSS and we love that we are surrounded by like minded families. Every MSS parent and child LOVES Mustard Seed and you will too. I was nervous initially about the Christian aspect but it's really really done nicely and molds a good foundation into any child and family."

"I am very, very happy with Mustard Seed. The teachers in the 1st grade have been very supportive of my son . He is thriving here. I love that the school is multi-cultural and left leaning which is what Christianity is ultimately all about. "Love each other as I have loved you - JC". And, the are a Christian school after all. As for the other parents, we've met a few who have been very friendly. Nobody has been rude to us, but like all schools, there are groups of parents who have established bonds and new comers are not overly embraced. This is human nature and some patience and time are softening the walls. (Of course, being a non-gregarious person, I can't blame other people for my lack of ability to make new friends easily). But, it is not about me. It is about my son. I feel he is getting a good education compared to the public school he was in prior to moving back to Hoboken. He is making friends, and so are we."

"Best wholesome Christian education that encompasses the entire child."