Cedar Hill Prep
Inspiring Minds. Building Futures.
CE PREPARA A World of Learning. A Community of Belonging.
At Cedar Hill Preparatory School, we sow the seeds of curiosity, love for knowledge and the will to engage socially such that every student leaves us with a sense of identity and purpose in life.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to provide visible learning outcomes. We evaluate student performance, benchmark it against the curriculum, and are constantly making changes to improve understanding. Small class sizes and differentiated instruction, utilizing technology and interactive multimedia sessions, have proven to be very effective in student learning. We engage in an inquiry-based curriculum and pedagogy which increases student motivation to participate, explore, and learn.
As we move forward, we remain committed to nurturing curioius minds, compassionate hearts, and confident leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Here’s to the future!
Nandini Menon, Ed.D. Chief Education Officer and Founder
Our Mission Statement
We believe that every learner thrives in a community where diverse perspectives are honored and authentic relationships inspire curiosity and confidence. Through real-world, hands-on learning experiences, Cedar Hill Prep students explore ideas beyond the classroom, apply knowledge with purpose, and develop the enduring skills that lead to lifelong mastery. These values shape not only how our students learn, but who they become—compassionate, engaged global citizens prepared to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
On September 28, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos named Cedar Hill Prep School as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Cedar Hill Preparatory School has been acknowledged in the “Exemplary High Performing Schools” category in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation International Baccalaureate Program
On October 15th, 2021 the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools awarded Cedar Hill Prep accreditation. This accredited status signifies that CHP, as an educational organization, meets all MSA Standards for Accreditation, as well as the requirements of the self-study protocol. We are delighted to share the honor of this recognition of our school as an accredited member of the MSA with all our families.
Cedar Hill Prep School is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). CHP is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
Outcomes of Excellence
Our focus on masterybased learning and academic rigor consistently positions its students for success. Graduates excel on placement tests like the SSAT, with a mean score of 85th percentile, and matriculate to top high schools and competitive universities.
High School Placements
• Blair Academy
• Choate Rosemary Hall
• Deerfield Academy
• Delbarton School**
• Emma Willard School
• Episcopal High School
• George School
• The Hill School
• The Hotchkiss School
• The Hun School of Princeton**
• Immaculata High School**
• Kent Place School**
• The Lawrenceville School**
• Le Jardin Academy (Hawaii)
• The Madeira School
• McNair Academic High School
• Mercersburg Academy**
• Middlesex Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences
• Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies
• Miss Porter’s School
• Mount Saint Mary Academy
• The Peddie School**
• The Pennington School**
• Phillips Academy Andover
• Phillips Exeter Academy**
• The Pingry School**
• Princeton Day School**
• Rutgers Preparatory School**
• Seton Hall Preparatory School
• Solebury School
• Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School—Academy for Health and Medical Sciences**
• St. Joseph High School**
• St. Paul’s School, NH
• St. Thomas Aquinas High School**
• Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart**
• Union Catholic Regional High School**
• Union County Magnet High School**
• UCVTS Law & Justice
• Wardlaw+Hartridge School**
• Wilbraham and MonsonAcademy
** Multiple students/ multiple years
90% 80% 95% of our graduates go on to pursue STEM Degrees of our graduates attend top private schools in NJ of our graduates get into top universities in the US
Notable Alumni
Lauryn Rodney
Class of 2013
CHP First graduating class
Northeastern University (2022)
Associate Process Engineer, Nestle
Nima Majidi
Class of 2015
Georgetown University (2023)
Fulbright Scholar (2023-25)
University of Chicago (J.D.,enrolled in 2025)
Kathryn Lytkowksi
Class of 2016
Georgetown University (2024), School of Foreign Service
Ananya Gangavarapu
Class of 2017
Cal Tech (2025)
Co-Founder & CEO of Curat X
Cole Shannon
Class of 2019
University of Pennsylvania, Football
CE PREPARA
CHP Alumni College Placements
• Boston College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Caltech
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Columbia University
• Drew University
• Drexel University
• Furman University
• George Washington University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Hampton University
• Harvard University
• Howard University
• Indiana University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Lafayette College
• Marist College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Morehouse College
• Muhlenberg College
• North Carolina State University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• New York University
• Northeastern University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Rice University
• Rowan University (8 year Medical School)
• Rutgers University Honors College, Business School
• Seton Hall University
• Stony Brook University Honors College (8 year Medical School)
• Smith College
• Spelman College
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Syracuse University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Tufts University
• University of Illinois
• Urbana-Champaign
• University of Arizona
• U Cal Berkeley
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Maryland
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Rochester
• University of Scranton
• University of Tampa
• University of Toronto
• University of Virginia
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Wellesley College
• Williams College
EARLY CHILDHOOD: PRESCHOOL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN
Where Wonder Begins
Cedar Hill Prep School is dedicated to providing a holistic and engaging Early Childhood curriculum. With many of our young learners being multilingual, our program places a strong emphasis on early language acquisition to ensure clear sound–speech connections and confident English development. Our curriculum is also anchored in 38 research-based objectives that serve as proven predictors of long-term academic success, supporting each child’s growth from the very start.
Highlights
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• Foreign Language
• Sensory Playground
• Mindfulness Curriculum
“ The
Kindergarten Program at CHP provided a great educational experience for my daughter. The curriculum is very thorough and prepared students for success that is above and beyond average kindergarten programs.”
—Angie J. Barnes, CHP Parent
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: GRADES 1-4
Where Dialogue Drives Discovery
Learning is visible, purposeful, and celebrated at Cedar Hill Prep. Students develop skills through exploring concepts, phenomena, and real-world experiences, deepening understanding through inquiry and reflection. By engaging in competitions and collaborative challenges, they are inspired to take ownership of their learning and pursue mastery with intention. Every child’s growth is nurtured and recognized, preparing them to be thoughtful, capable, and resilient learners ready to make an impact in a complex world.
Highlights
• Inquiry-based learning
• Cumulative Exams
• Computer Programming
• Theater
• Art
• Music
• Mindfulness
• Participation in Academic Competitions
• Sports skill development
• Ecology and Sustainability Field Work
“
CHP nurtures students who excel across academics, arts, athletics, and leadership—developing the confidence to shine in any arena. The recognition isn’t performative; it reflects teachers’ genuine investment in every student’s growth. Here, children don’t just learn content—they develop self-assurance and the presence to articulate their ideas with conviction.”
—Swetha Visesh, CHP Parent
NEW JERSEY STATE HOUSE VISIT
NATIONAL ACADEMIC COMPETITION
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF NATURE (NJIN)
MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADES 5-8
From Curiosity to Innovation
At CHP, Middle School students explore science, technology, literature, and history in an interdisciplinary, immersive environment. Through project-based learning, Robotics, coding, design thinking, poetry, literature analysis, and historical narratives, they engage in rich dialogue, perspective-taking, and real-world problem solving.
This hands-on, inquiry-driven approach nurtures critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, empowering students to become innovative, reflective, and globally minded problem solvers ready to make a meaningful impact.
Highlights
• Executive Function Skill Development
• Inquiry-based learning
• Cumulative Exams
• Computer Programming and Prompt Engineering
• Theater
• Art
• Music
• Mindfulness
• National and International Competitions
• Middle School Sports Leagues
• Ecology and Sustainability Field Work
• Electives
• After School Clubs
“
An excellent educational investment! Personal attention to each child and outstanding clubs like Debate and Robotics with exposure to regional and national competitions. My kids have been ‘lifers’ at Cedar Hill Prep, where they have found a family away from home. They don’t want to miss even one day of school! Go CHP!”
—Dr. Divya Gupta, CHP Parent
World Languages
Students at CHP embark on a true multilingual journey from the earliest years. Beginning with Spanish in Preschool and adding French in Grade 4, our immersive language program builds strong foundations in communication, cultural understanding, and global literacy. In Middle School, students specialize in Spanish or French, refining fluency while exploring literature, culture, and expression. Graduates leave Cedar Hill Prep trilingual, in addition to their native language, equipped to navigate an interconnected world with confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural competence.
Our Students Don’t Just Speak the Languages – They Live Them
The Path to World Languages at CHP
World language instruction begins early at Cedar HIll Prep, nurturing curiosity and communication skills from the start.
Preschool-Grade 3
Foundational listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills through play and songs
Grade 4
Grade 5
Basic expressions, greetings, and cultural exploration
Students select their language track for continued study
Reading, writing, and exploration of grammar and cultural connections
Grade 8
Strengthened communication, grammar, and cultural literacy; high school readiness
FRENCH CAFÉ
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
MARDI GRAS
CINCO DE MAYO
Serving Our World From Compassion to Action
Through sustainability efforts, including CHP’s award-winning Green Team, composting initiatives, and outreach projects supporting local schools, students learn that small actions drive big change. Partnerships with TEEEM empower them to make a global impact—learning about communities like the Lakota Indian Nation—while developing leadership, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to making the world better.
Understanding the Past to Build a Better Future
At CHP, students explore history, literature, and dialogue to develop empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world. By connecting the past, present, and future, they examine how historical events shape contemporary life and future possibilities.
Through an interdisciplinary approach to language and literacy, students link learning to real-world contexts, crafting original literary works, analyzing problems through historical lenses, and engaging in evidence-based debates—building the communication, perspective-taking, and analytical skills essential for thoughtful, globally minded citizens.
CHP’s Award-Winning Middle School Debate Team
“
Debate at CHP taught me qualities I continue to use in my everyday life, such as hard work, intellectual curiosity, and strong social skills. Most importantly, standing up and speaking in front of a panel of judges taught me how to express my arguments effectively through public speaking. Simply put, CHP was and continues to be the foundation of my current academic and personal growth.”
— Sahith Mangu, CHP Alumni Class of 2024, Sophomore at The Hill School
National Junior Honor Society
We proudly recognize our exceptional middlelevel students through the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). This prestigious organization honors those who exemplify scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Membership reflects a commitment to academic excellence and a positive impact on the community. NJHS members are celebrated for their achievements and encouraged to develop leadership skills and serve others.
Beyond the Classroom Into the Natural World
Our nearby 50-acre New Jersey Institute of Nature (NJIN) invites students to explore environmental science, conservation, and sustainability through handson experiences. Guided by USDA experts and Rutgers faculty, each grade connects classroom lessons to real-world phenomena, conducting experiments, observing nature, and even creating poetry. These immersive experiences foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the natural world, enriching both learning and personal growth.
pH in Fredon and Hopatgong
WATER QUALITY: STUDENT RESEARCH AT NJIN
Dissolved Oxygen in Fredon and Hopatgong
Secchi in Fredon and Hopatcong
Athletics for Life and Learning
Physical education begins in elementary school, fostering a lifelong connection between mind and body. Through skill-based training and athletics, students develop agility, coordination, and gross motor skills while building discipline, teamwork, and resilience. From soccer to basketball, cross country, tennis, track and field, and volleyball, our programs challenge students to push boundaries, cultivate grit, and embrace healthy competition. By integrating wellness and sports into the curriculum, Cedar Hill Prep ensures that physical growth is celebrated, purposeful, and foundational to overall student development.
Creativity as a Pathway to Learning
Art, Music, and Drama are integral to the curriculum, not electives. Through these disciplines, students engage in interpretation, creation, and reflection, developing their communication, critical thinking, and inquiry skills—core IB Approaches to Learning. By exploring ideas across multiple artistic mediums, learners strengthen observation, listening, and self-expression, cultivating creativity alongside intellectual rigor. This immersive approach empowers students to make connections, think divergently, and navigate a complex, digital world with confidence and curiosity.
Mind, Body, Heart: Education for the Whole Child
At CHP, students develop body and mind awareness through mindful movement, breathing exercises, yoga, and reflection. From heartfulness and stress-management tools to health lessons on sleep, organization, and personal habits, learners cultivate focus, resilience, and self-regulation. By experimenting with these tools and reflecting on their effectiveness, students build confidence, discipline, and lifelong wellness skills that support academic, athletic, and personal growth.
Join the Club
Cedar Hill Prep’s diverse clubs, spanning from Debate and Robotics to Music and Arts, profoundly enrich students by extending learning beyond core academics. These activities foster essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Participation encourages students to develop new passions, apply classroom knowledge in practical settings, build confidence, and compete in regional and national academic leagues, ensuring their holistic development as well-rounded individuals.
CHP CLUBS
• Cooking Around the World
• Crazy 8’s Math
• DnD Woodshop
• Drama
• Flag Football
• Guitar
• Sewing & Crafts
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Spanish
• Tabletop Role Playing Game
• Crafta “The Great Craft Camp”
• Reading & Writing
• Track
• Ink & Imagination
• Curious Minds Science
• “Yogi Forever” Yoga
• “Born Artist” Art
• “Math with a Twist” Math
• Archery
DND WOODSHOP
ROBOTICS CLUB
CRAZY 8’S MATH
READING & WRITING CLUB
Expert Teachers, Exceptional Results
At CHP, we are dedicated to fostering continuous learning and growth among its faculty. Teachers actively participate in regular professional development opportunities, including hands-on workshops and specialized conferences. These sessions focus on enhancing a wide range of skills, from adopting innovative classroom techniques and effective pedagogical strategies to mastering the integration of the latest educational technology. This commitment ensures that the teaching staff remains current, bringing the most effective and engaging learning experiences to the students.
A Community That Lasts a Lifetime
What truly sets Cedar Hill Prep School apart is the profound sense of belonging that connects every member of our community—students, families, teachers, and alumni. From the very first day in Preschool, each child becomes part of a House, a tradition that fosters camaraderie, leadership, and pride across all grades. Schoolwide celebrations such as Multicultural Night, Family Fun Day, Junior Olympics, and graduation ceremonies strengthen these bonds, while day-long retreats to our 50-acre farm nurture friendships and a love for nature. This spirit of connection endures long after graduation—our alumni continue to call their CHP peers their inner circle and often return to mentor, volunteer, and give back. At CHP, belonging is not just a feeling—it’s a lifelong legacy. MULTICULTURAL NIGHT
Leading with Vision, Passion, and Purpose
NANDINI MENON, Ed.D. Founder
ODONALD SEELEY Principal
ur leadership team is committed to empowering every learner. Founder Dr. Nandini Menon champions instructional approaches that transform disengaged students into self-advocating, confident learners, while Principal Donald Seeley emphasizes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of success.
Every teacher embraces CHP’s mission, creating classrooms where students feel known, valued, and challenged. Together, they ensure a school culture where care, vision, and high expectations cultivate lifelong growth and achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cedar Hill Prep School stand out from other schools?
At Cedar Hill Prep School, education spans the length of childhood, which provides the foundational skills for higher learning. While embracing the individual and allowing the child to lead and discover, students are also given opportunities to assume authentic leadership roles and develop an ageappropriate sophistication that is not commonly found in K-8 environments. We are a warm, down-to-earth, respectful community. Status isn’t important to us. We value children as leaders and view parents as partners throughout this momentous and endearing journey toward adolescence.
What is the average student to teacher ratio at CHP?
With intentionally small class sizes and a warm, tight-knit community, Cedar Hill Prep maintains an average student-toteacher ratio of 15:1 — a key element of our students’ continued success.
How Would You Describe a Cedar Hill Prep School Student?
Cedar Hill Prep School students are instilled with a sense of independence early on, which fosters confidence, risk taking and a true love for learning.
Do you accept international students and issue the I-20?
Yes. We are a Fully-Accredited & SEVIS Certified school with I-20 Visa authorization to recruit international students.
Does Cedar Hill Prep School have any religious affiliations?
No. Cedar Hill Prep School is secular, but attractive to families of all faiths, since “Inclusion is the mantra.”
We don’t just teach for success; we teach for significance.”
Nandini Menon, Ed.D.
How will Cedar Hill Prep School communicate with me about my child’s progress?
CHP is committed to a robust partnership with parents. With this in mind, the parents use a school management system that is fully integrated with the learning management system. This allows parents to have daily insights to their child’s learning process.
Preparing Students for Lifelong Success
CHP graduates gain admission to the nation’s top high schools and universities—and excel in them. Rooted in rigorous, student-centered learning, they master the ability to think critically, analyze deeply, and apply knowledge meaningfully. Equipped with confidence, curiosity, and resilience, CHP graduates thrive in STEM, pre-professional, and liberal arts pathways, continuing a legacy of excellence.
“Cedar Hill Prep did a great job preparing for my academic and athletic success. While at CHP, I learned the importance of values like collaboration, respect, and teamwork.”
— Myles Parker, Class of 2021, Basketball Player & Freshman, Marist University
“
The biggest way CHP shows up in my life is my ability to stand up for myself and advocate for myself. I’m not afraid to ask questions because at CHP, you were encouraged to be inquisitive”
— Nethra Velanki, Class of 2020, Sophomore, Case Western University
“Transitioning from CHP to high school wasn’t too difficult. CHP really equips you as a student to thrive in just about any environment. In my case, I was transitioning into a less academically rigorous environment, so I found myself thriving and succeeding in a lot of my classes.”
— Carys Neill, Class of 2020, Sophomore, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Campus Map
1. Student Drop-Off
2. Cafeteria
3. Preschool-2nd Grade
4. Spray Park
5. Basketball
6. Soccer Field
7. Grades 3-8
8. Gymnasium
9. Sensory Engagement Playground
10. Music Arts
11. World Language
12. Theater Arts
13. Computer Lab
Cedar Hill Prep’s expansive 9-acre campus in Somerset, New Jersey, offers a secure and stimulating environment for young learners. Its convenient location near major highways makes it easily accessible for families from over 20 surrounding towns. The grounds themselves provide a peaceful, dedicated space for education. The campus is designed for experiential learning, utilizing its open spaces and natural surroundings as an extension of the classroom. This thoughtful physical environment, combined with a dedicated administration that maintains a caring and supportive atmosphere, ensures a safe place where students can focus entirely on growth, exploration, and developing strong connections with peers and faculty.
TENNIS
CEDAR HILL SWIM CLUB
