The South Orange & Maplewood School District began as a set of small village schools in the 1800s and has grown into a resilient public school system serving a lively mix of families. Since 1867, the community has shared a commitment to high-quality education and preparing students for success at Columbia High School, the first public high school in New Jersey.

Our work to bring students together across neighborhoods through all-embracing efforts is guided by the layered history in Maplewood and South Orange. The Intentional Integration Initiative strengthens our elementary schools so they truly reflect many backgrounds and experiences that distinguish our community, and our Strategic Planning 2026 process, the first in a decade, is opening a new chapter in our district's mission for our community.

The Office of Superintendent Jason Bing steers the district’s vision, strategic planning, instructional priorities, operations, and engagement with families and the community. School principals in the district champion academic excellence and real-world readiness for students. When leadership is focused and aligned, families see schools that are welcoming and centered on equipping every student with the tools to thrive in their postsecondary lives.