Superintendent's Corner Column

The Future Is Bright

October 17, 2025

"What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge,

and not knowledge in pursuit of the child." George Bernard Shaw

96% of our AP students score 3 or higher.

Let me say that again: 96%.

Five years ago, that number was 74%. We were already doing well. But we knew we could do better.

So here's what we did. We opened the doors wider. More students. More courses. More opportunity.

The results?

325 students now taking AP courses (up from 276)
850 AP exams taken (up from 612)
312 students earning college credit (up from 205)

And 96% of them succeed.

That's not just growth. That's transformation.

What This Means for Your Child

Every AP course your child passes does something powerful:

It saves you money. Each course passed means college credit earned at a fraction of tuition costs. That's thousands of dollars per course.

It strengthens their transcript. Colleges see students who can handle challenging work.

It opens doors. To selective colleges. To scholarships. To opportunities you might not expect.

It proves they're ready. For college. For challenge. For whatever comes next.

Fair Lawn High School is now ranked the 12th highest-performing traditional public high school in New Jersey.

We don't pick our students. We develop them.

The Whole Picture

Academic excellence matters. But it's not everything.

Our students compete in championship athletics. They perform in award-winning arts programs. They lead dozens of clubs where they find their passion and their people.

This is where character develops, where friendships form. Where students discover who they are.

We balance challenging academics with real support. High expectations with genuine care. College prep and career readiness with community roots.

What Makes Us Different

Here's what sets Fair Lawn High School apart:

We believe every student can achieve. Not just some. All. Every single one who walks through our doors with curiosity and commitment.

We remove barriers. Want to take AP classes? We'll help you get there. Need extra support? We'll provide it.

We keep students rooted in their community. They grow up with neighbors who become lifelong friends. They're not visitors who drive in—they're part of Fair Lawn's fabric.

We prove what's possible right here at home. Without entrance exams. Without selection. Just hard work, excellent teaching, and belief in young people.

See It Yourself

Don't take my word for it.

Watch this video first. It shows what happens in our classrooms every day.

Then call our school administration to ask questions. Bring your 8th grader. Meet our teachers. Talk to our students. See what 96% success looks like up close.

One More Thing

Tuesday night, we held our High School Open House. Hundreds of families filled our hallways. The energy was incredible.

But here's what struck me most: parents discovering that the excellence they're looking for isn't somewhere else.

It's right here.

Your child can achieve remarkable things at Fair Lawn High School. We see it happen every day.

The question is simple: What kind of excellence do you want for your child?

Excellence that develops potential instead of just selecting it.

Excellence that saves you money while preparing your child for the future.

Excellence that keeps your child connected to this community.

We're ready when you are.

With pride in our students and staff,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Inspiring Possibilities, Empowering Excellence: Every Student, Every Day

(ABOVE) Fair Lawn High School celebrates 15 National Merit Scholars, including 1 Semifinalist—all scoring in the top 1% nationwide on the PSAT.

About the Fair Lawn Public School District: Fair Lawn Public Schools, where excellence in education meets the vibrant spirit of our community. With a population of over 35,000 residents, Fair Lawn is a thriving hub of diverse cultures, ideas, and talents, and our school district reflects this rich tapestry. Comprising ten schools from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for approximately 5,700 students. Our dedicated team of 1,200 staff members works tirelessly to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The leaders of tomorrow attend Fair Lawn schools today. We believe in nurturing the unique potential of each learner, fostering a love of learning, and preparing students to become compassionate, confident, and contributing members of society in classrooms that are dynamic spaces where personalized instruction, innovation, and collaboration flourish. Fair Lawn Public Schools is a place where students discover their passions, unlock their potential, and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.