By Jodi Mayo Alessandri
Lebanon, NJ n A renovated 19th century farmhouse in the heart of a residential area is home to the Blossom Hill Country Day School. Unique in its teaching philosophy as well as its facility, the day school is preparing students for a lifetime of learning.
Blossom Hill Country Day School is founded on one fundamental belief: every human being has the potential for unlimited learning. Its teaching approach is aimed at freeing students from any self-imposed limitations, allowing them to fully utilize their own inner resources. Through this philosophy, learning becomes a fun, fulfilling, and highly anticipated journey as students unleash their personal potential.
This approach engages the total person to create the optimum learning environment. Children are taught to use their creative thinking to solve problems, achieve higher academic performance, increase their energy level and to embrace the excitement of expanded learning. Since enhanced learning can only be achieved through optimum mental, physical, and emotional health, children are also taught to appreciate proper nutrition, exercise, relaxation, work, and play as integral parts of the higher learning experience.
Pre-school, ages 2 through 4 years, and full-day kindergarten students participate in choosing the activities for the day. Many times, a life experience is the catalyst for the day’s lessons. All educational activities are prepared by experienced staff to build intellectual strength and excellence in academics. Math, science, basic skills, social studies, and creative thinking are integrated into social activities as often as possible to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
Once a bustling dairy farm, the 4.5-acre site and beautiful country home were transformed into a day school in the 1960s. Cora Schiavone founded the school in 2000 and served as its director from 2000-2005. She has now returned to oversee the curriculum and activities of her beloved Blossom Hill Country Day School and the students she feels honored to be entrusted with.
Students of Blossom Hill Country Day School often test higher in math and reading when tested against other children their age. As Cora Schiavone explains, “There is a vast difference between the offerings of a ‘day care’ and a ‘day school’. A day care provides a safe, playful, social environment for children. A day school combines that necessary social interaction with an educational component to propel children into a lifetime love of learning. There is no better gift you can give a child than the love of learning.”
The unique setting of Blossom Hill Country Day School is comforting to both students and parents. The relaxing feel of the country ‘home’ allows students to settle in quickly and is far less intimidating than the average school setting. Upon entering the building, children are at ease, and feel better prepared for academic achievement. A parent of former students said, “Our family is so proud of both of our girls as they have grown in all areas of their development. They are confident, have grown so much academically, and are ready for future school experiences due to the excellent programs at Blossom Hill Country Day School.”
Blossom Hill Country Day School is located at 22 Allerton Road in Lebanon and is open all year, providing pre-school for ages 2-4, full-day kindergarten, summer camp with a pool for ages 2-13, and wrap around programs for all. Call 908-735-0888 for more information or visit www.blossomhillcountrydayschool.com.

