Information
Landmark: James Monroe Elementary SchoolCity: Edison
Country: USA New Jersey
Continent: North America
James Monroe Elementary School, Edison, USA New Jersey, North America
James Monroe Elementary School is an educational facility located in Edison, New Jersey, USA.
This institution serves as a primary school for students in the local community.
Visual Characteristics
The school building is constructed primarily of red brick. It features a low-rise design, typically one or two stories in height. The architectural style is functional and utilitarian, common for mid-20th-century public school construction. Large, rectangular windows are a prominent feature, designed to maximize natural light within classrooms.
Location & Access Logistics
James Monroe Elementary School is situated at 1000 James Monroe Drive, Edison, NJ 08837. It is approximately 5 kilometers southwest of the Edison central business district. Access is via James Monroe Drive, which connects to Oak Tree Road (County Route 527). Ample on-site parking is available in designated lots adjacent to the main building. Public transport options include the NJ Transit Bus Route 817, with a stop located within a 0.5km walk from the school on Oak Tree Road.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The school was constructed in 1957. It was built as part of the post-war expansion of public education facilities in the rapidly growing Edison Township. The site was previously undeveloped land, part of the suburban expansion of the era.
Key Highlights & Activities
The primary activity at James Monroe Elementary School is K-5 education. The school grounds include a playground area for student recreation and a sports field used for physical education and organized sports. Community events and parent-teacher association meetings are also held within the school facilities.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The school is equipped with standard educational infrastructure, including classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria. Restrooms are available throughout the building. Shade is provided by trees on the perimeter of the grounds and by awnings over some windows. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the school building and on the grounds. No food vendors are permanently located on-site, but the cafeteria serves student meals.
Best Time to Visit
For observing school operations, the academic year from September to June is relevant. School hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. For community events, specific dates and times will be announced by the school administration. The best time for photography of the exterior would be during daylight hours, avoiding direct midday sun for more even lighting, such as late morning or mid-afternoon.
Facts & Legends
A local anecdote suggests that the school's gymnasium was once used as a temporary shelter during a significant regional storm in the late 1970s, housing residents from nearby areas until power was restored.
Nearby Landmarks
- Edison Public Library - Main Branch (1.5km Northeast)
- Roosevelt Park (2.0km East)
- Woodbridge Center Mall (3.5km North)
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park (4.0km Southwest)