About the Princeton, West Windsor and Plainsboro, New Jersey Area
 

LOCATION 

Central New Jersey is in close proximity to Route 1, The New Jersey Turnpike, and also Interstate 95, 25 minutes northeast of Trenton, about a one hour drive to the Atlantic Ocean. 

BRIEF HISTORY 

Mercer County was officially founded in 1858. It was a grouping of parts of other counties. When the Revolutionary war ended Princeton and Trenton took turns as the temporary Federal Capitol. George Washington made his famous December crossing of the Delaware River in Mercer County.  

ABOUT EDUCATION 

In addition to the core curriculum, the Princeton Public Schools offer instruction in vocal and instrumental music, art, and physical education. Approximately 90 percent of the total school population goes on to college. Through the guidance of district-based psychologists, social workers, and learning consultants, the district evaluates students for special education and related services. Some of those services include Basic Skills instruction, Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language programs, Resource Rooms, Speech Therapy, Developmental Physical Education, and Home Instruction.  

There are also many private schools in the Princeton area that which offer a wide variety of basic educational skills, with an emphasis in their particular field of expertise. 

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT AREA? 

King George of England chartered Princeton University in 1756; it was the 4th college chartered in the New World. It is an area steeped in history that goes back to the pre-Revolutionary War era and played a major part in the American Revolution.
 

LOCATION 

West Windsor is just south of Plainsboro and east of Princeton--in between Route 1 on the west and interstate 95 on the east. 

BRIEF HISTORY
West Windsor Township was incorporated in 1797, encompassing seven small towns. In the 1800’s, West Windsor was a prosperous farming community with its central location between New York and Philadelphia. Its location was ideal for the distribution of its products.  

ABOUT EDUCATION 

West Windsor and Plainsboro is one regional school district . They serve a diverse population of approximately 42,000 residents. Their location contains one of America’s leading research centers , serving as home to technological leaders. The area has been recognized in several publications as one of the top suburban communities in the area. 

With its central location between New York and Philadelphia, many well educated professional people have settled in this region., and the school district reflects and emulates the lifestyle and pride in its academic and cultural accomplishments. 

It is an educational environment that requires them to use their imagination and common sense in solving problems. With its rich academic programs, alternative options, and extra curricular activities, the child and young person’s learning expands beyond the limitations of the classroom into the real world.  

Because of the academic and cultural resources of West Windsor and Plainsboro, the staff here is a dedicated and highly trained group of individuals with an above average ability to help and motivate the approximately 9,000 students in their trust.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT AREA? 

War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells’s famous story about the invasion of the earth by Martians took place in West Windsor. It was the initial landing site of the Martians. Orson Wells sent the country into a panic with this radio broadcast in 1938.
 

LOCATION 

Plainsboro is located six miles southeast of Princeton. 

BRIEF HISTORY 

The Unami tribe of native Americans were the first to inhabit the area known as Plainsboro. They were an agricultural tribe and the rich fertile soil was the perfect place for them to settle. In the mid 1600’s the Dutch migrated from New York and became the first European settlers. Soon afterwards the English established a settlement also.
Most of the area in Mercer and Middlesex counties was fertile farmland and agriculture was the main source of income. 

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT AREA? 

The Township offers a blend of suburban and rural atmospheres influenced as much by its expansive farmland and open space as by its proximity to Princeton and its midway location between Philadelphia and New York City. It is within an hour’s drive to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as to the rolling hills of North Jersey. The Township is 11.8 square miles with a population slightly over 20,000.