SOMERSET, N.J. — A spotted salamander beneath an old log. A bass pulled from a quiet pond. Horses decorated for Halloween against a backdrop of autumn leaves.
For Cedar Hill Preparatory School families, Saturday, October 24, offered all this and something more: a chance to connect beyond the classroom and experience the joy of learning together.
Invited by Dr. Nandini Menon, founder and chief education officer of Cedar Hill Prep, parents and students spent the day at the New Jersey Institute of Nature (NJIN) farm, exploring its open fields, pond, barn and rolling hills. What unfolded was an afternoon of discovery, shared experiences and the kind of informal connections that help bring a school community closer.
When Curiosity Leads the Way
One of the day's memorable moments began when a guide carefully lifted an old log, revealing a spotted salamander with a glossy black body and bright yellow spots.
Students gathered around, eager to get a closer look. Questions followed: What does it eat? Why does it hide beneath logs? How does it survive in the wild?
Parents joined the conversation, capturing photographs as children examined the small amphibian and discovered more about the wildlife living around them.
It was a reminder that learning can begin anywhere—with a question, a surprising discovery or a closer look at something that might otherwise go unnoticed.
From the Pond to the Barn
At the pond, young anglers cast their lines, with one student proudly displaying a bass caught during the visit. Nearby, families took turns rowing a boat, learning that navigating the water required patience, coordination and a little teamwork.
The barn brought a seasonal surprise. One horse had been decorated with bright pumpkins and a green mane for Halloween, while riders in costume took turns in the arena under a clear blue sky.
Against the farm's red barn, rolling pastures and colorful fall landscape, the activities offered something for every generation. Children could explore and try something new, while parents had time to connect with other families away from the routines of the school week.
A Farm With a Purpose
The NJIN farm is more than a picturesque place to spend an autumn afternoon. Its work includes research, conservation and hands-on learning, offering opportunities to engage with the natural world beyond textbooks and classroom walls.
For Juliana Garcia, a CHP parent, the farm's purpose was part of what made the visit memorable.
“It's a place that brings a deep sense of peace while also offering so many opportunities for research, conservation, and development projects,” Garcia shared. “It's truly a farm with a purpose, and a wonderful place for children and adults alike.”
The day concluded with a group photograph on a hillside overlooking the valley, bringing together families who had spent the afternoon exploring, learning and enjoying the outdoors.
Where Community Grows
At Cedar Hill Prep, community extends beyond the school day. Shared experiences give students, parents and educators opportunities to discover new interests, exchange ideas and build relationships in settings that encourage curiosity and connection.
A wildlife discovery, a first catch or a turn rowing a boat may seem like a small moment on its own. But these experiences create memories that families share long after the day ends—and connections that continue when everyone returns to school.
The visit was made possible by Dr. Nan and the NJIN team, who welcomed CHP families and shared their knowledge of the farm and its natural surroundings.
As families departed the hillside, they took home more than photographs of a beautiful autumn day. They carried new discoveries, shared laughter and a reminder that some of the strongest school communities are built not only through what children learn, but through what families experience together.
About Cedar Hill Preparatory School
Cedar Hill Preparatory School is an independent Preschool–Grade 8 school located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset, New Jersey. An International Baccalaureate Candidate School, CHP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, academic excellence and the development of curious, compassionate global citizens.