One of four elementary schools in the Fort Lee School District, School No. 1 is the largest in terms of enrollment. It is also the closest of the four to downtown Fort Lee, and its library serves as the location of the Fort Lee Board of Education's bi-monthly regular meetings.

Traditional elementary curriculum at the school is enhanced by a reading program for grades K through 2, including reading levels and small group instruction, a "writer's workbook" for all students first grade and above and a reader's workshop for grades 3 through 6. Underlying the school's philosophy in these areas is a belief that writing is the key to critical thinking, and the ability to read is the foundation of all learning.

Additional activities include assemblies and concerts, "hands on" science, bilingual classes, talent shows and dances. The school's stated motto is "Respect and Responsibility," and it is particularly notable for its active PTA.