Welcome to Francis A. Desmares School! 

Mark Masessa, Principal                  Mary Jane Custy, Vice Principal

Francis A. Desmares Elementary School is committed to providing all students in grades K-4 with an academically challenging program in a supportive and nurturing environment.  Our staff members work in partnership with the Flemington-Raritan community to provide a differentiated approach to learning that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

Through our curriculum, we focus on helping children to develop critical thinking skills in all academic areas while meeting their needs socially and emotionally.  We encourage students to become problem solvers and generate solutions through an inquiry-based approach to learning and a workshop approach to teaching Reading and Writing skills.  Our staff is committed to helping students learn the skills necessary to succeed in life.  Francis A. Desmares School is a place where students will develop many life-long learning skills, including how to get along with others.  We are a diverse community of learners from various backgrounds and experiences.  Our students learn a great deal from one another.  We stress each and every day how our decisions, words, and actions impact others. 

At Francis A. Desmares School, we expect that students Respect themselves and one another, develop individual Responsibility, demonstrate Self-Esteem and Pride, show Compassion, develop Diligence and Perseverance, demonstrate Tolerance and show Patience, are Honest and Fair, learn Cooperation and Good Sportsmanship, are Loyal citizens, and have the Courage to stand up for themselves and others.  

Francis A. Desmares School Vision Statement

At Francis A. Desmares School, we provide a child-centered environment that fosters curiosity and the opportunity for students to reach their full potential. We are committed to creating an educational and social atmosphere that respects the uniqueness of children. We seek to develop caring, lifelong learners who are responsible, productive citizens of our community.

Great Kindness Week Challenge English or Spanish - Jan 27-31 (1/21)
PICTO on 4/11 (1/13/25)
Yearbook Orders due 4/17 (1/8/25)
January Dolphin News (1/2/25)
PTO 3D Print Event on 1/12 (1/2/25)
Wizards Tickets (12/2/24)
Whole Child Fair is April 8 (11/12/24) 
United Way of Hunterdon County Holiday Hands 2024 (11/12/24)
Thanksgiving Pie Sale until 11/10 (10/29/24)
Annual Holiday Shop  starts 12/2 (10/28/24)
Governor's Educator of the Year Nomination Form - English or Spanish - Due by November 6th
Preschool Lottery - 2025-2026 School Year - Save the Date
The Whole Child Fair 2025
School Dance on 11/15 (10/17/24)
Flemington-Raritan Education Foundation Membership Drive (10/16/24)
FAD Clothing Drive on 11/2 (10/16/24)
Food Allergy Management Program from Maschio's, en espanol (10/14/24)
October Family Newsletter - Dolphin News
FAD Trunk or Treat on 10/25 (10/7/24)
Week of Respect (10/4/24)
Week of Respect - Spanish (10/4/24)
FAD Picture Day - Save the Date 10/17 (10/2/24)
PTO October Newsletter (10/1/24)
FAD Walkathon on 10/18 (9/18/24)
Paint Party Farm Fundraiser on 10/17 (9/18/24)
FAD Night at the 3D Printing Lab on 1/12/25 (9/18/24)
Q Crew Dine Out on 10/4 (9/17/24)
Back to School Night Schedule - English (9/12/24)
Back to School Night Schedule - Spanish (9/12/24)
FAD PTO Afterschool Clubs (9/4/24)
Color Run Save the Day (9/3/24) 
FAD PTO Dolphin Digest ~ September (8/29/24)
Join the FAD PTO (8/29/24)
FAD School Store (8/29/24) 

Welcome Back from Maschio's Food Service (8/28/24)
Welcome Back from Maschio's Food Service Spanish (8/28/24)