FAR Learning Solutions
Foundational And Restorative Learning Solutions is a private teaching service that empowers children (grades 1+) with tailored, hands-on learning.
Our foundational literacy program is built on 33 years of award-winning teaching experience and proven success. Using engaging, research-based methods, it strengthens reading, writing, and social-emotional skills, going beyond helping children learn to read and write, and ultimately developing Thinkers.
Our Heartfelt Mission
Our mission is to reignite the joy of learning through personalized, hands-on instruction that builds strong foundations in literacy and social and emotional growth to develop young thinkers. We partner with families to help every child thrive.
Contact Information:
Email: teachfornewark@gmail.com
  • Phone: (862) 317-1213
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Lets Get Started!

FAR Learning Solutions Services

Specializing In Themed Learning At FAR Learning Solutions, we provide specialized, brain-based reading and writing instruction, uniquely tailored for each child, using hands-on lessons and proven methods to spark curiosity and build lasting literacy skills. Foundational Learning Foundational learning is the core set of skills every child needs to succeed in school, build healthy relationships, and thrive in life. FAR Learning Solutions' mission is for learners to master those foundational skills, not just to teach them. Restorative Practices Restorative practices focus on building trust, empathy, and respect between children, their peers, and the world they live in. Children learn tools to take responsibility for their learning and grow both academically and socially. Homeschooling FAR Learning Solutions supports all your private teaching needs. We help you choose the best environment for your child, fostering faster, joyful learning. The process of choosing homeschooling is much easier than you think! Frequently Asked Questions: Homeschooling Pricing Consistent instruction is key for academic success. Invest in your child's success with our flexible packages. Choose from 8, 12, 16, or 20-week programs (minimum 2 classes per week). Individual instruction is $100/hour, or join a micro-class (3-4 students) for tailored pricing.

Meet Our Founder and Director

Meet Our Founder and Director At FAR Learning Solutions, restorative practices and small-group learning are at the heart of everything we do. Our Founder and Director, Kariemah Muhammad, is a multi-certified, multi-awarded educator and two-time Teacher of the Year, with exemplary ratings consistently in her 33-year career. She has poured her expertise into creating a truly effective, personalized literacy program designed to build strong foundations in reading, writing, comprehension, and restorative practices, empowering students to succeed in school and shine on district and state assessments. Ms. Muhammad’s proven approach has led to remarkable student growth and promotes thinking critically, working independently, and being responsible. Her teaching philosophy goes beyond helping children learn to read and write—it’s about developing thinkers. Teacher Of The Year 2011 K. Muhammad was honored with the Teacher of the Year award presented by the Newark's Mayor's Office, a recognition celebrated by distinguished education leaders including Senator Cory Booker, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (served 2009-2015), and NJ Congressman Donald Payne Sr. (served 1989-2012). Education Town Hall @ YES CENTER - Duncan, Booker, Payne, Muhammad Teacher Of The Year 2015 K. Muhammad was proudly awarded the Distinguished Educator Award by Newark Public Schools, presented by Superintendent Cami Anderson, celebrating her outstanding commitment and impact. Honorable Mentions Guided students to rank among the district's top 3 schools for Grade 2 ELA achievement (2022). Sparked a remarkable 85% student performance leap, securing a school record for Grade 5 ELA state assessment scores (2017). Uplifted Grade 2 students to achieve 94% reading on grade level, 83% exceeding grade level, and 100% meeting/exceeding benchmarks for the district Grade 2 spelling assessment (2016). Catapulted 80% of Grade 1 students to an elevation of 6 reading levels or more, with 100% meeting/exceeding Grade 1 Math District Assessment (2012). Court Appointed Special Advocate As a dedicated Volunteer Advocate with CASA for Children of Essex County, Newark, NJ, K. Muhammad champions the best interests of neglected and abused children in the court system. She ensures their unique needs are met and their voices are heard, advocating for them at home, in school, and in court.

What People Are Saying About Our Founder

Cory Booker, NJ Senator "I am proud to announce the selection of Kariemah Muhammad, an exemplar of excellent teaching. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Ms. Muhammad to advance Newark's reputation as a national model of teacher excellence, school leadership, and student achievement. A lifelong Newark resident, Ms. Muhammad was educated here in our city, first as valedictorian at Avon Avenue School, next as a stellar student at Science High, and finally at Rutgers University, where she received her Bachelor's degree. Ms. Muhammad has drawn on her own experiences to become a role model of success for our youth, as well as to serve the needs of our parents and to understand the challenges they face. Ms. Muhammad exudes warmth, confidence, and intelligence. She is a consummate professional and well-versed in the standards, structure, and discipline of curriculum. She possesses the ability to motivate and inspire others to action, evident in the overwhelmingly positive response she received from the panel on which we served together. Based on Kariemah Muhammad's stellar career as an educator, advocate, volunteer, and role model, I highly recommend, without hesitation, that she be given the opportunity to further serve our community in a leadership role in education." Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education (2009-2015) "Ms. Muhammad's passion for education is apparent. She has proven herself to be hardworking and dedicated, going far beyond her call of duty to teach and mentor students and fellow colleagues. I have no doubt that Ms. Muhammad will continue to be an invaluable asset to Newark Public Schools and excel as a leader in education." Cami Anderson, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools (2011-2015) "Congratulations Ms. Muhammad on receiving the honor of Teacher of the Year! As we set a high bar for excellent teaching in Newark, you should feel proud of this accomplishment and, more importantly, for the effect you have on our students every day. Thank you for your contributions and your sincere commitment to the children of Newark." Onika Jones, Parent "Both of my sons were lucky enough to have Ms. Muhammad as their teacher, two years apart. They wanted to come to school every day because of her. I appreciated that she kept me informed about their progress every single day. I felt safe with them being in her care and how well they advanced. Ms. Muhammad has a real gift and love for teaching that is obvious when you see her in action. The class performances that my sons were in were unforgettable. Ms. Muhammad IS THE BEST!" The Shareef Family, Parents "My husband and I personally requested that our daughter have Ms. Muhammad as her first-grade teacher, because of her stellar reputation with all of the parents. Ms. Muhammad instilled so much confidence in our daughter and laid the foundation for her success. Our daughter stayed at the school through eighth grade and graduated as Salutatorian. She has since graduated from college and still calls Ms. Muhammad her favorite teacher." Mark A. Williams, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent & Chief of School Management of PPSD "I have known Ms. Muhammad professionally for over 25 years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to see a talented and compassionate teaching professional who takes time to plan and reach students from diverse social and academic backgrounds. She is a multi-awarded educator who has proven her ability to drive student success and is adept at creating and maintaining a positive culture with effective management in the classroom." Leonard Kopacz, Former Principal "I am Leonard Kopacz, and I had the privilege of serving as Ms. Muhammad’s principal. During that time, she was quite simply one of my all-stars. Ms. Muhammad was a highly effective educator who consistently performed at a distinguished level, demonstrating both deep pedagogical knowledge and exceptional instructional practice. Her effectiveness stemmed from her relentless work ethic, thorough preparation, and reflective thinking. She was often entrusted with challenging students who required extra support and care, and she handled these responsibilities with both skill and compassion. Her colleagues, fellow administrators, and parents held her in the highest regard, and her attendance and punctuality were impeccable. Ms. Muhammad’s greatest strength was her ability to help all children succeed, ensuring their academic and social growth at their individual rates. I personally loved visiting her classroom, especially on days when she invited me to read to her students—those were truly special moments that only a teacher can fully appreciate. Ms. Muhammad is articulate, practical, and, above all, deeply passionate about children and education." Delores Starks, Former Colleague "It has been my pleasure to work with and share a classroom with Kariemah Muhammad. Ms. Muhammad is a charming, intelligent, and articulate woman who always seems to be in control. She has a very pleasant but firm approach in the classroom and was very knowledgeable in the curriculum that she instructed. I marveled at her ability to command her middle school students' attention while delivering stellar instruction with ease, care, and consideration for every student. The immense respect and admiration her students held for her were evident. Ms. Muhammad is an excellent role model for children and for the community that she serves." A. Waters, Former Co-Teacher "As a resource teacher, I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Muhammad for four years. She is always prepared with a plan of action and collaborates for the benefit of students with ease. She is a dedicated, driven, and supportive teacher who embraces inclusivity in regards to her students as well as colleagues. When teaching in the classroom, her presence is both captivating and comforting, making her connection with her students strong and trusting. She also has personable and consistent relationships with her students' families to keep them informed of their child's growth and performance, which makes for a great partnership. Ms. Muhammad is a team player with a clear objective to be an ever-evolving, mindful teacher. Ms. Muhammad brings with her an extensive teaching career, commitment to student growth, dedication to her teaching improvement, and her considerate nature." Treasure Bellamy, Former Student "As one of Ms. Muhammad’s former students, she has been a valued and trusted source of support, encouragement, and inspiration to me for over 20 years. Going back to when I initially met her as a student in her 1st-grade class, she taught me great lessons inside and outside of the classroom. But most importantly, she gave me room to grow into myself. Having someone who supports you while giving you space to grow into and expand your talents is very valuable. It is definitely one of the reasons that I ended up being class valedictorian in the 8th grade, and having Ms. Muhammad introduce me at the graduation ceremony was an amazing full-circle moment. She’s witnessed my development during a lot of pivotal stages in my life, from my years as a student until I was in the 8th grade, to the times I would visit her during my high school and college years, and even after I finished my undergraduate studies. No matter what’s happening, she’s always found time to be available to provide her support. One of the most memorable pieces of advice she’s given me is that “Your setbacks are just setups for your comebacks.” That’s a mantra that I’ve kept with me as I navigated through various stages of my adult life, from early career challenges to essential life transitions that occur after graduating college. And through it all, Ms. Muhammad has remained by my side to provide valuable insights from her perspective. I’m truly thankful to have Ms. Muhammad in my corner as a mentor, friend, and confidant." M. Higginbotham, CASA Executive Director CASA Letter

Your Heartfelt Questions, Answered with Care!

Wondering if your child struggles with reading? Here are gentle signs to look for: Shies away from reading aloud or picking up books. Relies on guessing or pictures, even for common words. Gets tired quickly or reads slowly and choppily. Struggles with spelling or understanding written instructions. Consistently mixes up letters (like "b" and "d") or words (like "was" and "saw"). At FAR Learning Solutions, we understand these concerns. We offer personalized support, meeting your child where they are. We work at their pace until they confidently master each essential skill, helping their unique light shine! What's the next comforting step if your child struggles with reading? 1. Chat with Their Teacher: Start with a warm conversation with your child's teacher for their insights. 2. Consider an Evaluation: If concerns remain, ask the school for a formal evaluation or consider a private assessment. 3. Nurture Reading at Home: Make reading together a special time, choosing books they adore at their level. 4. Act Early: Addressing challenges gently and early can make a world of difference for their confidence. 5. Partner with FAR Learning Solutions – We're Here for You! We offer personalized, one-on-one support, designed to build foundational reading skills and help your child blossom into a confident reader and writer. What questions should you ask your child’s teacher? When speaking with their teacher, consider asking about: Their Progress: Current reading level, grade-level expectations, and comfort with reading. Specific Skills: Fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development. Classroom Support: Reading strategies used, any extra help provided, and how you can support at home. Next Steps: How progress will be updated and if a special education evaluation might be needed. Why should I consider FAR Learning Solutions if my child is doing well in school? Here's why: Classroom distractions and large class sizes can hinder your child's academic potential. High-achievers often feel bored or under stimulated in these environments. We create personalized, enjoyable learning plans tailored to your child to accelerate them beyond standard curriculum limits. FAR Learning Solutions equips your child with specialized literacy techniques and proven test-taking strategies that go beyond typical classroom instruction, empowering them to excel academically and build lasting confidence in their abilities. We cultivate a growth mindset and develop essential life skills restoratively, including time management, organization, and effective study habits allowing learners to thrive and transforming them into confident, lifelong thinkers. FAR Learning Solutions is here to support your family and help your child soar!

Video Gallery. Build relationships first. When students feel connected to you, each other, and their community, they open up, engage more, and you'll enjoy the experience just as much as they do! Here are just a few examples of our Founder's best practices.
Building Relationships With Learners
Discover what truly excites your children—maybe it's a popular song or a trending dance that you weave into your lessons to build amazing connections! When your children see you bring that playful, joyful spirit into teaching, they'll be more eager to engage and excited to show up every single day.
Here's a fun example of teaching children the importance of school attendance.

Google Docs

Attendance_Dance_And_Song.mp4

Reach Every Learner
Students learn in diverse ways (movement, listening, visuals, hands-on). Adapt lessons using varied modes and activities (visuals, discussion, practice) to ensure every student succeeds.

Google Docs

Different_Learning_Styles.mp4

Successful Reading Strategies at Work
Take a look at Ms. Muhammad's 2nd graders, who are just 7 and 8 years old! You'll see them wonderfully demonstrating impressive reading comprehension and writing skills, using fluency and expression to confidently tackle a third-grade chapter book with practical strategies.

Google Docs

Grade_2_Readers

Put Learners Center Stage
Spark children's imaginations and creativity! Turn lessons into exciting adventures by letting kids take center stage. Short plays and presentations are not just fun; they're powerful ways to learn new concepts and create unforgettable memories. Plus, imagine the pride and confidence they'll feel showcasing their talents to their parents!

Google Docs

The_Water_Cycle.mp4

Google Docs

Knowledge is Power

How to Nurture Reading at a Young Age
Children are influenced by peers and older siblings. Parents and teachers can encourage older children to be reading role models, fostering a love for reading in younger children. This video illustrates using this method to develop early literacy skills.

Google Docs

Nurturing_Readers.mp4

Collaborative Learning
Did you know that children have their own unique way of communicating with each other? Encourage collaborative learning; it helps children understand concepts, support each other, and fosters socialization, character development, and a positive environment where every voice is valued.

Google Docs

Collaborative_Learning.mp4

Restorative Practices
Embrace restorative practices to build strong bonds, resolve conflicts, and guide children in reflecting on their actions. This approach fosters connections, develops crucial social-emotional skills, and creates a caring community. Practical strategies are below!

Google Docs

Restorative_Practices.mp4

Make Learning Rewarding and Fun
Make learning a rewarding adventure! Positive reinforcement, through contests and games, boosts engagement, encourages goal-setting, and celebrates unique accomplishments, making learning a joyful journey for all!

Google Docs

Class_Spelling_Bee.mp4

Classroom Culture
Classroom culture is the shared values, norms, and behaviors that shape how students and teachers interact—helping children build confidence through independent choices, collaborate respectfully, and stay engaged. A strong classroom culture is essential for effective management, successful learning center rotations, and a shared commitment to learning.

Google Docs

Classroom_Culture_.mp4

Literacy Through Conservancy Scholarships!
The Vailsburg Park Community Conservancy Inc., in partnership with FAR Learning Solutions, is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for Grade 2 students in our community!
FAR Learning Solutions is awarding 5 full scholarships to our transformative 8-week Reading and Writing Literacy Program, valued at $1800 per child. Scholarships include award-winning instruction, high-quality learning materials, selected take-home resources, and an exciting learning experience.
Watch your child's confidence soar as they master essential literacy skills that will help them excel in classroom activities and shine on district and state reading assessments!
8-Week Engaging Program Oct 28 - Dec 18, 2025
Selected Grade 2-3 students will receive a full scholarship to engage in focused literacy instruction every Tuesday (alternating Wednesdays for holidays) and Thursday, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Vailsburg Park Seniors Cafe Building, 694-736 S. Orange Ave (on the Oraton Parkway side of Vailsburg Park), Newark, NJ 07106.
Learners will learn strategies to:
  • Identify text evidence to answer questions accurately.
  • Comprehend and identify topic/main ideas & details.
  • Make inferences & predictions.
  • Compare & contrast characters and stories.
  • Identify story elements and more!
At the conclusion of this session, learners will have:
  • A clear understanding of grammar conventions.
  • The ability to organize and write their thoughts clearly.
  • The ability to write thoughtful and expanded sentences.
  • The ability to identify author's purpose / PIE.
  • The ability to write an expository, narrative, and argumentative essay.
Transforming Learners into Critical Thinkers
We use restorative practices to cultivate critical thinking, creative problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and independence, turning learners into lifelong, self-directed thinkers.
  • Teamwork & communication through restorative circles.
  • Lessons in responsibility, stewardship & conservation.
Discover eligibility and apply today! Full details and the application process are on the reverse side.
Please email and refer all questions to:
FAR Learning Solutions Email: teachfornewark@gmail.com Phone: (862) 317-1213
Vailsburg Park Community Conservancy Inc. 694-763 South Orange Avenue Phone: (862) 300-9114
Steps for Applying
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Eligibility & Focus
Students must be in Grade 2–3, achievement-oriented, curious about nature, and able to focus. Must have met Grade 1 proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on state/district exams.
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Application Signatures
Teacher, parent, and student must each complete and sign this application, confirming their commitment to the program.
Teacher and student must sign the student's submission to confirm independence.
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Creative Submission
Students must draw a picture of their family at the park and write 5 sentences about the park independently (first draft only, no revisions). Teacher and student sign to confirm independence.
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Submission Deadline
Submit this completed application and the student's creative work to the teacher by October 13, 2025.
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Notification of Acceptance
Students will be notified of acceptance into the program by October 17, 2025, via email.
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Program Dates
The program runs October 28 – December 19, 2025, every Tuesday & Thursday, 3:00–4:30 p.m. (alternate Wednesdays for holidays).
Contact FAR Learning Solutions
Ready to explore your full learning potential? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our amazing services, scholarship opportunities, or potential partnerships, don't hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to connecting with you!
  • Email all questions to: teachfornewark@gmail.com
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST