Lacordaire Academy’s three-acre campus in Upper Montclair blends a smallschool education with rigorous academics that prepare graduates to enter the world. The 104-yearold independent college prep school offers a co-ed education from pre-K through eighth grade, and an all-girls Upper School.
“We have a tight-knit, family-focused school culture where every student is known, seen and cared about by our staff. It’s a place where children get to have a wholesome, age-appropriate childhood,” says Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management Saydi Callahan Keefe.
PREPPING FOR COLLEGE (AND LIFE) DOMINICAN STYLE
Lacordaire was founded by the Sisters of St. Dominic as a French-English school for girls. It has since evolved into a co-ed Lower and Middle and an all-girls Upper School led by a leadership team that upholds Dominican values of scholarship, moral character and care for the common good. Every Lacordaire student participates in community service, such as volunteering at food pantries, senior centers and environmental clean-ups.
“We love our Catholic identity under the Dominican sisters of Caldwell, and through their leadership and values we’ve cultivated a very diverse community, culturally and religiously—and that diversity benefits our entire school culture,” Callahan Keefe says.
WHERE EVERY STUDENT FINDS THEIR VOICE
Lacordaire provides a robust schedule of events, celebrations and galas, and opportunities for parent and community involvement. Domestic and international travel is highly emphasized. “We get students off campus and let them see the world, visit important places and develop a deep appreciation for art, travel and other cultures,” she says.
Lacordaire students can get involved in activities ranging from Mathematics Honor Society to visual and performing arts programs, along with an array of other clubs, organizations and sports teams. All students in pre-K through fourth grade take French as an elective. Lacordaire students also have access to the school’s rigorous public speaking program, and the Middle and Upper divisions have award-winning forensics, debate and mock trial teams.
“Public speaking is a priority for each and every one of our students; even our youngest learners are challenged to find their voice and learn how to speak in front of large groups of people—and how to argue in a respectful, educated way,” she says.
155 Lorraine Ave., Upper Montclair
973-744-1156
lacordaireacademy.com
