Lacordaire Academy’s three-acre campus in Upper Montclair blends a wholesome, small-school education with academic rigor that prepares graduates to enter the world. The college prep school offers a co-ed education from pre-K through eighth grade, and an all-girls Upper School.
“Lacordaire is an age-appropriate joyful bubble where parents know their children are safe and loved,” says Director of Admissions Saydi Callahan Keefe. “But we also prepare our graduates for the outside world by practicing critical thinking skills, good character, and creative problem solving.”
PREPPING FOR COLLEGE (AND LIFE) DOMINICAN STYLE
Lacordaire was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of St. Dominic as a French- English school for girls. It has since evolved into Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools led by a leadership team that works to uphold Dominican values of scholarship, moral character, and care for the common good.
Currently experiencing its highest enrollment ever, Lacordaire brings a robust schedule of events, celebrations, and galas, domestic and international travel, and opportunities for parent and community involvement. Every Lacordaire graduate, both in eighth and twelfth grade, is getting into at least one of their top three high school/college choices.
Lacordaire students are involved in activities such as forensics and debate, Mathematics Honor Society and visual and performing arts programs, along with an array of other clubs, organizations, and sports teams. The school boasts three new, state-of-the-art science labs. Lacordaire students also matriculate through the school’s rigorous public speaking program.
SERVICE THROUGH KINDNESS
Every Lacordaire student will participate in community service. “This past year, students volunteered at the Texas/Mexico border to serve at a respite center for migrants. Several months later, students traveled to the De La Salle Blackfeet reservation in Montana to serve as teachers’ aides at a school for Blackfeet children.” They also volunteer at soup kitchens, senior centers, and schools for children with disabilities.
“We cultivate Dominican values of loving your neighbor, and that shows in the interactions among our faculty as well as children in all three divisions— the older student see themselves as big brothers and sisters to the younger kids and they want to set a good example,” Keefe says.
155 Lorraine Ave., Upper Montclair
973-744-1156
lacordaireacademy.com