Could you imagine a school born from post-revolution Paris. That’s Lacordaire Academy. This Catholic college preparatory school, nestled in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, boasts a rich history. Lacordaire Academy began in 1920. The Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey, established it. They named it after Pere Henri Lacordaire. He was a Dominican priest who lived in post-revolution Paris. He is credited with re-establishing the Dominican Order. People thought of him as the greatest pulpit orator of the 19th century.
Lacordaire Academy started as a French-English boarding school for girls. It occupied a landmark Victorian mansion on Lorraine Avenue. This building remains one of Lacordaire’s three main campus buildings. Sister Concepta was the first principal. Sister Aloysius taught high school. Sister Andrea taught grade school. The academy welcomed its first two students on September 15, 1920.
Today, Lacordaire Academy offers education to boys and girls. It is coeducational from Pre-K through eighth grade. From ninth through twelfth grade, it is all girls. Lacordaire’s student body represents diverse backgrounds. These include cultural, religious, and socio-economic differences. The school nurtures excellence, respect, and intellectual curiosity. It also values service and integrity.
Lacordaire Academy is accredited. The New Jersey Department of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools have accredited it since 1951. Accreditation extends through January 2025. The school is a member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. It operates within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.
As of 2021–22, Lacordaire Academy enrolled 265 students plus 15 in Pre-K. The school has 32.3 classroom teachers. This results in a student–teacher ratio of 8.2:1. The student body is diverse.
Lacordaire Academy offers many clubs and organizations. Students can join based on their interests. Students can even create their own clubs. They need to find a moderator and other students to join.
The Lacordaire Lions compete in sports. They are supervised by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Sports include tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball.
Upper School students follow a college preparatory program. Graduation requirements include electives, religious studies, English, health/physical education, mathematics, foreign language, science, US history, world history, fine arts, and computer science. A project justice internship is also required.
Lacordaire Academy has produced notable alumni. Elizabeth McAlister, a peace activist and former nun, attended Lacordaire.
Lacordaire Academy stands as a testament to faith. It embodies academic excellence and community spirit. Its graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact on the world. The school’s four pillars are prayer, study, ministry, and community. These distinguish the education the graduates receive.