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A Note from Megan Mannato, Head of School

Welcome to Lacordaire! We are a historic independent day school, grounded in the Dominican Catholic tradition, offering a dynamic, student-centered education from Pre-K through grade 12. Students here pursue intellectual discovery under the guidance of dedicated teachers and within a supportive community of peers. As an accredited independent school, we provide a rigorous curriculum that promotes academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to thoughtful engagement with the world.
 
Education at Lacordaire reaches beyond the classroom. Students develop confidence through a public speaking program beginning in Pre-K and explore the visual and performing arts, athletics, technology, and a wide array of extracurricular and co-curricular pursuits. These experiences cultivate leadership, collaboration, and integrity.
 
Situated less than 20 miles from New York City, Lacordaire leverages its proximity to world-class cultural institutions. Students participate in experiences ranging from the Lower School’s collaboration with Carnegie Hall to visits to the Met Museum and the United Nations.
 
Our student body reflects ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic diversity, and our curriculum is globally oriented while rooted in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community. We emphasize a holistic approach, nurturing intellectual growth, character development, interpersonal skills, and emotional insight.
 
We welcome you to visit Lacordaire and witness our vibrant community in action. Students experience a genuine sense of belonging, families actively contribute to learning, and teachers bring passion and individualized attention to every classroom.
 
We look forward to meeting you.
 
Sincerely,
Megan Ogelby Mannato
Head of School

Lacordaire Academy At a Glance

List of 2 items.

  • Academics & Learning

    For over 100 years, Lacordaire has delivered exceptional education rooted in the Dominican tradition, preparing students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
    • Innovative Programs: Advanced Science Academy with a travel capstone project; rigorous AP courses in the Upper School; Advanced/differentiated learning in the Lower School; United Nations / Ambassadors unit and visit in the Middle School  
    • Personalized Learning: Core classes with 15–19 students create a nurturing environment with mentorship and individualized support
    • Global Perspective: International travel opportunities for all Upper School students
    • Language Excellence: All World Language faculty are native speakers
    • Proven Success: 100% of Middle and Upper School graduates accepted to at least one of their top three high school or college choices
    • Signature Experiences: Mentorship, Travel, Service-Learning, and Public Speaking programs  
    • Innovative Teaching Methods: Montessori in Pre-K, Process Approach for writing (Grades 1–8), Harkness Method (Grades 5–12)
    • Recognition & Affiliations: Middle States Accredited; member of NAIS, NJAIS, National Honor Societies, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society

  • Campus & Technology

    Our picturesque three-acre campus blends state-of-the-art facilities with a vibrant learning community, steps from Montclair’s cultural and academic resources.
    • Smart, Connected Classrooms: Over 20 Smart Boards, Chromebooks, iPads, and iPad minis for Pre-K–12
    • Science & Innovation: Three new, state-of-the-art science labs
    • Collaborative Tools: Google for Education fully integrated

Our Partners

Contact

155 Lorraine Ave. Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
(973)-744-1156
info@lacordaire.net

Our Mission

Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
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