News

Head of School Megan Mannato joins the NJAIS Board of Trustees, advancing a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in independent education.

TREP$, which takes its name from the word “entrepreneurs,” is an entrepreneurship education program that guides 5th and 6th grade students through the process of creating and running their own businesses. Students move from initial idea to finished product by developing a concept, planning costs and pricing, building a brand, and preparing for a real marketplace. The program challenges them to think strategically and adapt when plans need to change, giving them firsthand experience in what it takes to bring a business to life.

At Lacordaire Academy, public speaking isn’t something students wait to learn. It starts in Pre-K 4. Recently, the Academy brought this early confidence to life with Community Helpers: A Kindergarten Interview and Public Speaking Project. 

Can big data help create fair voting districts or evaluate international AIDS programs? Walsh Giarrusso, son of Mrs. Giarrusso, explored these questions with juniors and seniors this week. A 2025 University of Chicago economics graduate and current Master’s student in Computational Analysis and Public Policy, Walsh demonstrated how coding, AI, data visualization, and economic theory inform real-world policy and economic decisions. 

Lacordaire Academy recently received a $1 million bequest from alumna Caroline “Carrie” Anne Mallon Harris ’67, ’71 and her husband, George Stanley Harris. The couple’s extraordinary generosity will support the Academy’s mission and traditions for generations to come.

The 7th Grade Ring Ceremony celebrated the theme of friendship as students received their Lacordaire Middle School class rings and dedicated the ceremony to French teacher Mr. De Toustain, recognizing his support and strong relationships with students.

Lacordaire held its school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition on January 16, showcasing students’ performance of historical and contemporary poems. Yara Dollari '28 took first place and will advance to the Essex County regional round.

Lacordaire Academy’s varsity forensics team earned another first place victory at Wednesday's forensics meet, hosted by Essex County Steering Committee for Gifted and Talented Students, with seventh grader Lucy Mikula also recognized for her second place individual finish in the varsity division.