About Lacordaire
Co-Ed PK-8, All-Girls 9-12
Lacordaire Academy in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, is an independent Dominican Catholic day school offering a challenging, forward-thinking curriculum that integrates academics, athletics, the arts and sciences, and civic engagement. Through diverse courses and programs, students develop critical thinking, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose, graduating as confident individuals ready to contribute thoughtfully to the world.
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Lower School
In Lacordaire’s co-ed Lower School, curiosity flourishes. Through hands-on learning, STEAM programs, and a supportive environment, students develop a strong academic foundation while becoming thoughtful, imaginative, self-reliant, and empathetic learners.
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Middle School
Lacordaire’s co-ed Middle School bridges childhood and young adulthood with dynamic academics and creativity. Through project-based learning, STEAM innovation, and enrichment in the arts and athletics, students grow as independent thinkers, confident leaders, and lifelong learners.
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Upper School
Our all-girls Upper School empowers young women to think boldly, lead confidently, and thrive academically. With small classes, personalized support, and opportunities from AP courses to international travel, students graduate ready to shape the world with knowledge and purpose.
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100%
Lower & Middle School ClassesPerform above state and national averages on the MAP Growth standardized testing in all subject areas -
#1
All-Girls Private High SchoolRanked the #1 all-girls private high school in Essex County and #6 in New Jersey by Niche.com for excellence in academics and community -
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Of Upper School juniorsQualified for induction into at least one National Honor Society, reflecting their dedication to academic excellence across disciplines -
15:1
Average student-to-teacher ratioEnsures every child receives personalized attention, differentiated learning, and the support to thrive
Recent College Acceptances
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Recent News
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Chiaravalloti Family Honored at Annual Gala
Read MoreLacordaire Academy honored the Chiaravalloti family at the 2025 Gala on November 14, celebrating their long-standing commitment to the Academy. The event raised just over $100,000 toward this year’s $350,000 fundraising goal. -
Lacordaire Hosts Vigil to Stand with Migrants as part of ‘One Church, One Family’ National Campaign
On November 13, the Feast Day of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants, Lacordaire welcomed students, families, Sisters of St. Dominic and friends in the community for a peaceful prayer vigil in support of migrants, detainees and asylum seekers. The event took place on Lacordaire’s Upper Montclair campus from 3:30 to 4 pm. It was registered with the “One Church, One Family” campaign, a national movement of U.S. Catholics calling people of faith to publicly demonstrate solidarity with migrant families, asylum seekers and refugees. Lacordaire’s vigil was one of more than 100 across the country as part of this effort.Read More -
Forensics Team Begins Year with Victory
The Lacodaire Academy forensics team had a great start to the year! Six competitors and one alternate joined six other schools at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Bloomfield for the dramatic reading me. Five of our competitors made it to the final round. Gavin Belicose took first place with his funny and dramatic reading of “Room on a Broom”.Read More -
Key Arts Productions Visits Lacordaire
Read MoreLower and Middle School students enjoyed two interactive performances by Key Arts Productions, who traveled all the way from Philadelphia to share a message of love and unity. Through a vibrant, multimedia program of song, projection, and musical storytelling, three performers engaged students in exploring their diverse origins. -
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin Celebrates First Day of School at Lacordaire Academy
Read MoreLacordaire Academy opened the 2025–2026 school year on September 5 with a historic Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. Held under a tent on the school’s lawn, the event marked the Academy’s 105th year of educating students in the Catholic Dominican tradition. -
Lacordaire Academy Celebrates 104th Commencement
On June 8, Lacordaire Academy honored the 104th graduating Upper School class in a ceremony celebrating resilience, achievement, and the Academy’s mission to empower young women to lead with integrity and courage. Valedictorian Nasreen Defrank ’25 and Salutatorian Adriana Barnett ’25 reflected on personal growth and gratitude for faculty guidance, while alumna Kaitlin Noyes ’02 delivered the Commencement address, inspiring graduates to lift each other up and embrace the transformative threshold of graduation. Head of School Megan Mannato recognized each student’s unique contributions, as the Class of 2025 prepares to enter colleges across the country.Read More
Upcoming Events
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Day 3
Cycle Day 3 -
Spirit Week Thursday Showtime!
Wear your best dress Christmas party outfit so you're ready for our Christmas show! -
Middle School Carols and "Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
Show Times: 1pm and 7pmIn this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant, is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide head on with the story of Christmas!Location: Lacordaire Hall Gym -
Middle School Carols and "Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
Show Times: 1pm and 7pmIn this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant, is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide head on with the story of Christmas!Location: Lacordaire Hall Gym
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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