At Lacordaire, every student finds success
inspiration to confidently learn & lead
and motivation to make the world a better place
We live our mission
Empowering students to grow into confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
We celebrate our history
Lacordaire was founded in 1920 by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell as a select French-English boarding school for girls.
In 1923, to accommodate a growing student population, the Academy shifted its focus from boarding to a day model and opened its doors to girls and boys in pre-K through 8th grade. To this day, Lacordaire proudly maintains its traditional all-girls Upper School in 9th - 12th grade.
Our landmark campus building, James Hall, was the original school building and a convent for the Dominican sisters. Built in 1894, it is a lovingly preserved example of Queen Anne style architecture.
We build bright futures
100% of Lacordaire graduates – from both the Middle and Upper divisions –are accepted into at least one of their top three high school and college choices.
But the process is about more than getting into an ivy, nailing the interview, or acing the big test. It's about finding yourself; understanding and honing your strengths; selecting a direction that will both challenge and excite you; and pursuing a meaningful and fulfilling path based on your individuality. Together, we will get you there.
Placement & Counseling
The high school and college counseling process begins as soon as students enter the Middle Division and the Upper Division.
Our small class sizes allow the Dean of Student Affairs, in conjunction with the staff and faculty, to work individually with each student to curate a transcript and middle/high school experience that will prepare them for a successful high school and college admissions process.
Conversations are conducted both individually and during guidance classes, where students learn about the importance of not only achieving high grades, but also demonstrating that they challenge themselves academically, take on responsibilities and leadership roles, and participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities both inside and outside of school.
Beyond Lacordaire
Our graduates go on to study at a diverse group of colleges across the world. This is an overview of select college acceptances from 2019-2025.
American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Bard College
Barnard College
Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell College
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Clemson University
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
Cornell University
CUNY School of Medicine
Culinary Institute of America
Elon University
Fairfield University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Harvard University
Haverford College
Hofstra University
Howard University
Ithaca College
Johnson & Wales University
Liceo Classico Della Valle D’Acosta
Loyola University Maryland
Marist College
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Parsons School of Design
Penn State University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Sacred Heart University
Salve Regina University
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Seton Hall University
Smith College
Stevens Institute of Technology
Syracuse University
The College of New Jersey
University of Arizona
University of Delaware
University of Maryland
UMass Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
University of Tampa
University of Vermont
University of Washington, St. Louis
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Villanova University
Wellesley College
Williams College
Yale University
Veritas Latin:Truth
I04 years ago, the Dominican sisters chose Veritas to be placed at the center of Lacordaire’s school crest. The administration, faculty, and student body throughout the years have ascribed to the belief that it has never been enough to echo the teachings of truth. Each generation must review knowledge, assimilate it, restate it – hopefully with beauty and emotion, selectivity and discipline. This is the role of the arts in education.
Quick Facts
Average class size is 15-18, which provides a nurturing environment, opportunities for mentorship, and ability to deliver a personalized, values-based curriculum
100% of graduates are accepted into at least 1 out of their top 3 choice colleges
100% of faculty hold teacher certifications and/or advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctorates) from accredited universities and colleges
100% of foreign language faculty are native speakers of the language they teach
100% of administrators have direct relationships with student body; 100% of faculty either coach a sport or moderate a club
Middle States Accredited; Member of NAIS and NJAIS
Member of the National Honor Society & National Junior Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society
Montessori approach to experiential learning for academic curriculum in Pre-K; Process Approach used to teach writing in grades 1–8; Harkness Conference Method used in grades 5-12
Junior Internship Program in the Upper School
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Outside of the classroom
Whether it’s a trip to the art museum; to a foreign language film viewing; to the post office; or a whole plane ride away, learning at Lacordaire extends beyond the classroom.
Assorted places that students visited, 2022-2024:
Alstede Farms • American Dream • Asbury Park Beach
Belfast, Northern Ireland • Bronx Zoo • Carnegie Hall
Clairidge Cinemas • Dublin, Ireland • Eagle Rock
Reservation Glasgow, Scotland • Glacier National Park, Montana • Liberty Science Center • Metropolitan
Museum of Art • Montclair Art Museum • Montclair Post Office • Montclair Historical Society Philadelphia, PA • Reykjavík, Iceland • San Juan, Texas • Sandy Hook Beach
• The Outsiders on Broadway • Top Golf • Turtle Back Zoo • United Nations Headquarters • Washington, D.C.
On the field
The Athletic Department at Lacordaire provides athletes of all skill levels with athletic programs that encourage growth as individuals and leaders.
Student athletes will learn the valuable lessons of sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, commitment and determination. Current Athletic Offerings
Lower & Middle School
Track & Field
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Pickleball (Club)
Tennis (Club)
Upper School
Volleyball
Soccer
Basketball
Winter Rowing
Softball
Tennis (Club)
And in the studio
The fine arts teach students to express and evaluate ideas, to think critically and imaginatively in problem solving, to interpret images and creative work, to understand the artistic achievements of others, and to develop self-discipline and focus.
Lacordaire’s Visual Arts curriculum explores sculpture, photography (traditional and digital), painting, drawing, and ceramics.
Students exhibit their works in the halls at the school and in local galleries, inviting a wider audience to see their work.
A Lacordaire student’s journey
Spotlight on Pre-K and Kindergarten
The Pre-K curriculum follows a child-centered approach with a strong Montessori influence. The room is divided into four areas: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language Arts, and Sensorial Centers. Children freely move throughout the classroom, choosing activities, and making creative choices to build self-confidence. Age-appropriate activities are arranged on shelves, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Throughout the year, thematic units are integrated into the classroom. Children also engage with the world around them, learning about the neighborhood, interviewing community workers, and visiting local places. Every opportunity is used to engage each child and foster their love of learning.
Joining
Lacordairefrom the Beginning
very
Our hands-on approach to Kindergarten not only nurtures but also stimulates each student’s creativity and reasoning skills. Through a challenging academic routine and active engagement in on-stage productions and public speaking opportunities, students develop self esteem and essential social skills. Highlights of the experience include the Thanksgiving feast, The Three Trees play, Mission Bazaar, Personalities of the Week, Multi-Cultural Luncheon, Kindergarten Talent Show, and Graduation Production, all empowering our students to become confident and innovative learners.
Cross-Curricular Learning
We want students to learn how different skills and subjects are interrelated. Pictured: A Kindergarten student draws the inside of a tulip as the first part of a scientific tulip “dissection” lab.
Collaboration with Upper School
The Upper School faculty collaborate with Lower School faculty to offer engaging “guest lessons” for our younger learners. Here, students conduct a volcano experiment in the Upper School science labs.
Parental Involvement
Parents are our partners. We welcome parents to visit and share their knowledge, expertise, and/or cultural or religious customs with their child’s class.
Building Confidence Early
Pre-K and Kindergarten students will participate in an array of performances throughout the school year to begin building confidence and public speaking skills early.
We let children be children.
Life is short.
Childhood is shorter.
Why rush it? Lacordaire is a wholesome, age-appropriate community where each stage of childhood is honored, not hurried. Students will develop essential life skills like confidence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness in a supportive, creative, and intellectually nourishing environment.
Our Big & Little Sibling Mentorship Program
Each Lower School student will be thoughtfully matched with a Middle School mentor based on personality or interests and will later become mentors themselves.
Each Upper School freshman is thoughtfully matched with a junior “big sister” who will guide her through her early years at the Upper School. Then, when that freshman enters her junior year, she will become someone else’s big sister.
Lower School Grades 1-4
Lacordaire Academy Lower School offers a balanced, globallyminded curriculum that engages students through inquiry, innovation, and project-based learning.
Our youngest learners explore the world through hands-on, interactive experiences, while developing strong character, good citizenship, and creative problem-solving skills.
Core subjects include reading, language arts, social studies, math, science, and religion, complemented by art, French, music, physical education, computer science, and creative dramatics. Field trips, community service, presentations, and guest speakers enrich classroom learning. Instruction is tailored to diverse learning styles, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Faculty collaborate to ensure each year builds on prior knowledge, creating a seamless progression across subjects. Students also engage in performances and presentations to develop confidence in public speaking. Graduates of Lower School leave prepared with the critical thinking, organization, responsibility, time management, and study skills needed to thrive in Middle School.
Middle School
Grades 5-8
Lacordaire Academy Middle School offers a well-balanced curriculum of studies that both engages and challenges its students in grades five through eight. The Academy works to balance a students’ need for independence and responsibility with their need for support and guidance. As a result, Lacordaire has designed its Middle School program so that students are assigned to a homeroom teacher but travel to different classrooms for the classes of reading/literature, language arts, math, science, religion, and social studies. These core subjects provide the foundation for a rigorous curriculum at Lacordaire.
The course of study is further enriched through world language classes, art instruction, music, physical education, computer science, and a wide variety of electives. Classroom learning incorporates an interdisciplinary approach, and the emphasis in all areas of the curriculum is on independent learning, critical thinking, and decision making. In their classes, students learn organizational and study skills required for academic success.
Our full time faculty members have teaching certificates, advanced degree(s) in their field or subject area, and/or 20 years teaching experience. The average class size is 15-18 students.
Student Life and Community
Lacordaire has a vibrant and active community and stands behind the idea that much of a student’s learning continues outside of the classroom.
Lacordaire offers a variety of extracurricular sports, clubs, or activities to take advantage of throughout the academic year. Each of these provide an opportunity for leadership, whether as a captain of our award winning forensics team, member of one of our sports teams, president of our student council, or a lead in one of our school plays.
Students learn responsibilities, challenges, and the rewards of leadership with the support and guidance of a coach or faculty member. Our student life activities aim to assist students in developing their own gifts and talents.
Core Curriculum & Electives
5th Grade
Students ease into Middle School in 5th grade with a core curriculum that incorporates an assortment of different subjects. This model allows students to experiment and start to discover what they really like to do. Next year, in 6th grade, schedules switch to a core curriculum plus elective model.
Math 5
General Science
Social Studies
Language Arts
Religion
Reading
Physical Education
Music
Art
Digital Citizenship
Theater
Guidance
Advisement
World Language
*French or Spanish
Core Curriculum & Electives
6th Grade
Students in 6th grade engage in a fullyear core curriculum with a choice of different electives for Semesters 1 and 2.
Core Curriculum
Pre-Algebra or Pre-Algebra
Honors
Earth Science
Social Studies
Language Arts
Reading
Electives
Religion
French or Spanish
Physical Education Guidance Advisement
Intro to Pop, Rock, and HipHop
Intro to Photography
Video Game Programming
Musical Theater Madness
Character Illustration
Instrumental Ensemble
STEM Explorations
Cryptology
Core Curriculum & Electives
7th Grade
Students in 7th grade engage in a fullyear core curriculum with a choice of different electives for Semesters 1 and 2.
Core Curriculum
Pre-Algebra or Algebra I Honors
Life Science
Literature or Advanced
Literature
Language Arts
US History I
Electives
Painting
Sign Language
Ring Ceremony
Forensic Science
World Cultures
Theater Arts
Religion
French or Spanish Guidance
Physical Education Test Prep: Reading and Math Advisement
Software Development & Coding
Core Curriculum & Electives
8th Grade
Students in 8th grade engage in a fullyear core curriculum with a choice of different electives for Semesters 1 and 2.
Core Curriculum
Algebra 1 or Geometry Honors
Physical Science
Literature or Advanced
Literature
Language Arts
US History II
Electives
Team Sport Tour
Theater Arts
Yearbook
Intro to Sculpture
Photography II
Religion French/Spanish
Physical Education Guidance Advisement
Contemporary CS Topics and Cybersecurity
Intro to Film Studies
HighSchoolPlacement
AllofourMiddleSchoolgraduatesareacceptedintocompetitiveCatholic, private,orboardingschoolsoftheirchoice,manywithscholarshipsand/or areplacedintohonors/scholarsprograms.ManyofourMiddleSchool femalegraduateswillmatriculatetoourUpperSchoolwithaguaranteed legacyscholarship.Ourrecentlistofhighschoolacceptancesisasfollows:
Academy of Holy Angels
Bergen Catholic High School
Delbarton School
Dominican Academy
Fordham Preparatory School
Friends Academy
Immaculate Heart Academy
Kent Place School
Lacordaire Academy
Lawrenceville School
Loyola School
Marist High School
Mary Help of Christians
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Morristown-Beard School
Mount Saint Dominic Academy
Newark Academy
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Oratory Preparatory School
Paramus Catholic High School
Regis High School
Saint Peter’s Preparatory School
*multiple Sheehan Scholars
Seton Hall Preparatory School
Solebury School
Storm King School
The George School
The Hudson School
The Pingry School
Union Catholic High School
Villa Walsh Academy
Xavier High School
Upper School Grades 9-12
Twenty eight Upper School faculty teach inquiry based classes with an average size of 10-12 young women. In order to deliver our highly personalized high school experience, the Upper School caps enrollment at no more than 25 girls per graduating class.
Courses are taught on a semester-long or year-long basis. Each student is assisted by dedicated faculty and staff in the development of critical thinking.
In addition, aesthetic values are encouraged through cultural experiences within the school and community. Leadership and the power of the female voice are also emphasized with student-led and centered courses. The education at Lacordaire leads the student in pursuit of truth through an integrated curriculum consistent with college demands, the needs of the students, and the challenges of an evolving society.
Lacordaire offers advanced courses to students starting in their sophomore year. We are able to offer AP Courses for students to take over the course of their four years. In addition, we have an honors program that challenges many of our students and is taught at an advanced level. Students also have the opportunity to take online courses through One Schoolhouse, take advanced electives taught at the college level, and participate in independent studies.
Student Life & Community
Here at Lacordaire, we also place a strong emphasis on graduating a strong, independent-minded, and respectful female student and are very proud of our “life skills” curriculum. Lacordaire has a vibrant and active community and stands behind the idea that much of a student’s learning continues outside of the classroom. That is why Lacordaire has many and varied extracurricular activities.
All extracurricular activities, clubs and sports are intended to enhance the curriculum and provide opportunities to lead, learn skills, enhance friendships, and build a closer community of learners. Major student organizations with significant leadership opportunities include Student Government, National Honors Society, National Math Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Laco Voices Social Justice Club, Environmental Club, Mission Club, and Mock Trial. Lacordaire also offers a number of sports teams and opportunities for internships and community service.
Curriculum, Electives & AP Offerings
AP Offerings 2024-2025
AP Literature and Composition
AP Language and Composition
AP Calculus
AP Biology
AP Statistics
AP Microeconomics*
AP US History (2 year course)
AP Environmental Science
Advanced Elective Course Offerings
2024-2025
Advanced Acting Financial Literacy ntroduction to Improv
Advanced Art Portfolio
Forensic Science*
Psychology
Advanced Photography French Culture
Mock Trial Artificial Intelligence* Computer Science Neuroscience* Creative Writing Introduction to Education
Spanish Culture Marketing
Graduation Requirements
4 years Religious Studies
4 years Health/Physical Education
4 years Science
4 years Mathematics
4 years English
3 years History
3 years Foreign Language
1 Year Introduction to Computers
1 Year Communications
1 year Fine Arts/Music/Theater
6 full year Electives
Project Justice (comm. service)
Open to Grades 9-12 by application only
The Lacordaire Advanced Science Academy is an elective science course that offers students a chance to explore science and scientific careers outside of the required science curriculum.
This course will be focused on active learning - labs, field trips, case studies and opportunities to meet with scientists in many career fields. The course concludes with a 7-day travel capstone program. The 2025 capstone project took place at the Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences in St.George's, Bermuda.
Classes meet twice a week after school for two hours per session for a total of four hours a week. Most class activities will be completed during class time. The course will be on your transcript as an elective. We work with the arts and athletics programs to ensure any student will taking the course will be able to participate in other after school opportunities.
All students in grades 9-11 (including incoming 9th-graders) are invited to apply.
Upper School
Quick Facts
College counseling services with proven results: 100% of Upper School graduates are accepted into at least 1 of their top 3 college picks.
International travel opportunities for all Upper School students
Mandatory Junior Internship program; Students placed with internships at Montclair Art Museum,The Kessler Foundation, Harbourview Equity Partners. New Jersey Hills Media Group, Kriss and Feursetin LLC. Bird and Animal Clinic of Nutely, Salesforce, Verizon, Affiliates at Gastroenterology, Clara Maass Medical Center, and more
Big /Little sister mentorship program
9:1 average student to teacher ratio; Total freshman class size caps at 25 students
Extensive leadership opportunities
Regular community service opportunities; local & out-of-state
College application workshops for students and parents
Upper School Admission FAQ
What are the test scores or grade averages that you look for from an applicant?
While we maintain high academic standards, we do not make admissions decisions based solely on test scores and grade averages. We want to select students who will make positive contributions to our community. Therefore, we look at all parts of the application in order to understand each applicant as a student and a person. See academic scholarship FAQ below for specific scholarship parameters.
Who qualifies for a merit-based academic scholarship?
Students who submit middle school transcripts showing mostly As and some Bs, and/or who have an HSPT score placing them in the 80th percentile or above, will be considered for academic scholarships.
How is need-based financial aid determined?
Financial aid is available to incoming 9th grade students only. The Finance office at Lacordaire uses a need-based financial application that analyzes and determines what a family can afford, taking into account such important factors as income, assets, family size, and siblings in tuition based schools. This application is located on our website in the "Apply" section
Is there a wait list?
Yes Because we have limited spots available, some qualified applicants will be placed on our wait list. If a student is placed on the wait list and is not accepted by the start of school in September, she may reapply for admission the following school year.
What is a Dominican school?
A tradition of helping people
Service to others is at the core of the Dominican mission. At Lacordaire Academy, we proudly partner with local and national community service and social justice organizations such as:
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Humanitarian Respite Center, Mcallen, TX
De La Salle Blackfeet School, Browning, MT
Appalachian Service Project, Appalachia, VA
La Salle Educational Center, Homestead, FL
First Cerebral Palsy Center, Belleville, NJ
Magnificat House, Jersey City, NJ
Mother Teresa House, Montclair, NJ
Toni’s Kitchen, Montclair, NJ
Human Needs Food Pantry, Montclair, NJ
St. John’s Soup Kitchen, Newark, NJ
The Salvation Army, Montclair, NJ
St. Catherine’s Health Care Llc, Caldwell, NJ
Bridges Outreach, Summit, NJ
Passaic Valley Sewer Commission
Montclair Animal Shelter
Community Food Bank of NJ
Dominican Youth Movement USA
Strengthening important relationships
In the Catholic religion, important relationships are to God, family, friends, and to one’s fellow neighbor.
Our Dominican approach to education, regardless of your faith background, will help you develop a closer connection to what or who matters most in your life.
We offer traditional faith formation programs for our Catholic students, who make up approximately 50% of our population. Our non-Catholic students participate in the religion program and services without receiving the sacraments. Our non-Catholic students and families are strongly encouraged to lead classroom activities and/or celebrations of their own holidays and customs. All are welcome in our school.
Developing a love of learning
“A Lacordaire student is someone who wants to be successful, and has the drive to be successful, but is also willing to step out of their comfort zone and make this place their home.”
Mrs.
Andreula English Teacher, Forensics Coach, Softball Coach
The parent experience
The involvement of parents and guardians is integral to the Lacordaire student experience, as community plays a significant role. Throughout the year, parents will have ample opportunities to engage with the school community, whether through the Parent Association or by participating in some or all of our various events. Parents will cultivate relationships, gain consistent insight into their child's educational environment, and join in on all the fun that the Lacordaire experience has to offer.
Morning Ceremony (daily)
The annual Gala
Halloween decorating night
Lower School Halloween Party
Upper School family picnic
Christmas tree lighting & party
Grandparent/special person
breakfast
Lower School Valentine’s Day party
Catholic Schools Week visits
Winter cocktail party
Parent Association socials
Special someone dance
All performances and ceremonies
December movie night
Thanksgiving feast
All-school mass & prayer services
Chalk the Walk sidewalk decorating
Donor leadership circle dinner
And so much more!
Want to apply?
We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your interest in Lacordaire Academy. We’ve outlined the admissions steps here for your conveninece.
Completed Online Application for Admission (LacordaireAcademy.com/apply)
$75.00 application fee is non-refundable
Submission of Recent Standardized Tests (if applicable)
Middle Division: Terra Nova / NJ ASK / PARCC / SSAT / ISEE
Upper Division: SSAT Preferred. Terra Nova/NJ Ask/COOPHSPT Exam/Parcc/ISEE are also accepted
Grades 2-4: Submission of most recent standardized tests
Academic Transcripts
See LacordaireAcademy.com/apply for further information.
Submission of Two Teacher Recommendations
See LacordaireAcademy.com/Apply for details and for a link to the digital teacher recommendation forms. Note: Only 1 teacher recommendation is required for applications to Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade.
Academic Assessment & Student Interview
All applicants are asked to participate in an academic assessment with one of our teachers. Please call 973-744-1156 x12 or email admissions@lacordaire.net to request a meeting and/or assessment with the Admissions Office.
Parent
Interview
The parent, parents, or guardian(s) of all applicants in grades PK8 are required to participate in a brief parent interview with the admissions office. In lieu of a formal parent interview, parents/guardians may attend a private school tour.
Current Tuition
Upper School
$20,00 Middle School
$16,500 Lower School
$15,500 Kindergarten
$16,000 Pre-K
$16,000
Tuition may be paid annually, quarterly, or monthly.
Lacordaire is committed to maintaining its diverse socioeconomic population. In keeping with the mission of the Dominican Sisters, our tuition remains at a comparatively modest price point for a New Jersey independent private school. This is to encourage a variety of applicants from different economic backgrounds. Financial assistance is not available in the Lower and Middle divisions.
Lacordaire reserves a small academic and need-based scholarship budget for qualified 9th grade applicants who apply by the priority deadline in December.
General FAQ
What are the school day hours?
School begins at 8:00 am in all three divisions. Lacordaire offers a complimentary Before-care program from 7:30 – 8:00 am every morning. Lower School dismisses at 2:45 pm; Upper School dismisses at 3:15 pm.
When are applications due?
Lower & Middle School admission decisions are offered on a rolling basis from March through July. Classes typically reach waiting lists in early spring, so we recommend submitting an application by January of the year that you are seeking entry into. Upper School applications are due by December 8, 2025.
Does Lacordaire offer Aftercare?
Yes. Please contact the admissions office (admissions@lacordaire.net) to request our current aftercare rates and packages. We offer weekly, monthly, and per diem options.
Does the Academy provide transportation?
No. Lacordaire does not provide transportation to or from school.
James Hall
Lacordaire Hall
The Carriage House
Lacordaire’s 3-Acre Green Space