Lacordaire Academy

155 LORRAINE AVE

Montclair, NJ 07043

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 09, 2019

As a parent who had to leave school with multiple children, I am disgusted with this school, administration and staff. Shameful how the school has declined under this current leadership.
Submitted by other on February 11, 2019

Lacordaire is a great community that seems to be getting better every year. My kids couldn't be happier. The teachers are really good and the new administration is much more approachable and open. We would recommend this to any family that is looking for a warm community where your child will never fall through the cracks.
Submitted by other on June 06, 2018

I do not understand how a student can be academically strong, as an honor student and did not receive any recognition for his achievement at the end of his graduation.. While other students were receiving awards for their hard work throughout the years, but again some honor students were waiting and get nothing. I do believe the faculty need to take a good look at the situation. If you continue to treat your honor students with demerit, disvalue like that. As grand parent, I was very disappointed because my grand child is a brilliant A student.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2018

The school is academically challenging while limiting class room sizes to 18 students so that students receive personal attention from teachers. In the lower school the teachers are outstanding: they are highly experienced and have been teaching their respective grades for a number of years. As a parent, you have the comfort of knowing that you will be getting quality teachers for the formative years. The HSA (PTA) is fairly hands off; parents are not bombarded with emails from the school and requests to volunteer are spaced out throughout the year rather than being relentless. Lacordaire feels more like a private school wherein the Administration takes care of the details for the parents, versus parish schools where there is just a principal and the parents are constantly asked to give time to projects in the school. Our child has received a quality education so far in the lower school and we are very pleased with Lacordaire.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2017

After a frustrating K-5 in the public schools with their large classrooms, teaching to the test, curriculum changes, and dealing with a confusing maze of 504's and IEPs we moved our son to Lacordaire. After 6 years in our public school system, I felt that very few teachers really 'knew' our son. Sure, he had some problems but they paled in comparison with other kids and he slipped through the cracks. He graduated 5th grade with above average grades but unfortunately with no executive function skills, little ability to follow through and frankly very poor writing, basic math and critical thinking skills. We decided to repeat 5th grade at Laco last year, got a tutor and hit the books. All was revealed at our first Parent teacher meeting: I literally cried when I met with each teacher who talked to us about our son and for the first time communicated to us that they REALLY understood him. His teachers embraced his deficits and expressed to us a confidence in him that frankly, we had never seen. The more they challenged him, coached him and held him to task, the more his writing skills and confidence soared. Last year in 5th grade he learned how to get organized, review and study for mid terms and finals, write a 10 page research paper and even got the chance to perform in two school plays. He has become extremely independent, more organized and has learned how to 'go deep' (i.e.: diving into and dissecting a piece of literature like Call of the Wild!) Because it is a small school, curriculum is developed to thoughtfully cross over to other subjects i.e.: science, technology, and math which makes everything have more meaning. Rich arts program (their dedicated Art and Drama teachers are the BEST in the business) and last but not least, my son is learning a second language (French) and is struggling to catch up but excited to learn! We all couldn't be happier with our decision.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2017

My daughter is in the upper school and is exceeding all expectations because the Academy has prepared her to do so and she demands it of herself. The Academy sustains a rigorous academic workload; the students are expected to be involved in many of the extracurricular clubs, organizations, and sports teams; spirituality, morals, and ethics are a part of the student's daily school life; and, community involvement is encouraged and service hours are required. Since the Academy's high school is small, an individualized education is received. Curriculums are tailored to meet the needs of the students. The elite universities and colleges that these young women receive acceptance to and the total amount of academic scholarships that they are awarded each year is a testament to the quality of the education provided by the Academy. When a Lacordaire Lady begins her university life, she most often finds that she is more than prepared, even finding some of the core college classes, remedial, in comparison to her Academy classes. My husband and I are very pleased with Lacordaire Academy and we are always happy to share our positive experiences with fellow parents and colleagues.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2016

It beaks my heart to see my son receiving an education geared for the world as is existed 50 years ago, but he was enrolled by my ex and accepted by the school against my wishes. Do your own due diligence, but I've found it a colossal waste of money, especially since my son still needs tutoring to fill in the gaps.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

The staff is outstanding and the whole school atmosphere is very positive. Our daughter just graduated from 8th grade and we were very grateful to Laco for her great learning experience and personal happiness through it all.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2015

This school is academically rigorous. It is also inclusive,diverse in every way and a place that encourages giving back to the world in a positive way. This school empowers children to take ownership for their lives and communities. Lacordaire is an extraordinary place.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

I chose Lacordaire based on their sell of the school as a small, nurturing environment. That turned out being so far from the truth. They have the uncanny ability to harm a child's self-esteem
Submitted by other on April 07, 2014

Most elementary schools require their pupils to wear gym uniforms if they happen to have gym that day. I find it very practical and my daughter doesn't have problem with it. I think this school is set in a charming and nurturing environment where children achieve higher standards because of their small class sizes.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2014

Snooty, Pretentious, horrible facility. The worst qualities of Montclair in a nutshell. Several days a week the children wear sweatshirt and pant "uniforms" because the staff too lazy to allow them to change. Too small space, tiny classrooms. Upper level staff uninformed and dismissive. Principle was loopy an out-of-touch during interviews. How do places like this go on?