MKA Celebrates 125 years
September 2012 marks the start of a very special year for MKA – the 125th anniversary of Montclair Academy (1887); one of our three founding schools, together with The Kimberley School (1906) and Brookside (1925). Under the leadership of Committee Chairs Marla Higginbotham, a current parent of three MKA students, and Jenny Zagariello, a former faculty member and parent of an alumna in the class of 2005, a yearlong celebration involving students, parents, faculty, alumni, friends and neighbors in a variety of events has been planned to celebrate this milestone in school history.
From MA's opening student body of 32 boys, to today's MKA enrollment of 1040, the School has remained true to its mission to provide an innovative and excellent education that prepares students to take their place in the world as active, involved and informed citizens. Celebrating 125 years provides a unique opportunity for us all not only to look back at that remarkable legacy but also to look forward to a future that guarantees that MKA will continue to graduate students who are confident, prepared and able to be everything they can.
125TH planning Committee:
Co-Chairs: Marla Higginbotham and Jenny Zagariello
Members: Tom Nammack (Headmaster), Debbie Kozak (Director of Communications & Marketing), Judy Polonofsky (Director of Special Events & Projects), Laurie Hoonhout McFeeley '78 (Alumni Director), Geoff Branigan (Director of Development & External Affairs), Steve Frantz (Associate Director of Communications), Pat Parke (Primary School representative), Lynn Salehi (Middle School representative), Nicole Hoppe and Carol Spencer (Upper School representatives), Karen Ross (PAMKA and parent representative), Josh Raymond '89 (Alumni representative) and Judy Nesbit (Former faculty representative).
historic timeline
Montclair Academy founded under Headmaster John G. McVicar (1887-1925) with 32 boys.
The Kimberley School founded under Headmistress Mary K. Waring (1906– 1940) joined by Mary A. Jordan in 1909 (1909-1940) with 46 girls.
Brookside School founded by Dr. Margaret Wells who was Headmistress for one year, then succeeded by Anna Gannett in 1926 (1926-1936) – co-ed, grades K-6 with 32 students.
Brookside School merges with the Montclair Academy Foundation.
Montclair Kimberley Academy established July 1, 1974 under Headmaster Dr. Richard W. Day (1974-78), Head of Upper School Dr. J. Stevens Bean (1974-76) Head of Middle School Rudolph H. Deetjen Jr (1974-77) and Head of Primary School Francine DeCotiis (1974-81).
MKA celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the School’s founding under Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack (2005-present), Head of Upper School Dr. David Flocco (2006 – present), Head of Middle School Dr. Randy Kleinman (2000 - present) and Head of Primary School Virginia Kriegel (1999 – present) with 1030 students in grades Pre-K-12 and a faculty and staff of 226.
