WELCOME TO THE Upper School

Welcome to the MKA Upper School community – a place that nurtures the talents and interests of every student and empowers them to achieve their maximum potential.  At the Upper School, all students are encouraged to participate in the wide array of opportunities available to them in a diverse, respectful and caring environment.

Our academic courses include rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement tracks (in 2011, 104 students took 195 Advanced Placement Tests in 6 different disciplines.  94.2% of the examinations received scores of 3 or higher) and offer opportunities for independent research in science as well as a junior history thesis in American History.

Our College Counseling Office provides exceptional support and guidance to every student.  With four full-time counselors and two additional faculty liaisons for those students interested in pursuing athletics or the arts, individualized attention is ensured. In the class of 2011, 86% of all students were admitted to one of their first three choices, and 85% of the class was admitted to colleges deemed “Most Highly Competitive” and “Highly Competitive” by Barrons Guide to Colleges.

Our 75-minute class schedule provides ample opportunities for in-depth learning, and has resulted in reduced student stress and increased student achievement in grade point averages and standardized testing.  MKA's 1:1 Laptop Learning Initiative prepares students to succeed in today's technological world, giving them the tools to enhance learning, collaboration, exploration and success.

Our varsity teams can compete with the best. Last year, MKA produced four Prep State Championship teams - Field Hockey, Girls’ Tennis, Boys' Lacrosse and Girls’ Lacrosse - while Boys’ Cross Country, Boys’ Soccer, Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, Ice Hockey and Boys’ Lacrosse won conference championships. Our athletes go on to find success at college - currently 43 MKA graduates are playing at the NCAA level.

Our arts offerings are unparalleled.  From performing in a full-scale musical to award-winning movies, to intimate black box productions, theatrical experiences abound.  Studio art, sculpture and digital photography studios, together with dedicated band and practice rooms, dance and chorale spaces are housed in the $3 million Peter R. Greer Arts Wing.

The Upper School is a true community and school spirit runs high.  Our alumni consistently report that the two greatest things about their MKA education were their preparation for college and their relationships with faculty.  Our supremely qualified and committed faculty acts as teachers, advisors, mentors and coaches.  Our House system, which puts every member of the Upper School community – students, teachers and staff – into one of four Houses for spirited competition throughout the school year, promotes friendships and respect throughout the campus.  Our Service Learning Program ensures that every student not only participates in the act of service, but also reflects on those experiences in meaningful and productive ways.

I look forward to meeting you when you visit the Upper School.

With kind regards,

David C. Flocco, Ed.D.

Head of Upper School

6 Lloyd Road, Montclair, NJ 07042