MONTCLAIR KIMBERLY ACADEMY THROUGH THE YEARS
Three campuses, one school: We Are MKA. For half a century, our community has proudly upheld its unwavering commitment to knowledge, vision, and integrity. As we reflect on over five decades of excellence and growth, we honor the rich history that has shaped who we are and look forward to the future with renewed purpose, pride, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing our students’ growth.
A Vision Takes Roots
Following the efforts of some leading Montclair citizens to prepare their sons for college, Montclair Academy was founded with 32 boys under the tutelage of John MacVicar—the school’s first principal. The school later expanded to the current Upper School campus on Lloyd Road, grades nine through twelve.
New Era for Women’s Education
Montclair Academy’s all-girls peer school, The Kimberley School, was originally founded as Miss Waring's School and Studio. The school later expanded, purchasing and renovating the old Montclair Athletic Club on Valley Road, which currently houses the MKA Middle School, grades four through eight.
Welcoming Young Learners
The Brookside School, a progressive, coeducational school for Kindergarten through grade six, was acquired by Montclair Academy, creating a co-ed feeder school for the all-boys' school. It is now home to our Primary School, grades Pre-K through three.
Sparking New Connections
Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School—each with strong school spirit, loyal graduates, and a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum—began to offer cross-registration for certain classes in addition to shared social events and theatrical productions.
Fostering Excellence Through Access
Established by Montclair Academy, the Community Scholars program was created to foster diversity and make education accessible to exceptional students. The Community Scholars program lives on today and continues to provide scholarship opportunities for MKA students.
Merging Traditions, Shaping the Future
The Boards of both Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School made the historic decision to officially merge, establishing the school we know and love today—Montclair Kimberley Academy. MKA’s first day of classes took place in September of 1974 with Richard Ward Day assuming the title of Principal.In the same year, students came together to vote and chose a cougar as the official mascot of MKA. The original cougar costume was crafted from the old Montclair Academy lion costume and has evolved over the years now known affectionately as Cougie.
Sealing MKA’s Identity
After a school competition to establish the school seal, the design of Betsy Benedict ’76 won student and Trustee approval. Her concept joined several symbols—the rising sun, a beginning, shines on the torch of knowledge; the palm fronds stand for achievement; and the three arrows represent the schools combined in MKA.
A Melody of Cougar Pride
The school song, “Oh, MKA,” was introduced and sung for the very first time at MKA’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration on November 18, 1984. Lois Riley and Nixon Bicknell, two members of the MKA Performing Arts Department, composed a new song to the melody of an old navy tune by J.W. Crosley.
Dr. Greer’s Blueprint for Success
Dr. Peter R. Greer began his tenure at MKA, taking on the title of Headmaster. Under his leadership, MKA emerged as one of the largest independent day schools in New Jersey. Both the Upper and Middle School campuses were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Dr. Greer implemented a long-range plan that led to upgrades of all three campuses, including a technology infrastructure, improved science facilities, a new gymnasium, an all-weather surface for the Van Brunt Field, a black box theater, and the Dr. Peter R. Greer Arts Wing at the Upper School.
Thomas Nammack: Architect of Culture
Thomas W. Nammack assumed the title of MKA’s fourth Headmaster in July 2005. A true architect of culture, he cultivated a thriving and caring community of students, colleagues, and parents. His leadership focused on continuous improvement through MKA’s commitment to professional growth and instructional innovation supported by the strengthening of MKA’s endowment. Mr. Nammack is credited with facilities improvements made possible through the community’s support of the Future Forward Campaign, which, among its many accomplishments, created a state-of-the-art Academic Center at the Upper School and transformed the Primary School campus.
A Digital Learning Pioneer
MKA was first recognized as an Apple Distinguished School in 2013. The school provides technology tools to support curriculum and instruction, communication, and professional development in ways that promote learning. MKA is celebrated as a center of educational innovation, and its technology program equips students with essential skills and strengthens connections within the school community.
Brookside: Bigger, Better, Bolder
The Primary School (Brookside) underwent a major expansion project under the tenure of Thomas W. Nammack. The renovations provided greater space for the school to come together as a whole. The project introduced the “cafetorium” (a 400-seat assembly hall), a state-of-the-art kitchen and servery, an outdoor garden space, expanded parking and carline access, and more.
Nigel Furlonge: MKA's Leading Edge
Nigel D. Furlonge was appointed as MKA’s fifth Head of School in July 2021, bringing extensive experience in nationally acclaimed independent schools. Earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Villanova University, and an M.Ed. from the Teachers College of Columbia University, Mr. Furlonge was a John Klingenstein Fellow and served as the History Lead Teacher and co-designer for the Diversity Strand in the Klingenstein Center’s Summer Institute. His previous position was Principal of the Upper School at Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) in the Bronx, New York.
Expanding the Playing Field
Among the many significant capital projects and upgrades that MKA has undergone in the last 50 years is the Middle School Fields, which includes Barrett Field. With a grand opening in 2022, the complex allowed greater flexibility so that several sports can use the fields throughout the year, including baseball, softball, soccer, and football.The Middle School Fields celebrated its grand opening in the Fall of 2022. The complex allowed greater flexibility so several sports can use the turf fields throughout the year, including baseball, softball, soccer, and football. Additionally, the fields improved the school’s teaching and learning environments to fully support its programs and the potential of its students.
Catching Rays, Creating Change
In November 2024, MKA announced the completion and launch of its solar panel installation project across all three campuses. This project cemented the school’s role as a forward-thinking energy producer within the Montclair community. Through its partnership with Novitium Energy, a total of 1,717 solar panel modules were installed across all three campuses, contributing to MKA’s commitment to sustainability.
50 Years of Excellence
This school year marked an extraordinary milestone for MKA: 50 years since the transformative merger of Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School, a moment that forged the vibrant, inclusive community we celebrate today. For half a century, our community has proudly upheld its unwavering commitment to knowledge, vision, and integrity. As we reflect on five decades of excellence and growth, we honor the rich history that has shaped who we are and look forward to the future with renewed purpose and pride.
Innovation in Action
Led by the leadership and vision of MKA’s fifth Head of School Nigel Furlonge, the Inquiry and Innovation Center is a 27,000-square-foot facility on the Upper School campus. The Center contains new classrooms, laboratories, a dedicated robotics area, and student workspaces. The Center embodies MKA’s commitment to innovation and fulfills its promise as a hub of collaboration for generations to come.
