OUR SCHOOL
MKA is an innovative college-preparatory, coeducational, independent day school serving approximately 1,050 students in Jr-K–Grade 12 on three campuses in Montclair, New Jersey. Our mission is to ensure that our students are well prepared not only for the academic demands of college but also to be positive, contributing citizens. With excellence in teaching, creativity in curriculum, and a highly personal, technology-enriched curriculum, MKA provides the opportunity for every student to develop to his or her maximum potential and meet the real-world challenges ahead.
Although an MKA education is a serious endeavor that is a step ahead at every stage, it is delivered at a student-centered pace. From Jr-K through Grade 12, students learn in age-appropriate environments that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The MKA experience is defined as transformational. Students are known and supported as individuals by our dedicated faculty, challenged to think deeply, and inspired to discover their passions. Families can expect to join a diverse and welcoming community where students develop a strong sense of self and graduate knowing who they are with a vision for where they want to go on their path to becoming confident adults, thoughtful citizens, and ethical leaders.
MKA is the product of a merger of two schools, Montclair Academy, which had already acquired Brookside, and The Kimberley School. Our Primary School (Brookside) is the former Brookside Elementary School; the Middle School is the former Kimberley School; and the Upper School is the former Montclair Academy. Having three distinct divisions allows the faculty at each campus to create the appropriate environment and curriculum to meet the needs of the age group they serve. It also means that each campus has its own extensive, age-appropriate facilities, such as libraries, science labs, art rooms, gyms, and auditoriums.
Monday - Friday
- Primary School: 8:00 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
- Middle School: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. Interscholastic sports to follow
- Upper School: 8:00 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. Varsity and JV sports to follow
- Our Extended Play and Enrichment Program is available until 6:00 p.m. daily for grades Jr-K - 8
MKA provides centralized bus service and shuttles. Currently, the school offers shuttle service to and from school in the following towns: Maplewood, South Orange, Livingston, Millburn, and Short Hills. MKA has plans to expand to other towns based on interest and ridership. Please contact the Admissions Office with any questions.
Yes. Although slightly different at each campus, the dress code can best be described as "smart casual" with collared shirts as a requirement. Students enjoy Spirit Fridays and regular "dress down" days on which they can wear more casual attire. There is no dress code for students in Jr-K.
OUR PROGRAMS
MKA provides a wireless network community for Jr-K–Grade 12, and all students enjoy a 1:1 learning environment, with personal MacBooks in grades 4–12. MKA is a leader in effectively integrating technology into the curriculum and was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School where students of all ages utilize technology to maximize research and collaborative learning.
Beginning a relationship with students and parents during the freshman year, MKA's College Counseling Office (CCO) has four full-time college counselors as well as two additional full-time faculty members dedicated to assisting students interested in athletics and the arts. The remarkable student-counselor ratio ensures that individuals' needs are met, and MKA consistently places students in the most selective colleges in the country. View our School Profile for more information.
Yes. Although students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m., there is no charge for early arrival. After-school care is provided through our Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) and Extended Student Supervision (ESS) Programs and is offered until 6:00 pm Monday-Friday.
OUR APPLICATION PROCESS
The MKA community welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds, including different family types and cultures. The Admissions Committee values academic fit and fine character and looks carefully for evidence of these in each applicant.
MKA’s Junior Kindergarten program is for 4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds. Boys should be four years old by June 1, and girls should be four years old by August 1 of their entrance year at MKA.
For our kindergarten program, boys should be five years old by June 1, and girls should be five years old by August 1 of their entrance year at MKA. Each child is evaluated on his or her readiness for our program. Emerging academic skills and social and emotional fit are important criteria.
When a child’s birthday falls near a cutoff date, the Admissions Committee will evaluate and determine the correct placement for that student. These decisions are based on what is in the best interest of the child and what placement will provide the most successful start at MKA.
Weekend and weekday admissions events offer distinctly different experiences, and we encourage families to attend one of each to get the fullest picture of our school community.
Weekend Events focus on our community connections through formal presentations and panel discussions. You'll engage with faculty, administration, parents, and students in a structured setting that highlights our school's values and culture.
Weekday Morning Events provide an authentic glimpse into daily school life. You'll tour active classrooms, observe students and teachers in action, and experience the energy of a typical school day.
Together, these events give you both the big picture of who we are as a community and the day-to-day reality of what learning looks like at our school. We believe experiencing both perspectives will help your family make the most informed decision.
MKA requires that students complete an approved Algebra 1 summer course. Such a course typically lasts six weeks (late June–early August). Please contact the Admissions Office for more details.
MKA uses Clarity Schools for its financial aid application. Applications for financial aid are need-based and must be submitted by mid-February each year. We will notify you of both the admissions and financial aid decisions at the same time. Please note that MKA offers financial assistance starting in fourth grade.
At the Primary School:
Jr-K applicants participate in a small group visit in one of our classrooms on a Saturday morning in January.
Prospective kindergarten through third-grade applicants visit the Primary School on a weekday morning. During their visit, they will have the opportunity to work with an MKA Teacher and tour the school.
At the Middle School:
Each visit occurs on a weekday during school hours. It begins with a campus tour, followed by student and parent interviews. Students will also complete an in-person writing sample during their visit.
If you have more than one child applying to MKA, please contact the Admissions Office so we can coordinate a Family Visit for all applicants on the same day.
At the Upper School:
Each visit occurs on a weekday during school hours. It begins with a campus tour, followed by student and parent interviews with an admissions officer. Students will also complete an in-person writing sample during their visit.
If you have more than one child applying to MKA, please contact the Admissions Office so we can coordinate a Family Visit for all applicants on the same day.
