FAQ

MKA is an innovative college-preparatory, coeducational, independent day school serving approximately 1,047 students in Pre-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.

MKA reflects the diversity, vibrancy, and strong community spirit of its town. In addition to its three age-appropriate campuses (see below), MKA is distinguished by a curriculum unified by Signature Programs in writing, the MKA core and ethics; by a faculty committed to ongoing professional development and excellence; and by the integration of technology into the curriculum. (All students in grades 4–12 are provided with MacBook Air laptops complete with an extensive suite of software). Students of color make up 29% of our enrollment, and we draw from almost 85 towns.

MKA is the product of a merger of three schools, Montclair Academy, The Kimberley School, and Brookside. 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. - 2:50 p.m. Varsity and JV sports to follow

Extended Day is available until 6:00 p.m. daily.

MKA provides a wireless network community for Pre-K–grade 12, and all students enjoy a 1:1 learning environment, with personal MacBook Airs 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 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 7:30am, there is no charge for early arrival. After-school care is provided through our Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) Program and is offered until 6:00pm Monday-Friday.

Although slightly different at each campus, the dress code can best be described as "smart casual" with solid color bottoms and collared shirts. Students enjoy Spirit Fridays and regular "dress down" days on which they can wear more casual attire. There is no dress code for students attending Pre-K.

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.

There are two ways to apply: either online by completing our general inquiry form and beginning the application process, or the Standard Application Online. If you are applying to other independent schools, you may wish to apply using the SAO, as many schools accept that application.

Important dates and more information about the MKA admissions process can be viewed here. Late applications may be accepted depending on availability of spaces. We offer Early and Regular Decision options. 

MKA's guidelines for Pre-K are that boys should be four years old by June 1, and girls should be fours years old by August 1. For kindergarten and first grade, the ages are five and six, respectively. Each child is evaluated based on his or her individual abilities and characteristics, and social fit at this age is an important criterion. The Admissions Committee looks closely at the child whose birthday falls near a cutoff date and will decide placement based on what, in its opinion, is in the best interest of the child.

MKA's teachers and admissions officers have years of experience working with young children. We are able to work effectively with virtually all our applicants, but we recognize that young children can have difficult days. On those rare occasions when a child is unable to complete the visit or screening appointment, we will ask the child to return on another day.

MKA provides centralized bus service. Fees are $5,995 for one-way and $8,250 for round trip transportation. MKA also provides two shuttle buses from Short Hills, Maplewood & Livingston for $1,000. Please contact the Admissions Office with any questions.

Financial aid applications should be submitted by February 14, 2024. We will notify you of both the admissions and financial aid decisions at the same time. Please remember that MKA is not able to offer financial assistance until grade 4.

Depending on the campus, your student can expect the following:

At the Primary School:

Pre-K applicants visit on a Saturday morning in January with other Pre-K applicants; they return for a short weekday one-to-one screening.

Prospective kindergartners visit a peer classroom for an hour and a half on a weekday, and they participate in a one-to-one screening either on the same day or on another weekday.

Applicants for grades 1–3 spend a full weekday in a peer classroom and participate in a one-to-one screening during the visit.

At the Middle and Upper School Campuses:

Each visit occurs on a weekday during school hours. It begins with a campus tour, followed by attending classes with a student host and meeting with an admissions officer.

Make sure you are not logging in on the site's home page; that login is for MKA community members. Applicants must log in from the Admissions webpage or by clicking the button for Returning Visitors below. 

MKA offers an approved summer course in Algebra 1 at the Middle School campus and accepts some other summer school options. Please call the Admissions Office for more details. Such a course typically lasts six weeks (late June–early August) and costs $1,000–$1,500.

All student athletes who received a varsity letter will be required to sit out the first 30 days of that sport's regular season. The clock starts with the first regular-season contest. Children are allowed to participate in practices and scrimmages. Children who received varsity letters in multiple sports are required to sit out the first 30 days in each of those sports. This rule does not apply to junior varsity letters. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office.

Our goal in the Admissions Office is to connect prospective student athletes with our varsity coaches as soon as possible. Please call the Admissions Office at 973-509-4858, or send an email message to admissions@mka.org, telling us about your child’s sports experience, including the teams and number of years he or she has played and any honors or awards he or she has earned.

If you have not inquired yet, call the Admissions Office or fill out our online inquiry form.

The Admissions Office wants to help prospective students interested in the arts showcase their work to our amazing faculty. Please note that the following information is not required as part of the admissions process. It is merely an option to help the Admissions Office and the Fine & Performing Arts Department identify artists.

If you have a child with experience in the fine arts: Please email admissions@mka.org with information about the child's fine arts experience as well as jpegs or a link to a website that shows the student's work.

If you have a child with experience in music (vocal and/or instrumental): Please email admissions@mka.org with information about the child's musical experience, and provide a link to a website or mail a compact disc or digital videodisc to the Admissions Office at 201 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.

If you have a child with experience in dance and/or theater: Please email admissions@mka.org with information about the child's dance or theater experience, and provide a link to a website or mail a digital videodisc to the Admissions Office at 201 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.