A New Home for Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection
For nearly 140 years, MKA has believed that the best education begins with a question. The Inquiry and Innovation Center transforms that belief into a physical reality, a space where students can explore, design, and collaborate across disciplines in ways never before possible.
Academic Support
Academic Support
Centralized offices for academic support and counseling, bringing care and connection together for the first time.
Laboratories
Laboratories
Seven state-of-the-art laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and research.
Learning Spaces
Learning Spaces
Nine math, computer science, and health classrooms, as well as dedicated homes for robotics, engineering, and science research.
Student Lounges
Student Lounges
Collaborative student lounges and community spaces that encourage spontaneous discussion and peer learning
The building of the Inquiry and Innovation Center reflects the first pillar of the school’s Strategic Plan 2025—Inspiring Inquiry and Insight, showcasing the school’s unwavering commitment to dynamic, student-centered learning through interdisciplinary exploration, innovative teaching, and real-world application. The new space brings MKA’s mission to life, preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
EXTENDING INNOVATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Innovation at MKA doesn’t stop when the semester ends. Beginning summer 2026, MKA will launch a new STEM+ Explorers Summer Camp designed to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and inspire innovation in middle school-aged students. Guided by passionate MKA faculty and supported by Upper School mentors, campers will explore robotics, coding, bioethics, and architecture, all within the new Inquiry & Innovation Center.
DESIGNED FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The Inquiry & Innovation Center embodies MKA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design. Built to achieve LEED Gold certification, the Center integrates green features, including solar panels across the Upper School campus, energy-efficient systems, and a living green roof accessible from New Jersey’s premier high school chemistry lab.
Students will have direct access to outdoor learning through the green roof, where they can gather data from solar panels, weather stations, and energy systems, turning the building itself into a living classroom.
Accessibility and inclusivity were also key priorities. From wheelchair-accessible sinks and lab tables to wide hallways and flexible learning zones, the Center ensures every student can participate meaningfully. An elevator, the first across all three MKA campuses, adds another layer of accessibility, while air conditioning in the gym and an enclosed courtyard terrace create comfortable, restorative spaces for learning and reflection.
COLLABORATION, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY
The Center also features new community innovation hubs, including a math lab, science lounge, and student collaboration areas designed for informal conversations and group projects. The Community Innovation Hub, equipped with both traditional and high-tech tools, invites students and faculty across disciplines to design, build, and invent together.
The enclosed courtyard provides a peaceful retreat for students and teachers alike, a space for outdoor discussions, group collaboration, or quiet reflection.
INSPIRING INSIGHT, EMPOWERING IMPACT
With panoramic views of New York City and light-filled spaces that celebrate curiosity and collaboration, the Inquiry & Innovation Center redefines what inquiry-driven learning looks like at the high school level. It is the first step in MKA’s broader vision to create connected spaces that nurture innovation, creativity, and purpose from Primary through Upper School.
GRATITUDE TO OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Finance and Facilities Committee Trustee Members: Rick Andlinger, Naveen Ballem ’90, M.D., F.A.C.S., Lauren Fass, and Jeff Szilagyi
MKA Administrators: James Castelli, Kathryn Davison, Dave Flocco, Ed.D., and Nigel Furlonge
Voith Mactavish Architects: Rob Douglass and Elie Zeinoun
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Thanks to the vision and commitment of our most dedicated donors, MKA is moving boldly into the future, investing more than $20 million in facilities, programs, and people that will shape the years ahead. Your support ensures that our students have inspiring spaces to learn, world-class faculty to guide them, and opportunities that prepare them to lead with curiosity, confidence, and purpose. Together, you are fueling a transformational initiative that secures MKA’s place as a leader in education and makes an enduring impact on generations to come.
We invite you to learn more about how your philanthropy can help shape the next phase of inquiry and innovation—creating a future that’s uniquely MKA. Contact the Development Office at development@mka.org.
"What excites me most is that this building finally gives our faculty and programs the kind of space they deserve. We’ve always had incredible teachers and innovative programming; now we have a facility that truly matches their excellence."Dave Flocco, Ed.D.Head of the Upper School
“Though my ultimate goal is to go to school for a degree in the STEM field, writing is my niche. While it seems like writing and STEM are opposites on a spectrum, I want to show the MKA community that they truly aren’t. After all, scientists also need to know how to write their research papers and lab reports effectively.”Natalia Morales-Chang ’27Grade 11 Student
“What excites me most about STEM is not just the answers, but the journey of discovery—how each problem presents its own unique challenge and how I break it down to find the solution.”Zoe Leitner ’26Grade 12 Student
“I am a multidisciplinary student passionate about art, engineering, and advocacy. People sometimes think STEM is individualistic, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s about teamwork, creativity, and building together.”Chelsea Lee ’26Grade 12 Student
“And that’s why I’m excited about the STEM+ Student Leadership Group. It’s not just a chance to take on a title, it’s a chance to lead inquiry at MKA. To collaborate on real problems with real impact.”Advik Tyagi ’27Grade 11 Student
CELEBRATING A NEW ERA OF INNOVATION
Montclair Kimberley Academy marked a monumental occasion on Saturday, November 15, with a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony for the spectacular new Inquiry and Innovation Center. After a year of intense planning and construction, MKA leadership, dedicated donors, and members of the Board of Trustees gathered to celebrate the unveiling of this transformative, 27,000-square-foot facility.
