Founded in 1774, Newark Academy is one of the nation’s oldest day schools and older than our country. For more than 250 years, NA has been committed to innovative, relationship-centered teaching and learning, delivering a best-inclass education. Newark Academy’s motto, “Ad Lumen” – meaning “toward the light” – serves as the school’s guiding principle. Our approach has illuminated the potential in generations of students by empowering them to pursue their passions and achieve excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
OUR MISSION
Newark Academy will contribute to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.
OUR VALUES
At Newark Academy we are committed to community. All are valued. All are celebrated. All belong. Students bring their authentic selves to a welcoming, inclusive, and joyful environment that values diversity of background and thought.
FAST FACTS
673 students in grades 6-12 from 85 different communities 66%
8:1 student-Teacher Ratio of the student population identify as students of color
1st International Baccalaureate diploma school in New Jersey
68 acres includes the Carol J. Heaney Nature Trail, 4 courtyards, and 2 turf fields
474 students in the Upper School and 199 in the Middle School
91% of NA’s teachers, counselors and administrators hold advanced degrees and 22 have earned doctoral degrees
WE CHOOSE KINDNESS WE FOSTER TRUST WE PRACTICE A GROWTH MINDSET
POWERED BY RELATIONSHIPS
At Newark Academy, you form meaningful, lifelong connections with inspiring mentors and talented, supportive peers. An NA education is a transformative experience where students are empowered to become the best version of themselves.
Our Skills-Focused Approach
HOW WE LEARN
A Newark Academy education is studentcentered and skills-focused. An excellent faculty pushes students beyond the “who” and “what” of content mastery to consider “how” and “why.”
Student voice is central to the NA experience: students drive discussions in their classes and take ownership of their own personal growth and development.
Students become powerful critical thinkers who are intellectually curious, culturally competent, and globally-minded. Our emphasis and expertise in experiential learning allows students to embrace and develop a growth mindset while taking risks, questioning the status quo, and exploring their passions. Character
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Through experiential learning opportunities, students apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to the real world.
Capstone
At the end of the year, Middle School students take part in activities on campus and field trips that promote teamwork, independence, and risk-taking.
Immersion Experiences
During language, service, and wilderness immersion trips, students lean into discomfort, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and broaden their cultural awareness.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous and highly respected pre-university program that guides students to become self-motivated learners and powerful critical thinkers.
June Term
Upper School students take a hands-on, intensive course of their choosing. NA faculty members designed courses like “Making Things Fly” and “Happiness” to engage student passions and expand student interests.
Off-Campus Study
Newark Academy has partnered with some of the world’s most highlyrespected semester-long travel and study programs, including The Island School, High Mountain Institute, The School for Ethics and Global Leadership, and School Year Abroad.
EXCELLENCE
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
One of Newark Academy’s distinguishing characteristics is our commitment to enabling students to pursue a diverse set of passions, within and beyond the classroom. It’s very common for students to be deeply engaged in many parts of campus life: our most talented visual artists also lead one of 80 student clubs and our Varsity captains serve on the Community Service and Sustainability Councils.
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VARSITY SPORTS
captured 16 state championships over the last five years
80 40+
ARTS OFFERINGS
including Digital Media, Dance, Choral Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, and Instrumental Music
STUDENT CLUBS
including Minuteman Newspaper, Mock Trial, Black Student Union, and Mi Casa
ILLUMINATE
WHAT’S POSSIBLE
NA graduates are well-rounded, inclusive, collaborative, generous, and community-minded individuals. They are excellent critical and creative thinkers who reflect on their own learning and advocate for themselves. They are lifelong learners with a global mindset and a willingness to consider questions from multiple perspectives. They are leaders with a deep concern for and curiosity about others and the world around them. They are confident. They are prepared.
FROM THE ADMISSION TEAM
Our Charge
To share NA with prospective families, identify community members who are mission- and values-aligned, and to enroll a diverse class and student body
Our Process
Student-centered, holistic, transparent, and consistent
What we look for
Mission and values alignment, intrinsic motivation and passion, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative community members
Explore NA
NOVEMBER
Submit the Online Admission Form
DECEMBER
Prior year transcripts due
JANUARY
Supporting documents and financial aid application (if applicable) due
FEBRUARY
Admission and Financial Aid decisions released
MARCH
Enrollment reply date
MAY
Destination NA program welcomes new students to campus
AFFORDING NA
We are committed to ensuring that Newark Academy remains accessible and affordable to families across northern New Jersey.
$4.8 million in need-based financial aid distributed annually
17% of students receive financial aid
Average need-based award around $30K
Proportional aid given on all required items including fees, books, Capstone, Immersion, and transportation
Learn more about financial aid at NA: www.newarka.edu/financial-aid
