Now in my final year as a parent, I highly recommend Newark Academy. My two sons attended Newark Academy, each starting at 9th grade, with my second child graduating this June (2017). The level of academic challenge is extremely high at NA, coupled with an excellent sense of community and parent welcoming. NA is also THE place for academic students who also have a interest/talent in the arts. The music program is extremely strong in particular with awarded jazz ensembles, a full symphonic orchestra, wind ensemble and string ensemble. The choral program is fantastic with several ensembles. Dance and visual arts are also very strong. The school offers the well respected international Baccalaureate (IB) degree as an option and a large percentage of students complete the full IB. The students can take very high level Mathematics classes at NA as well as independent scientific research.
One of the things I have treasured at NA is the full acceptance and celebration of student individuality of the school. Open, respectful discussion is encouraged. I also have found wonderful parent friends at NA through the parent association (NAPA) which sponsors many activities, some of which are purely social for the parents (Book Club, Walking Club, Lunch Club) and some that are community service oriented (tutoring in Newark, SEEDS program). A strong parent community yields many benefits to the overall well being of students and families. Overall, I highly recommend Newark Academy for turning out highly educated, thoughtful, articulate, and poised students. read more