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Naudain Academy opened in 1977. This begins our 31st school year.
In 1996, Naudain Academy received another honor. We were selected as the only New Jersey Montessori school (there were 4 in PA) and were showcased during American Montessori Society’s Fall Regional Seminar. The selection was based upon excellence in programming, staffing, and facilities. We were honored and grateful for the selection. Our tradition of excellence continues today.
In March of 2007, a tremendous honor occurred to one of our grandparents. The 100th anniversary of Montessori education was celebrated in NYC. Dottie Sweet Feldman, the Naudain grandparent, was chosen as the “living legacy”.
Operating Hours
Naudain Academy’s operating hours are from 7:30 AM to 6:00 P.M.
Regular class hours are as follows:
A.M. Program: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
P.M. Program: 12:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Full Day Program: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Extended Day Program (K): 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
All Day Program: 7:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
The earliest age for admission is two and a half. All children must be fully toilet-trained.
Office Hours
The office is open between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. If you have any questions or concerns, please call between these hours. After 4:00 P.M., an answering machine will be in service. Messages will be checked on a periodic basis.
History of Naudain Academy
The Board of Directors and Administration of Naudain Academy recognize that the history of its organization may be of interest to both parents and staff. Therefore, the following details shall serve as the official history of the non-profit school.
This historical documentation shall be updated at appropriate intervals. Leddy M. Naudain opened the Cherryford Montessori Children’s House in 1977. It was housed at a day camp on Ark Road, in Medford, NJ. This facility consisted of one building with two classrooms. The school was at this site for two years (1977 - 1979).
In 1979, the school used a one-room facility at a swim club, while waiting to hear of rental possibilities at a local church. 30 students were enrolled at this site.
From 1980 to 1984, the school was housed in the Protestant community church in Medford Lakes, NJ. At that time, 30 children were enrolled in the school. Classes were for preschool and kindergarten age children. In the second year at the church, the enrollment grew to 48 students. The enrollment of the Medford Lakes, NJ school eventually grew to 80, the capacity. In its later years, this facility also housed first-graders.
In consideration of the increased enrollment and the church's capacity, Leddy determined that the school should be in its own building.
During the summer of 1985, Dick Naudain began construction of the current Naudain Academy, located in Voorhees, NJ. The school was not quite ready for September of that year, so classes were held at Camp Kettle Run in Medford, NJ. Naudain Academy opened its doors to students during the fall of 1985. An Open House was held on December 7 of that year. The school had a capacity of 100 and included plans for future expansion. Four classrooms were built and the school enrolled both preschool and kindergarten students.
Enrollment requests continued to increase and in the summer of 1994, Dick Naudain completed further additions and renovations to the school. A new classroom was built, as was a staff work room and greater office space. A large storage shed was also built during that summer. New paint and carpeting was provided throughout the school.
The long-range plans of Leddy and Dick Naudain included the renovation of the large playground area. This, it was felt, would surely compliment the “state-of-the-art” school building. With the assistance of the active Home and School Association (HAS), the playground was refurbished during the spring of 1995. During the summer of 1996, Dick Naudain created another featured area for multiple use. The children, parents, and staff have many plans for the new amphitheater - an outdoor learning/drama center and site of future memorial gardens.
Whether building, renovating, or enhancing, a top priority of the school’s administration continues to be the provision for further Montessori equipment and materials for the classrooms.
Naudain Academy, as we know it today, is located on a 3 acre site on School Lane, off Route 73 and Kresson Road, in Voorhees, NJ.
Growth continues at Naudain Academy. Enrollment, considering all programs, averages 140-145 per year. Those involved with the school pride themselves on two key components which surround the school’s history. The longevity of staff members serves to indicate the worthiness of the school. The positive reputation is repeatedly indicated by the retention rate, coupled with the enrollment of siblings, relatives, and friends of those who have attended beforehand.
Amphitheater Details
Land was available for use on the grounds of the school. Consideration was given to the building of an amphitheater for student activities. Ideas were that an open area could be used for drama, group presentations, outdoor lessons, etc.
Bids were secured from two local landscaping firms. The cost range was from $15,000. to $30,000. These bids did not include many extras. It was described that landscaping, etc. would be extra.
After reviewing the information, the school Administration spoke to parents to discuss financial assistance. In the end, it was decided to not choose either bid and that the HSA would contribute funds during both the 1995-1996 and 1996-1997 school years. A few individuals contributed amounts of money. Some area businesses were solicited and contributed shade trees and bushes. The most sizable amount of monies were those given from school funds.
Design was accomplished by Dick Naudain. He combined ideas from both bid proposals with his own criteria. The work was completed during the summer of 1996.
Further plans call for the inclusion of stone benches on the top tier of the amphitheater. Also, more landscaping is planned for upcoming years. including more shrubbery and trees.
 Naudain Academy Online makes extensive use of Adobe PDF documents. If you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your computer, you can click here to obtain your free copy.
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