History
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 (HSA), 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 continous plans for the amphitheater. It is used as an outdoor learning center, stage for dramatic presentations and show. It is also used as a venue for the many presenters and outside orhanizations who visit the school.
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.