History & Vision

1977-1984

Leddy M. Naudain opened the Cherryford Montessori Children's House in 1977. The school was located on Ark Road in Medford, NJ. At that time, 25 children were enrolled in the school. The classes were for preschool and kindergarten age children.

In 1980, the school was moved to the Protestant Community Church in Medford Lakes, NJ. At that time, the name was changed to Medford Montessori Children's House.

The enrollment of the Medford school eventually grew to 80, the capacity of the church. In its later years, this school also housed first-graders.

In consideration of the increased enrollment and the church's capacity, Mrs. Naudain determined that the school should be in its own building.

1985-1995

During the summer of 1985, Richard Naudain began construction for the current Naudain Montessori 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.

Naudain Montessori Academy opened its doors to students during the fall of 1985. An open house was held on December 7th of that year.

The school had a capacity of 100 and included plans for future expansion. Five rooms (four classrooms and one office) were built and the school enrolled both preschool and kindergarten students.

The Summer Enrichment program began the summer of 1986 and has evolved over the years to include weekly themes in which children have been engaged in projects and activities that go along with the themes.

The school continued to grow and in the summer of 1994, Mr. Naudain completed further building additions and renovations. A new classroom was built, as was a staff work room and greater office space. A large storage shed was also completed. During that summer, new paint and carpeting was provided throughout the entire building.

1995-Present

In the spring of 1995, the entire playground area was renovated and more play equipment was purchased. Children's Peace Gardens were placed outside of each classroom door. Over the years, the Peace Gardens have continuously evolved as the staff and children take great joy in planting and tending to various garden delights such as plants, bulbs, annuals and perennials.

The long-range plans of Mr. and Mrs. Naudain include the continued upkeep of the large playground area. This, it is felt, will surely complement the "state-of-the-art" school building. Whether building, renovating, or enhancing, a top priority of the school's administration continues to be the provision for future Montessori equipment and materials for the classrooms.

During the summer of 1996, Mr. Naudain designed and constructed an outdoor Learning/Drama Center and Amphitheater which continues to be used and enjoyed to this day.

There was a growing desire and need among families for a Montessori Toddler program. Plans to expand the school to include a Montessori Toddler program for children ages 18 months - 3 years of age began in 2010. The Toddler classroom opened in September of 2011.

The playground was once again renovated. New pieces of equipment replaced some of the previous equipment to be in accordance with the New Jersey State playground requirements and mandates. A vegetable garden was also planted for the children to be able to have hands-on science lessons and tend to and pluck vegetables for use in the classrooms.

Growth continues at this school. All involved pride themselves on two key components which surround the school's history- longevity and a positive reputation. 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, friends of those who have attended beforehand and now children of past alumni. As the school continues to make plans and grow, it is always with our motto in mind...giving children an education that will last a lifetime.