Christopher Academy Celebrated its 50th Year Feb. 10

It was a wonderful day of celebration at Christopher Academy, the Montessori school with campuses located in Westfield and Scotch Plains.

Many former and current students, parents and faculty were in attendance Sunday. Congressman Leonard Lance also made an appearance and presented the school with a flag, which was flown over our nation’s capitol.

Christopher Academy was founded in February of 1963 by four families, who wanted Montessori education for their children, and the school was truly honored to have Thomas Thomson, one of the founders of the school, in attendance for the 50th anniversary celebration. Mr. Thomson was joined by his two daughters, who were amongst the school’s first students.

When the school opened its doors it was the first in the state of New Jersey and amongst the first in the country. Today the school boasts an enrollment of over 150 students ages 2 ½ through First Grade, with campuses in Scotch Plains and Westfield. Christopher Academy is accredited by American Montessori Society, and the 50th Anniversary was also attended by Kathy Roemer, the President of the AMS Board of Directors.

“It was a joyful celebration and we feel honored that so many from our community came to celebrate this very special day with us”, said Henriette Petersen, Director of Operations. “Christopher Academy has been a part of our local community for 50 years now, and it was truly wonderful to see how far into the community the school has reached. Building community is part of our mission at the school, and we remain committed to children and families in our area”.

Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and scientist, developed the Montessori method of education in the early twentieth century. Montessori classrooms revolutionized children’s education, linking teaching methods to children’s unique development, and many of Montessori’s innovations are now standard practice in early childhood settings. Recent research in the cognitive development of the brain, and child development throughout the last century, has demonstrated the lasting positive effects of the method, from increased academic achievement to distinctions in children's creativity, self-efficacy, and community contributions. 

For more information on Christopher Academy, please contact the school at 908-322-4652 for the Scotch Plains campus and 908-233-7447 for the Westfield campus, or attend our upcoming Admissions Open House February 21, 9:30 a.m. at 510 Hillcrest Avenue in Westfield.

For more information check our web site: www.christopheracademy.com