About The Academy

The Academy for Children is a non-profit, tax exempt, non-sectarian, educational organization and school which encourages the extraordinary and phenomenal potential of each child through programs for the development and education of children, parents and professionals.

Founded in

Founded in: 1979

Quick Facts

Founded in: 1979
School year: September through June, 18 Months to Rising 5 ( Similar to Mountains Lakes District School Calendar )
Fun Summer " Science Adventures" Camp June, July, August, 2Years to 3rd Grade
Director & Program Supervisor: Marjorie Peacock
Founder, Sponsor, Ceo: Barbara Frey
Number of students: 45
Student-teacher ratio: 8/9:1
Number of families: 30
Combined Teacher's Service: 160 years
Days in school year: 180 days (September-June); similar to Mt. Lakes school calendar plus a 4-week summer program
Lunchtime: No charge for pre-school through kindergarten. Two year old program: "LUNCH WITH FRIENDS" (fee).
Tax ID#: 22-3689962

More About The Academy

Our Philosophy
Our History
Our Faculty

"Encouraging the Potential of Each Child" through a differentiated education program is what sets the Academy For Children apart. Each child attending The Academy benefits from a specific developmental and educational program designed by the directors and coordinated and implemented by teachers. Through the individual assessment and curriculum/program design, one-to-one specific learning is facilitated through fun games and activities. Within a positive environment enriched with opportunities for learning and play, teachers facilitate each child's individual program. The small class size and one-to-one attention foster learning through specific opportunities designed to fully develop each child's potential.

Supporting the Child’s Personality
Attention to differences
Nurturing environment
Fun, play + Love to learn
Indoor/Outdoor Games for Little Kids
Professional & Qualified Teachers

The Academy was founded in 1979 as the National Academy for Child Development. Barbara C. Frey was one of the co-founders of this non-profit organization which provided individual developmental evaluations for children and their families. The NACD expanded to serve families from across the United States. The Academy in Mountain Lakes has served over a thousand families to date and is unique in that it provided a school which, under the direction of Barbara Frey, implemented the philosophy of encouraging the potential in children. In 1995 Marjorie McCabe-Peacock joined The Academy Team and she and Barbara began to expand the school's programs. In 1999-2000, a new Board of Trustees was formed, thus founding The Academy for Children, a non-profit, tax-exempt, non-sectarian, 501(c)3 educational organization and school.

The Members of The Board of Trustees are:

Barbara C. Frey, President - Trustee
Marjorie Peacock, Vice-President - Trustee
Annella Dignes - Trustee
Judy Burton, Secretary - Trustee
Eva Barcza - Trustee
Dina McWilliams - Trustee

The Academy faculty includes more than 15 Teachers and Summer Counselors. All teachers are certified in CPR, AED and First Aid. Our teachers hold a variety of degrees, specialties, training in art, science, math and early childhood education. Barbara C. Frey, Founder, Sponsor and CEO has a B.S in Education from the University of Michigan. She has an extensive background in early childhood education, team teaching, positive behavioral programs, and neuro-education. Marjorie McCabe-Peacock, M.S. Ed, Director and Program Supervisor. Marjorie Peacock has a B.S. in Health Education from Russell Sage College and a M.S. in Education, Curriculum and Teaching from Fordham University. She has an extensive background in early childhood education, teacher training, special education and is a reading specialist. Professional Development, workshop and ongoing training developed specially by the Academy For Children are part of our faculties school year.

What makes our school special!

Our Testimonials

What Parents Say

I really want to thank you for the incredible difference you have made in our children’s lives. You found their gifts, created the positive environment, and allowed those gifts to flourish. You have taught them to love learning and build sound foundations. You have understood the obstacles and broke through them to help them realize their potential. You have made a profound difference in their lives and in ours.

David O.

The Academy has always provided a warm and nurturing environment for both my sons. We moved from Chicago to Mountain Lakes, leaving all of our family and close friends behind. We were concerned that it would be hard to raise our boys here alone. The Academy helped fill the gap for us. Many Academy families have become our dearest friends and cornerstones in our lives. We have shared countless birthdays, outings and family gatherings. The Academy has positively influenced our family life in addition to providing a consistent, caring and educational environment for our children.

Diane B.

After having visited several area preschools for my son, we chose The Academy for Children because the curriculum and activities offered surpassed what the other schools had to offer. My son loves to go to school and the relationships that he has developed with his peers and teachers are invaluable. His progress socially and academically is leaps and bounds ahead of expectations. We could not be any more thrilled with the decision to send our son to The Academy for Children.

Anthony & Liz F

Our son has learned so much since attending The Academy for Children. He is excited to go to school and is happy there. We are impressed with the caring teachers and administrators that provide both a nurturing and challenging environment. The school definitely lives up to its reputation of being a high quality place for children to begin their educational journey.