Montgomery Academy Announces Move Planned for June

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, N.J., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After months and months of planning, Montgomery Academy is getting a new home.  The school will be moving to a purposely-refitted, state-of-the art building this June. Although final touches are still being made to the plans, the school's faculty and staff are excited to show it off - and even more so to begin using it in the fall. The school, currently located at the Mount Saint John site just outside Gladstone, will move to 188 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. The school community is also delighted about entering a relationship with the neighboring YMCA of the Somerset Hills for some shared services and programmatic opportunities.

Just a short distance from the Mount Airy Road interchange of I-287, the property has excellent accessibility and is owned and managed by Lincoln Property Company, headquartered in Parsippany. Lincoln will initiate a number of upgrades and renovations to the facility under the direction of Lincoln's Vice President Rick Genthe with design work and educational specifications spearheaded by Ed Neighbor of Parette Somjen Architects LLC out of Rockaway. Jones Lang La Salle's Steven Fleming, a Senior Vice President and long time friend of Montgomery Academy, represented the school in the brokered transaction.

"The new space will be nothing short of transformational for our students, faculty and the surrounding community for years to come. Outfitted with the latest technologies for learning and discovery, the facility will provide for current and emerging trends in special education, such as virtual learning, smart classrooms and interdisciplinary approaches," remarked J. Anthony Manger. Manger, a partner with Norris McLaughlin & Marcus serves as President of the school's Board of Trustees and also sits on the Board of the supporting Montgomery Academy Foundation.      

"A school is more than just a collection of classrooms, a school is about its people," said Dr. Ronald F. Larkin, Montgomery Academy's Executive Director. "The new contemporary structure will have purpose-specific areas, yet be open and flexible to invite collaboration between our dedicated staff and our students. The bold exterior of stucco and glass serves as a living, working symbol of our commitment to a brilliant future for students with special needs. It will be warmed by our highly qualified teachers and therapists as the curriculum evolves for each child on an individual basis. We are tremendously grateful to our governing Board for making this move a reality." 

Thomas Costabile, Vice President of the school's Board of Trustees and Chair of its Real Estate Committee, recently led the entire staff on a tour of the new building and through a discussion of the construction plans. The first floor of the new building features administrative offices and meeting space, the second, classrooms, workshops and multi-purpose rooms with advanced technology options. "Accessibility was a huge factor in the decision to move the Academy. The current location is rather remote, is without elevator service and does not easily allow for the integration of technologies such as smart phone applications. We couldn't be happier," Costabile said. "The need is clear and present and the response to these plans has been incredible." 

Mike Tracy of Tewksbury,  President of the Montgomery Academy Foundation, shares his vision of increased awareness and private support for the preservation of school choice in special education. "Join us in this exciting step into the future.  The power to elevate children with special needs remains where it has always been:  in the hearts and souls of families, faculty, and friends.  So think about the children you know with special needs, the students presently studying here and those who will follow.  Consider the impact that your investment will have on the future of bright and sensitive children with learning disabilities. Consider partnering with your new neighbor, the community of learners known as Montgomery Academy."

A building dedication is expected to take place in September.   

Montgomery Academy is celebrating its 40th year of dedication to children with special needs. Its mission is to support and nurture youngsters who have learning challenges that have not been met in conventional public school settings. For inquiries or to learn more about Montgomery Academy, please reach out to Lisa Delventhal Marelli at 908.234.2840 or visit www.montgomeryacademyonline.org.

SOURCE Montgomery Academy