INNOVATION INQUIRY & CENTER
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Opens Inquiry & Innovation Center,
Inspiring the Next Generation of Thinkers
and Leaders
Montclair Kimberley Academy’s Inquiry & Innovation Center is a 27,000-square-foot academic hub designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and empower students to think critically and lead ethically. With panoramic views of New York City and light-filled spaces designed to celebrate curiosity and collaboration, the Inquiry & Innovation Center redefines what inquirydriven learning can look like at the high school level.
The building’s collaborative learning spaces reflect the first pillar of the school’s Strategic Plan 2025: Inspiring Inquiry and Insight, showcasing the school’s unwavering commitment to dynamic, student-centered learning through interdisciplinary exploration, innovative teaching, and realworld application. The new space brings MKA’s mission to life, creating connected spaces that nurture innovation, creativity, and purpose from Primary through Upper School.
“What excites me most is that this building finally gives our faculty and programs the kind of space they deserve. We’ve always had incredible teachers and innovative programming; now we have a facility that truly matches their excellence.”
- Dr. Dave Flocco,
Head of the Upper School
Seven state-of-the-art laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and research
Centralized offices for academic support and counseling, bringing care and connection together for the first time
A New Home for Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection
For nearly 140 years, MKA has believed that the best education begins with a question. The Inquiry & Innovation Center transforms that belief into a physical reality, a space where students can explore, design, and collaborate across disciplines in ways never before possible.
“This Center captures the essence of the MKA learner,” said Nigel Furlonge, MKA’s Head of School. “It’s a place where curiosity leads to discovery, where ethics and empathy guide innovation, and where every student is encouraged to think deeply, act boldly, and imagine what’s possible.”
Designed to blur the boundaries between disciplines, the Center interweaves math, science, and technology classrooms with humanities, wellness, and collaboration spaces. Flexible scheduling allows English and World Language courses to take place in these interdisciplinary environments, helping students draw connections between creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
Nine math, computer science, and health classrooms
Collaborative student lounges and community spaces that encourage spontaneous discussion and peer learning
Collaboration, Connection, and Community
The Center also features new community innovation hubs, including a math lab, science lounge, and student collaboration areas designed for informal conversations and group projects. The Community Innovation Hub, equipped with both traditional and high-tech tools, invites students and faculty across disciplines to design, build, and invent together.
The enclosed courtyard provides a peaceful retreat for students and teachers alike, a space for outdoor discussions, group collaboration, or quiet reflection.
Designed for a Sustainable Future
The Inquiry & Innovation Center embodies MKA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design. Built to achieve LEED Gold certification, the Center integrates green features, including solar panels across the Upper School campus, energy-efficient systems, and a living green roof accessible from New Jersey’s premier high school chemistry lab.
Students will have direct access to outdoor learning through the green roof, where they can gather data from solar panels, weather stations, and energy systems, turning the building itself into a living classroom.
“Students won’t just study sustainability; they’ll experience it firsthand,” said Petra Sauer, Director of STEM+ Programming (9-12) . “The building is a teacher in itself.”
Accessibility and inclusivity were also key priorities. From wheelchair-accessible sinks, wide hallways, flexible learning zones, and an elevator, the first across all three MKA campuses, the Center ensures every student can participate meaningfully.
Extending Innovation Beyond the School Year
Innovation at MKA doesn’t stop when the semester ends. During the summer the building hosts MKA’s STEM+ Explorers Summer Program, designed to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and inspire innovation in middle school-aged students.
Guided by passionate MKA faculty and supported by Upper School mentors, STEMists will explore robotics, coding, bioethics, and architecture.
Dedicated homes for robotics, engineering, and science research
Inspiring Insight, Empowering Impact
- Chelsea Lee ’26
“People sometimes think STEM is individualistic, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s about teamwork, creativity, and building together.”
“While there is a lot of talk in terms of how secondary education needs to change, in the age of AI, a focus on humanities and STEM together is what will win for students. My school has figured this out.”
- Vejay Lalla ‘93
Thanks to the vision, commitment, and generosity of our community, this landmark addition brings MKA’s mission to life. Your support ensures that our students have inspiring spaces to learn and world-class faculty to guide them, emphasizing MKA’s belief that transformative spaces inspire transformative learning.
Learn more at: https://www.mka.org/innovation