Our History

History of The Red Oaks School

Drawing of the Cutler Homestead circa 1861
The Cutler Homestead, circa 1861.

The Red Oaks School’s history is rooted in a pioneering spirit and a commitment to dynamic, research-driven education. For nearly 60 years, we’ve set the standard for innovation and growth.

In the mid-1960s, a group of local couples, many graduate students seeking dynamic educational tools for their children, began Montessori classes in their homes. By 1965, this group had founded the Montessori Children’s House of Morristown (MCH). Enrollment quickly grew, and in 1966 the school moved into a former schoolhouse in Collinsville. In 1968, MCH purchased and renovated the historic Cutler Homestead, now Red Oaks’ Early Childhood and Elementary campus. The original building, constructed in 1799, was once home to Revolutionary War patriot Silas Condict.

By the 1968-69 school year, MCH had 100 students and was a member of the American Montessori Society. Over the years, the school expanded, adding Lower Elementary in 1973 and Upper Elementary in 1982. In 1975, the Cutler Homestead became a National Historic Landmark.

In 2006, as plans for a middle school were underway, MCH became The Red Oaks School. In 2012, our Middle School program opened at 340 Speedwell Avenue, graduating its first class in 2015. In 2022, the Middle School moved to a newly renovated campus at 238 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains.

In 2017, Red Oaks Middle School became an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP)—the first in Morris County and one of only five in New Jersey. Today, we offer an interdisciplinary curriculum blending Montessori through 4th grade with the IB Middle Years Programme, all underpinned by the latest evidence-based teaching practices.

Timeline

1965
The "Montessori Children's House of Morristown" (MCH), is established in Morristown, NJ
1966
Classes begin at the municipal building in the Collingsville section of Morristown
1968
MCH purchases 21 Cutler Street, and classes begin in September, first year enrollment is 100 students
1969
MCH becomes a member of the American Montessori Society
1973
Lower Elementary program is added for six- to nine-year-olds
1975
The National Park Service designates 21 Cutler Street a National Historic Landmark
1982
Upper Elementary program is added for children through sixth grade
2006
Montessori Children's House changes its name to "The Red Oaks School"
2010
Red Oaks is awarded accreditation from the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and *American Montessori Society (AMS).
*AMS accredited with non-traditional Montessori age groupings.
2012
Red Oaks Middle School opens its doors at 340 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown, NJ
2015
Red Oaks graduates its first eighth grade class and becomes an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school
2016
IB authorization documentation submitted on October 1st
2017
Red Oaks Middle School is authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Middle Years Programme.
2022
New Middle School building opens at 238 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, NJ.