The school was founded in 1930 by Elisabeth Morrow, daughter of Elizabeth Cutter Morrow, and Constance Chilton, with an initial enrollment of forty students. Since the mid-1950s the school had expanded, enlarging its campus on the grounds of the Morrow Family estate to serve students from nursery through eighth grade. In 2004-05, a new middle school was added, so that students can now complete their education through Grade Eight. Today, the three-year-old classes through kindergarten class sizes range from 16 to 18 with two full-time teachers, plus specialists in music, art, science, physical education, computer and foreign language. First through eighth grade classes range from 14 to 18 with one teacher and increased instruction by the above specialists.
Campus
The school's campus encompasses three classroom buildings, two gymnasiums/performing arts center, three playgrounds, playing field and running brook. Facilities include three state-of-the-art science labs, technology labs, three libraries, two music, and two art studios as well as a middle school social space and ceramics studio. Morrow House, the former Georgian home of the Morrow family, is now home to fifth through eighth graders. The Little School, built in 1939, is home to first through fourth graders, while nursery and kindergarteners learn and play in Chilton House, designed in 1970 especially with the needs of early childhood in mind. Fourth Grade was not connected to the Little School until 2005, when the admission rooms were moved. There is currently no cafeteria, although lunch services are provided.
Admission
Admission to the Elisabeth Morrow School is highly competitive. Students are drawn to the school from 50 nearby towns and represent a wide variety of national, religious, and racial backgrounds. The school welcomes families who consider education a priority, and students who have a high level of enthusiasm for learning and a concern for one another. The school accepts applications for three-year-olds through seventh grade throughout the year, however, the admissions process must be complete by winter of the year prior to enrollment. A completed file will include the application, a parent questionnaire, teacher recommendation and school transcript as well as a parent interview and student class visit. All candidates for PK through grade 4need to take the Early Childhood Admissions Assessment through Educational Records Bureau. Grades 5 though 7 need to take the Independent School Entrance Examination. The school encourages families with limited financial resources to apply for financial assistance.
Notable alumni
Robert A. Agresta, council-president, Englewood Cliffs, NJ; attorney-at-law, venture capitalist
