Admission

Can learning be fun? Is reading a challenging book or solving a tricky problem something to celebrate? Does working alongside others help you thrive? Is integrity important to you?

If so, you need a school that values critical thinking over memorizing, exploration over contentment, and meaningful connections over superficial interactions. Newark Academy is just that school.

Here, we’re re-imagining what it means to be a rigorous, transformative college preparatory school.
Here, your learning leads to confidence – in yourself and in your ideas.
Here, compassionate teachers and supportive classmates encourage you to take risks and to try again. Here, you’ll discover that serious thinking leads to the joy and the power of being you

Newark Academy seeks and celebrates diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. In admissions and employment practices, scholarship aid and educational programs, Newark Academy upholds applicable state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting unlawful discrimination.

A Unique View on Education

Our enduring purpose at Newark Academy has been to live out our mission statement, “Newark Academy will contribute to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.” Learn more about Newark Academy and how we bring our mission statement to life by reading our viewbook below.

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Meet the Staff

List of 8 members.

Alexis Sommers

Director of Admission and Financial Aid
View Email and Bio
Contact: asommers@newarka.edu

Bio:
Alexis Sommers joined Newark Academy’s Office of Admission in 2017. During her time at NA, Ms. Sommers has served in a variety of roles within the Admission Office and currently oversees all aspects of the admission and financial aid processes. Ms. Sommers has also served as a Middle School Advisor, Upper School coach, and sits on a number of Committees including Access and Affordability at NA. Prior to joining NA, Ms. Sommers worked as the Associate Director of Admission at Léman Manhattan, taught elementary school within the New York City Public School System and worked at a number of New York-based advertising and marketing agencies.Ms. Sommers earned her B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and her Master’s Degree in Education from New York University.
Kristen Johnson

Associate Director of Admission
View Email and Bio
Contact: kjohnson@newarka.edu

Bio:
Kristen Johnson joined the Newark Academy’s Office of Admission in December 2020. A seasoned admission professional, she spent the prior 26 years working both full-time and part-time in the Admissions Office at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. In her role as Associate Director of Admission, Ms. Johnson plays an active role in applicant interviews, communications, event planning, the Parent Ambassador Program, as well as the Committee review process. She graduated with a BA in International Affairs and French, with a minor in Spanish from Lafayette College. An avid tennis player, Ms. Johnson coaches both the Girls’ and Boys’ JV tennis teams at Newark Academy.
Troy Burki

Assistant Director of Admissions Data and Research
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Contact: tburki@newarka.edu

Bio:
Troy Burki joined Newark Academy and the Admissions Office in 2020, after having worked for five years as a teacher and technology coordinator at the Parkmont School in Washington, D.C. Prior to this, Mr. Burki taught for three years as part of the Teach for America program in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Mr. Burki earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Sociology, along with a Minor in Management, from New Mexico State University, where he was also part of the baseball team. Outside of work, Mr. Burki loves spending time with his children, Liam and Nora, and his wife, Kailin.
Allyson Richardson

Assistant Director of Admission and Financial Aid
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Contact: arichardson@newarka.edu

Bio:
Allyson Richardson joined Newark Academy in 2020, beginning in the Dean of Students Office before moving to the Admission Office in 2021. In her role as Assistant Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Ms. Richardson works closely with families who currently receive financial aid as well as prospective families applying for financial assistance. She plays an active part in applicant interviews, the Committee review process, and managing the Student Ambassador Program. Prior to Newark Academy, Ms. Richardson worked at Christie’s for six years as Business Manager for Commercial Finance. Ms. Richardson holds a B.A in Art History from Bucknell as well as an M.A. in Art History from Columbia University.
Harcourt Lucius

Admissions Associate - Outreach and Communications Coordinator
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Contact: hlucius@newarka.edu

Harcourt Lucius joined Newark Academy and the Office of Admission in July 2023. Harcourt started his career in corporate risk management and insurance before making the decision to pursue his passion of working with middle and high school students. Over the past 20 years, he has served in various roles focused on helping students and families navigate the high school and college application processes, as well as navigating options after college graduation. Whether serving as the Director of College Counseling at four charter school networks or starting a nonprofit organization, Harcourt develops close and long lasting relationships with students and families. Harcourt’s commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. He has also served as the head track and field and cross country coach as well as athletic director at St. Rose of Lima Academy in Short Hills for the past five years. Outside of work, Harcourt is the proud father of two. His daughter currently attends Duke University and his son is in eighth grade. In his free time, he enjoys video production/photography, traveling, attending live sporting events and working in the yard.
Claudia Hernandez

Admissions Associate - Visitation Coordinator
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Contact: chernandez@newarka.edu

Claudia Hernández joined Newark Academy and the Office of Admission in 2023. She brings with her a deep passion for education and the arts, along with a dedication to supporting student growth and development. Claudia came to the United States in the middle of her high school career and credits her school, along with her family, for providing a solid support system and guidance during her transition. She is committed to building connections and supporting students and families throughout their journey. Claudia is also a skilled and dedicated clarinet and piano player, who strives to inspire students to explore their artistic potential and appreciate the value of creative expression. She received her B.A. from The New School, where she has also served as a Spanish tutor. A native Spanish speaker, Claudia is also proficient in Italian as well as English.
Edward Pursell

Faculty Admission Officer & English Teacher
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Contact: epursell@newarka.edu
Maaike Kuen

Administrative Assistant
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Contact: mkuen@newarka.edu