We are excited to formally announce the opening of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Academy (190 Midland Avenue) for gifted and talented learners in September 2026 under the leadership of Dr. Renee Richardson. Dr. Richardson is the current principal of Althea Gibson Academy, and a Milken National Educator Award recipient. During her 27 years of distinguished leadership in the East Orange School District, Dr. Richardson has been a Teacher of the Year and earned recognition from the New Jersey General Assembly and Essex County School Boards Association.
Through this endeavor, we are reopening a school building we already own to create a small, focused school environment for students in grades 3-8 with advanced learning needs. The maximum number of students per grade level will be 25. By designing this small-school atmosphere, we can give these learners the individualized attention they deserve while having the freedom to diversify the curriculum in innovative ways. Cochran Academy is about investing in our students, our community, and the opportunities we can create right here in the city of East Orange.
This December, all second grade students will be universally screened using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). You will find more information about the test here. Students must obtain an Average Percentile Rank of 90 or higher to be eligible for admission. If you are interested in Cochran Academy and your child is currently in grades 3-7, he or she will be screened for eligibility if they are nominated. Nominations can come from school personnel or you can complete this recommendation form if you believe that your child should be considered for admission.
Dr. Richardson and I will host an Information Session at the East Orange Board of Education (199 4th Avenue) on December 16 at 5:00 PM. This session will include the admissions process. In the meantime, you can direct any questions to [email protected].