Your child is multi-dimensional. So are we. Moravian Academy’s three campuses offer your child more opportunities to explore—and become—their most authentic and successful self.
Three distinct campuses, one common purpose: your child.
Your child can learn every day in carefully tended historic buildings resounding with our country’s past. They can study, play, and wander on acres of green space. They can master a second language through our immersion program.
They can experiment to their heart’s and mind’s content in well-equipped labs and maker spaces. They can reflect on big questions about themselves and their world through inclusive chapel services—and/or through secular social and emotional learning programs.
Learn a bit about each campus now, or dive into some of our happenings or history.
In inspiring spaces resounding with our nation’s history, Historic Downtown Campus students build academic prowess and personal character simultaneously. Our students are challenged by transformative, engaging signature programs, like Spanish Immersion and Suzuki Strings, as they are embraced by the warmth of our community and our Moravian traditions. Your child emerges as an ethical, proactive, and thoughtful learner and leader, thoroughly prepared for our Upper School.
The distinctive college-like atmosphere of our Merle-Smith Campus provides a setting in which students pursue their own interests, talents, ambitions, and leadership capacities. Guided and inspired by expert faculty members, you engage in complex cooperative projects and advanced independent research. You celebrate beloved traditions and further develop personal passions and curiosities, stretching beyond your comfort zone to explore academics, the arts, athletics, affinity groups— or all of them at once. As you increasingly take charge of your education, you graduate ready to excel in the college and future of your choice.
On the twenty beautiful acres of the Swain Campus, your child delves into energizing outdoor experiences and confidence-building performances. This secular, projectbased curriculum fosters academic expertise, creative problem-solving, compassionate leadership, and a profound love of learning, so your child is ready and excited to thrive in our Upper School.
“What we like about Moravian Academy is its close-knit community, exemplary teachers, and caring staff. We also value the rigorous curriculum with collaborative learning and opportunities for student public speaking.
We chose Moravian Academy because of the engaging preschool program and the school’s small class sizes. Also, we wanted our children to become proficient in another language, and Moravian is one of the only schools locally that offers a Spanish immersion program.
Through values such as curiosity and compassion that are instilled at Moravian Academy, along with its challenging and engaging curriculum, your children will build a strong foundation to excel in academics and throughout life while becoming well-rounded, lifelong pursuers of knowledge.”
Michael Kozero P ‘30, ‘34, ‘37 Parent to Lily ‘30, Samuel ‘34, and Ava ‘37 on the Historic Downtown Campus
Stacey and Skip Cassady P ‘28
“From the moment our daughter Emma visited Moravian Academy, we knew it was the right place for her. The first thing she said when she got in the car was, ‘Can I come back tomorrow?’ That spoke volumes. As parents, our most important job is to give our child the best opportunity to be her best self, and choosing Moravian has been one of the best decisions we've made. It has allowed Emma to realize so much about herself and grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
Beyond the academics, what truly sets Moravian apart is the sense of community—it feels like a family we all belong to. The dedication of the teachers and administrators is evident in everything they do, and their commitment to the students and the school is incredible. We are so grateful for the experience Emma has had and for the way Moravian Academy has helped shape her into the person she is today."
Stacey and Skip Cassady P ‘28 Parent to Emma ‘28 on the Merle-Smith Campus
Ingrid Gerber P ’18
“I joined the Moravian Academy community in 1989 and was warmly welcomed into the historic Downtown Campus as a third-grade teacher—a role I cherished for many years. In 2004, when my daughter began her journey in Moravian’s Pre-Kindergarten, I transitioned into administration, deepening my connection to this extraordinary school.
Now a proud Moravian “lifer” and a 2018 graduate, my daughter has carried the school’s spirit of curiosity and academic ambition across the globe—teaching for a year in Prague, CZ, and now pursuing a master’s in social scientific data analysis at Lund University, Sweden.
Moravian Academy has not only instilled in my family a lifelong passion for learning but has also given me a community that continues to inspire me to grow, innovate, and lead with passion.”
Ingrid Gerber P ’18 Director of Admissions
Danielle Koren '03MA, P ‘32, ‘36
“I've always known as an alumna that I wanted my children to experience the holistic approach to education that is unique to independent schools. Since beginning Moravian Academy, my children have been thriving academically and socially and are appreciated for who they are as individuals. Their teachers understand their strengths and how to connect with them and our family when additional support is needed. They come home with vibrant stories and experiences about what they've learned and have many opportunities to engage in a variety of activities throughout the day. I'm grateful to Moravian Academy for continuing its legacy of providing a fantastic education for my children. As an employee, I am ecstatic to be on a team that is continuing to grow Moravian Academy and uphold the history, values, and spirit that has been around for generations.”
Danielle Koren '03MA, P ‘32, ‘36 Director of Student Activities & Main Office Manager
Ingrid and Tyrone Russell P ‘29, ‘33
“There’s so much that they get exposed to, that they have an opportunity to develop and grow in such amazing ways. From the outdoor education element to the public speaking aspect, to all the subjects that they have—it’s not just like your typical math, reading, English, science, but it’s also the opportunity to have makerspace and engineering and design, to have art with an amazing art teacher, music with an amazing musician who’s gotten recognition for her craft—making music so fun and exciting for them. There are just so many opportunities, and I think just taking the opportunity to come and take advantage of it is so worthwhile.”
Ingrid and Tyrone Russell P ‘29, ‘33 Parents to Nyomi ‘29 and Celeste ‘33 on the Swain Campus
MEET OUR ALUMS
Guided by Curiosity, Inspired to Make an Impact
Alexander Okezue Bell ’23
Okezue is a Stanford student studying mathematics and an AI activist.
Okezue has conducted AI research at Microsoft, Harvard Medical School, MIT Media Lab, and Boston Children's Hospital. He invented a low-cost prosthetic arm, now reproduced in Iran, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
As founder of Fidutam, he leads a global network of 1,600+ members developing responsible tech solutions, collaborating with Google, OpenAI, and the White House.
Looking back, Okezue traces his passion for innovation to Moravian Academy. “I learned the power of education as a tool for change,” he says. Through workshops on AI, climate change, and tech, he empowers young leaders to drive global impact.
Featured in Bloomberg, NPR, and Yahoo News, he has spoken at Web Summit, COP27, and more. Honored by President Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and the Royal Family, Okezue is a NASDAQ Face of Entrepreneurship, Code.org CS Hero, and SwissCognitive Global AI Ambassador.
Kristin Arend, PhD '92
Kristen is a fish biologist and expert in aquatic ecology with the Bureau of Reclamation in California.
Kristin’s passion for aquatic ecosystems began at Moravian Academy, where she developed a deep appreciation for the “land to water connection.” She studied biology at Oberlin College before earning a master’s from Ohio State and a PhD from Cornell, focusing on aquatic food webs and fish populations.
Now with the Bureau of Reclamation, she helps manage the San Francisco Bay Estuary, balancing water operations with environmental protection. Her work includes real-time management of endangered fish and coordinating with state and federal agencies.
Kristin’s passion for science took root during her years at Moravian Academy. “It’s where I learned to pursue a path that was meaningful to me,” she says. Her advice to students: “Find your own path. Define excellence for yourself.”
Eugene Chen ’02
Eugene is a diplomat, negotiator, and peacebuilding expert who has spent his career working on global issues at the highest levels.
With experience as a lead U.S. negotiator on UN reform and peacekeeping, Eugene has represented the U.S. at the UN General Assembly and worked in peacekeeping missions worldwide, including South Sudan and Haiti.
After leaving the UN in 2020, he spent a year at the Metropolitan Opera before returning to international relations. Now, as Director of Crisis Prevention and Peacebuilding at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation, he advances global peace and justice.
Eugene credits Moravian Academy for sparking his curiosity and drive to make a difference. He urges students to learn languages and engage globally, reminding them that “age is not a prerequisite for changing the world.”
Sally Kohn '95
Sally is a nationally recognized commentator, writer, and executive presence coach.
A frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC, TED Curator Sally has delivered three TED Talks with over six million views. Her book, The Opposite of Hate, explores bridging social divides. A former Senior Campaign Strategist at the Center for Community Change and a Ford Foundation fellow, she has long championed social justice.
Reflecting on her time at Moravian Academy, Sally credits the school for shaping her writing and communication skills. "My sense of myself as a strong writer really started to grow at Moravian," she recalls. From community organizing to media work and mentorship, she has used her voice to advocate for the marginalized and inspire action.
Sally reminds us that finding our voice and working together can drive meaningful change.
Peter Puleo '12
Peter is a SpaceX manufacturing engineer with a passion for mission-driven work.
A Moravian Academy “Lifer,” Peter’s journey from pre-kindergarten through graduation was shaped by lasting friendships and a love of learning. The school fostered his growth mindset and passion for tackling challenges.
After earning a degree in mechanical engineering and management from Bucknell University, Peter began his career in product design. His drive to make an impact took him to Nairobi, Kenya, where he designed cook stoves for a social impact company. This experience proved life-changing, leading him to his current role at SpaceX, where he helps manufacture small satellites for Starlink’s global internet network.
Peter says, “Moravian gave me the confidence to take risks and find my path. The relationships I built there have shaped who I am today.” His mission-driven work—whether designing cook stoves or advancing space technology—continues to be fueled by the inspiration of seeing others thrive.
LCDR Rory Yoder '06
Military Aviator and Leader
LCDR Rory Yoder, a U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander and third-generation military aviator, traces his passion for leadership back to Moravian Academy, where he played varsity soccer and embraced cultural understanding.
After attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a registrar’s mix-up led him to civil engineering, paving the way for a successful aviation career. By 30, he was an aeronautical engineering officer, managing 125 people and multimillion-dollar aircraft.
Selected for the Olmstead Scholar Program in 2020, Rory and his family immersed themselves in Croatian culture and graduate studies. “Moravian prepared me for the challenges I’d face in the Coast Guard and beyond,” he says. His advice? “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Excellence is a lifelong pursuit.”
Divya Verma '24
Divya is a Rising Star in the Cycling World
A rising star in track cycling, Divya’s relentless drive led her to sweep gold at the USA Junior Track National Championships, setting a Flying 200m track record. Overcoming a tough crash the year before, she finished with five National Championship titles.
Now at Lehigh University, she balances academics with representing Team USA. In 2023, she earned three bronze medals at the Junior Pan-Am Track Championships and ranked top 14 at the Junior World Championships in Tel Aviv.
For Divya, cycling is a way to push limits and make an impact. As she moves to the elite level, her dedication and resilience set the stage for even greater success.
Happenings
What our students, faculty members, and families have been up to recently