Announcing The Bancroft School, Mountainside
We’re proud to announce that Kohler Academy, A Bancroft School, is now The Bancroft School, Mountainside.
Since joining The Bancroft School Network in 2022, the school has shared in Bancroft’s mission to provide exceptional education and support for children and young adults with special needs. This new name brings the Mountainside campus fully under the Bancroft School identity, uniting it with Bancroft’s other schools in purpose and vision while continuing to serve students and families with the same compassionate care and educational excellence they’ve come to know and trust.
While the name is changing, we will always honor and remember its remarkable origin story and the dedicated father whose vision brought this school to life.
Honoring Kohler's Legacy
For more than 60 years, Kohler Academy, A Bancroft School, has carried forward the vision of its namesake, Harry W. Kohler — a devoted father and tireless advocate for children with special needs.
The school was originally founded in Roselle, New Jersey, through Mr. Kohler’s leadership with The Arc of Union County. Inspired by his daughter, Jill, he worked to ensure children with developmental disabilities had access to meaningful education and care. His efforts helped bring the Nancy Luzon Training School to life, planting the roots of the school we know today.
After Mr. Kohler’s passing in 1961, the school was renamed in his honor, becoming the Kohler Child Development Center. It found a long-term home in Winfield Park, where a one-story industrial building was transformed into classrooms, therapy rooms, and spaces for play and learning.
Through every name change — Nancy Luzon Training School, Kohler Child Development Center, Kohler School, The Arc Kohler School, Kohler Academy, and Kohler Academy, A Bancroft School — one thing has remained constant: a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional education and support for children with special needs.
A Bright Future Ahead
As we move forward as The Bancroft School, Mountainside, we do so with deep appreciation for the history and people who shaped this community. The values established more than six decades ago continue to guide our work today, and we remain committed to preserving the legacy of Harry W. Kohler. His impact will live on through:
The Kohler Legacy Wall, celebrating our history and his vision.
The Kohler Award for Advocacy in Special Education, presented annually to a staff member who exemplifies his spirit.
Ongoing storytelling, sharing the history of our school with new families, staff, and visitors.
Though our name has changed, our mission and heart remain the same. We are proud of the foundation laid by Harry W. Kohler and grateful for the generations of students, staff, and families who have shaped this community. With pride in our past and promise for our future, we move forward together as The Bancroft School, Mountainside.
