Founded amid the turbulence of the Civil War in 1861, The Pingry School began not as the prestigious preparatory school many know today, but as a modest boys’ school in a house on Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its founder, Dr. John F. Pingry, believed in combining rigorous academics with strong moral character—an ideal that would shape generations of students.
A Legacy Grows
As demand for quality education grew, Pingry moved from its first humble location to a newly constructed campus on Union Avenue near Parker Road in 1894. This grand building served as an academic home for decades and became an anchor in the educational life of Elizabeth.
By 1953, modernization pushed the school to build again—this time a newer structure on North Avenue, still within Elizabeth’s borders. But Elizabeth was evolving, and so was Pingry. The school eventually became co-educational, with its first female graduates walking the stage in 1976—a milestone reflecting changing times.
Moving On, Remembering Home
In 1983, the Pingry School made a bold move out of Elizabeth, settling in Martinsville, and later expanding to campuses in Short Hills and Basking Ridge, where it continues to thrive.
Still, Elizabeth holds an indelible place in Pingry’s history:
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The Union Avenue building is now home to Nicholas M. Butler School 23.
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The North Avenue campus lives on as part of Kean University, continuing to serve future generations in a new capacity.
Why It Matters
Pingry’s story is a perfect reflection of Elizabeth’s spirit: innovative, evolving, and committed to excellence. As we reflect on 250 years of Elizabeth’s contributions to the American story, the Pingry School stands as a testament to the city’s long legacy of education, leadership, and growth.
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