Mr. John Cohrs is a life-long product of Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Newark. After graduating from Aquinas Academy, he attended high school at Seton Hall Preparatory in West Orange. He then went on to Caldwell College for undergraduate studies in K-8 Education and Music. Later, he earned his Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University. He is a proud graduate of Seton Hall’s Catholic School Leadership Program, which is accredited by NCATE. He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.

Mr. Cohrs’ career has also been in service to Newark Archdiocese Catholic Schools. He has taught various grade levels including early childhood, elementary and middle school. He served one year as assistant principal of the former Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy in West Orange. In 2014, he became principal of Holy Spirit School in Union. He returned home to Livingston in 2016 as the first lay administrator of Aquinas Academy.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to the community so instrumental in my personal formation. Aquinas has been the foundation for a lifetime of pursuing my dreams.“

Fun facts about Mr. Cohrs:

• Mr. Cohrs’ grandmother was a teacher and substitute at Aquinas for over 30 years.  After her retirement, her favorite subject to teach was Physical Education.
• His mother, two aunts and uncles, brother and two sisters are also graduates of Aquinas Academy / St. Philomena's School.
• Mr. Cohrs was among the first class of students when the Preschool opened in 1981.
• His teaching career began in Aquinas’ Early Childhood Center / Preschool right after he graduated from high school.