12 Hollywood Ave.
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: (973) 439-1919
Fax: (973) 439-1396

Lower School
Administration
Mrs. MaryJo Saunders, Director
Phone: (973) 439-1919

Mrs. Karen Sturtz, Principal
Phone: (973) 439-1919

Mary Jo Saunders is the Director of the Banyan School. She has been with the school since December, 1993. Mrs. Saunders attended Mundelein College and has a Masters Degree from the College of St. Elizabeth.Mrs.Saunders holds the following New Jersey Certifications: Elementary, Teacher of the Handicapped, Supervisor and Principal. Mrs. Saunders has over 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. Mrs. Saunders' responsibilities include scheduling, curriculum  development and transition planning. She believes her ultimate challenge is to help every student reach his or her full potential.
"My mission is to create a school that empowers students and staff to develop social, emotional and academic goals with an emphasis on dignity, integrity, responsibility and empathy. Curriculum will reflect the needs of the student, the beliefs of the staff and the values of the community. Central to the mission is character, commitment, collaboration and competence."

Karen Sturtz is the Principal of the Banyan School and the newest member of the    Banyan Lower School administrative team, joining in July 2006. Immediately prior to coming to Banyan, Karen was the Principal of Our Lady of the Holy Angels School, the sight of the Banyan Upper School in Little Falls. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University and received her Masters in Administration and Supervision from St.Peter’s College in Jersey City. Prior to joining Banyan, Karen worked for the Diocese of Paterson for years in various teaching and administrative capacities. She holds the following New Jersey Certifications: Elementary Teacher and Supervisor/Administrator.
Karen believes her mission is to build an organization that provides the best atmosphere for success for students, parents, staff and the community. However, success is not just defined by scores or report cards, but by how many students to say thank you for their favorite teachers. Realizing that her efforts form a partnership, she feels that the most distinctive aspect of her effectiveness continues to be the overall tone of respect, trust and responsibility to the Banyan community.

Where students learn to
dream, believe and achieve.