The Best Private Schools in Allentown, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Allentown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Princeton Day School
Independent
Princeton Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Allentown and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with particular strengths in STEM education, visual and performing arts, and athletics. The 106-acre campus includes modern science laboratories, dedicated arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. PDS maintains small class sizes with an average of 14 students per class and offers a robust Advanced Placement program. The school is known for its strong college counseling program and has a history of graduates attending highly selective colleges and universities.
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The Peddie School
Independent
The Peddie School is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school located just 15 minutes from Allentown. Founded in 1864, Peddie offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 140+ courses including 25+ Advanced Placement options. The 280-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Science Center, Holcombe M. Austin '38 Observatory, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college placements to top-tier universities. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, performing arts, and numerous student-led organizations.
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Ranney School
Independent
Ranney School is an independent college preparatory school serving families from Allentown and surrounding Monmouth County areas. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs across its comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade curriculum. Ranney features modern facilities including the Schiff Family Science and Technology Center, dedicated arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes project-based learning and innovation with programs in robotics, entrepreneurship, and design thinking. Ranney maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Allentown, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in or near Allentown, New Jersey?
While Allentown itself is a smaller borough, it is situated within a region renowned for its prestigious private schools. The most prominent options accessible to Allentown families include The Peddie School in Hightstown (a co-ed boarding and day school), Princeton Day School in Princeton, and the Ranney School in Tinton Falls. Additionally, families often consider excellent Catholic schools like St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel and other respected day schools within a 30-minute commute. The concentration of top-tier schools in Central New Jersey is a significant draw for families moving to the Allentown area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Allentown, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at the leading private schools near Allentown, such as Peddie, Princeton Day, and Ranney, is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for independent schools, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000+ for upper school day tuition. New Jersey has some of the highest private school costs in the nation. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict. Many schools also offer merit scholarships for specific talents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Allentown region that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often leverage proximity to major academic and cultural hubs. For example, The Peddie School’s signature Capstone and Advanced Research programs allow students to engage with nearby institutions like Princeton University and Rutgers. Princeton Day School emphasizes sustainability and environmental science, with programs that can utilize the nearby Delaware River watershed and NJ farmlands. Ranney School’s Center for Future Readiness connects students with internships in the Jersey Shore’s business and tech communities. Many schools also have strong visual/performing arts ties to New York City and Philadelphia.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Allentown, New Jersey?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, most schools require families to start 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January (with deadlines as early as December 1st for some), completing student visits and interviews in the winter, and receiving decisions in mid-March. Standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) is usually required. Given the competitive nature of schools like Peddie and Princeton Day, early planning and engagement are essential. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission.
For families in Allentown, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Upper Freehold Regional public schools and area private schools?
This is a central decision for Allentown families. The Upper Freehold Regional School District is consistently high-performing, offering a strong K-12 education with lower student-to-teacher ratios than many NJ districts. The choice often hinges on specific educational philosophy, specialized programs, and campus resources. Private schools offer distinct advantages like global boarding communities (at Peddie), specific religious education, more extensive arts/athletic facilities, and different pedagogical approaches (e.g., progressive vs. traditional). The decision also involves a significant financial analysis, weighing private tuition against the high property taxes that fund the excellent public schools.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Small Private Schools Near Allentown, NJ for Your Child
For families in Allentown, New Jersey, the search for the right educational environment often leads to a meaningful question: what are the benefits of small private schools near me? Nestled in the scenic landscapes of western Monmouth County, Allentown offers a unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, placing it within a remarkable radius of some of the state’s most prestigious independent institutions. While the term “small” can be relative, in the private school context here, it often refers to a deliberately intimate community where personalized attention, close-knit relationships, and tailored academic pathways are not just ideals, but daily realities. This focus on individual growth is a compelling reason why so many Allentown parents explore these options.
Your local search for small private schools near you will reveal that proximity to major academic hubs is a significant advantage. While Allentown itself is home to a strong public system, the surrounding region is rich with private choices that feel accessible. Schools like The Peddie School in Hightstown, Princeton Day School in Princeton, and The Ranney School in Tinton Falls are all within a reasonable commute. Each embodies the “small school” philosophy in its own way, with student-to-teacher ratios that ensure no child is just a face in the crowd. For instance, a school like Peddie, while a boarding and day school, fosters a residential house system that creates smaller communities within the whole, ensuring every student is known and supported. This model can be incredibly reassuring for parents who want their child to be seen as an individual, not just a test score.
The practical considerations for an Allentown family are important. The commute to these schools involves picturesque routes through parts of Mercer and Monmouth counties, making carpooling a common and community-building practice among local families. When evaluating small private schools near you, consider the daily rhythm. The intimate size often translates into more significant opportunities for leadership, from heading a club to starring in a play, simply because there are fewer students vying for those roles. Academically, the flexibility in a smaller school can mean more advanced or specialized courses tailored to a student’s passion, whether in robotics, sustainable agriculture—reflecting our local environment—or the arts.
Ultimately, the search for small private schools near Allentown is about finding a second home for your child’s intellect and character. It’s about a community where teachers know your family’s name, where advisors can provide nuanced guidance through the college process, and where your child can build confidence in a supportive, focused setting. The investment goes beyond academics; it’s an investment in a formative experience defined by personal connection. We encourage you to visit, to feel the atmosphere in the halls, and to ask how the school cultivates individual relationships. In the quiet, family-oriented backdrop of Allentown, choosing a small private school can be a decision to extend that same sense of belonging and personalized care into your child’s education, setting a strong foundation for their journey ahead.
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