The Best Private Schools in Alpine, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alpine. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located in nearby Englewood, the school has served Bergen County families for nearly a century with its child-centered approach to education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school's comprehensive curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention while developing strong foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning.
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Dwight-Englewood School
Independent
Dwight-Englewood School is a prestigious coeducational independent day school serving students from Pre-K through grade 12. Located just minutes from Alpine in Englewood, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its diverse student body and strong community values, the school emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and individualized learning. The Upper School offers extensive AP courses and honors programs, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Catholic Independent
Academy of the Holy Angels is a premier all-girls Catholic independent school serving students in grades 9-12. Located in nearby Demarest, this historic institution combines academic excellence with character formation in a supportive all-girls environment. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings, specialized STEM programs, and outstanding arts education. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a strong alumnae network and commitment to leadership development, Holy Angels prepares young women for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alpine, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Alpine, New Jersey, and are there any located directly within the borough?
Alpine, NJ, is a small, affluent residential borough without a public high school and with a single public K-8 school. Therefore, private education is a common choice. While there are no major private school campuses within Alpine's borders due to its size and zoning, several top-tier institutions in nearby Bergen County serve Alpine families. These include Dwight-Englewood School (Pre-K-12) in Englewood, The Elisabeth Morrow School (Pre-K-8) in Englewood, and the Academy of the Holy Angels (all-girls, 9-12) in Demarest. Alpine students also attend other prestigious day and boarding schools in the broader tri-state area, with many families relying on private transportation or school-provided bus services.
How does the tuition for premier private schools near Alpine, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Alpine area is among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the region's affluence and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Dwight-Englewood and The Elisabeth Morrow School ranges from approximately $40,000 to over $55,000 depending on the grade level. This is significantly above the NJ private school average. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Parents must apply for aid concurrently with admissions, using systems like the School and Student Service (SSS). Merit scholarships are less common, but some schools may offer limited awards.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Alpine, NJ, area that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Private schools near Alpine leverage their proximity to New York City and a network of local institutions for unique programs. Dwight-Englewood School, for example, has a renowned Center for Innovation and Design and partnerships with universities like Stevens Institute of Technology. The Academy of the Holy Angels offers specialized STEM tracks and a comprehensive arts program with connections to local galleries and performance spaces. Many schools also utilize the natural environment of the Palisades and the Hudson River for environmental science and outdoor education. Their locations in Bergen County also facilitate community service partnerships and internships with major corporations headquartered in the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Alpine, NJ, and how early should parents begin planning?
The admissions process for the most sought-after private schools in the Alpine area is highly competitive and follows a strict timeline. Planning should begin 12-18 months before desired entry. The process typically opens in the late summer or early fall (one year prior to enrollment) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in early January (e.g., January 15th) for the following academic year. Required elements usually include a completed application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Notification dates are generally in mid-March. For younger grades, especially at schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School, applying for Pre-K or Kindergarten is essential as spots are limited.
For Alpine residents, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public K-8 school and a private independent school?
Alpine families deciding between the Alpine Public School (K-8) and a private school weigh several factors. The public school is small, with a very high per-pupil expenditure and excellent student-teacher ratios, offering a strong community feel. However, it ends at 8th grade, requiring a high school transition. Private schools offer continuity through 12th grade, a wider array of advanced courses, languages, and extracurriculars, and often more extensive facilities. The decision often hinges on desired class size, curriculum breadth, specific program offerings (like language immersion or advanced STEM), and the importance of a seamless K-12 pathway. Given Alpine's lack of a public high school, many families view private school as a long-term solution to avoid a secondary school search later on.
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