The Best Private Schools in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Atlantic Highlands. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Rumson Country Day School
Independent
The Rumson Country Day School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, RCDS provides a challenging curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities on its beautiful campus. RCDS offers extensive enrichment programs including foreign languages, music, drama, and competitive sports. The school is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, experienced faculty, and successful preparation of students for top secondary schools throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Programs:
Christian Brothers Academy
Lasallian Educational Institutions
Christian Brothers Academy is a prestigious private Catholic college preparatory school for young men serving the Monmouth County area. Founded in the Lasallian tradition, CBA provides a rigorous academic environment combined with strong moral and spiritual development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and specialized tracks in STEM, business, and the humanities. The 150-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. CBA is renowned for its strong athletic programs, high college acceptance rates, and commitment to developing leaders of faith and character. The school serves students from over 70 communities throughout central New Jersey.
Programs:
Ranney School
Independent
Ranney School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving Monmouth County and the broader shore region. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and leadership. The 60-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Ranney's rigorous curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and specialized tracks in STEM and the arts. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, and are there any directly within the town?
While Atlantic Highlands itself is a small borough with no major private schools located directly within its municipal boundaries, families here have access to several highly-regarded independent and parochial schools in the surrounding Monmouth County area. The most prominent nearby options include Ranney School (in Tinton Falls), The Rumson Country Day School (in Rumson), and Christian Brothers Academy (in Lincroft). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute drive and constitute the core of the "top tier" private school landscape for Atlantic Highlands residents. Many families also consider smaller parochial options like St. Leo the Great School in Lincroft.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Atlantic Highlands, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at premier Monmouth County private schools like Ranney, Rumson Country Day, and Christian Brothers Academy is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for independent schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 to $45,000+ for upper grades. New Jersey's average private high school tuition is around $25,000, placing the local options in a premium bracket. However, all these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early (often concurrent with admissions applications) and to use the school's preferred third-party service (like SSS). Some schools also offer merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Atlantic Highlands, NJ, offer that leverage the coastal environment?
The private schools serving Atlantic Highlands families often incorporate the unique coastal and marine environment of the Jersey Shore into their curricula. Ranney School, for instance, has a strong Marine Science program that can utilize nearby waterways for study. Sailing is a common club or team sport at several schools. Furthermore, the proximity to New York City allows for specialized programs in finance, arts, and technology that include regular field trips and expert speakers. The Rumson Country Day School emphasizes environmental stewardship with projects related to the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. This regional context provides experiential learning opportunities distinct from inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Atlantic Highlands, NJ, area, and when should we start?
The admissions process for schools like Ranney, RBCA, and Rumson Country Day is highly structured and competitive. Families should begin researching and touring schools 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The standard timeline involves: attending open houses in the fall (Sept-Nov), submitting applications by January deadlines (often Jan 15 or 31), completing student assessments/visits in January-February, and receiving decisions in mid-March. For kindergarten entry, some schools have earlier deadlines or pre-K feeder programs with waitlists. Given Atlantic Highlands is in a sought-after district with good public schools, demonstrating a specific mission-fit with the private school is a key part of the application.
For an Atlantic Highlands resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Henry Hudson Regional) to the nearby private school options?
The primary comparison for Atlantic Highlands families is between the sending district—Henry Hudson Regional School (serving grades 7-12 for Atlantic Highlands and Highlands)—and private independents. Key considerations are: **Class Size** (Henry Hudson has small classes by public standards, but privates are often smaller, with 12-18 students); **Program Breadth** (Private schools may offer more specialized AP/advanced tracks, languages, and arts); **Transportation** (NJ law requires your local district to provide transportation to private schools within a 20-mile radius, a crucial benefit for Atlantic Highlands families); and **Community** (Henry Hudson offers a tight-knit, local community, while privates draw from a wider geographic area). The decision often hinges on the desire for a specific educational philosophy or program not available in the well-regarded regional public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities