The Best Private Schools in Barrington, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barrington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Haddonfield Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Haddonfield Friends School is a highly-regarded Quaker independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based education framework, focusing on community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. Their comprehensive curriculum includes robust STEAM programs, Spanish language instruction starting in preschool, and extensive arts education. The school features modern facilities with dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated classrooms. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community.
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Kingsway Learning Center
Independent Special Education School
Kingsway Learning Center is a highly respected private special education school serving students with learning disabilities and developmental challenges. The school provides comprehensive educational programs combined with therapeutic services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. Their individualized approach focuses on academic achievement while developing essential life skills and social competencies. The facility includes specialized classrooms, therapy rooms, and adaptive learning spaces. Parents consistently report exceptional progress and satisfaction with the school's dedicated staff and supportive learning environment.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Camden Catholic Schools
St. Mary School is a premier Catholic private school serving the greater Barrington area with a strong academic reputation and comprehensive educational programs. The school offers rigorous academics grounded in Catholic values, featuring advanced STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletic teams. Their modern campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its strong community, academic preparation, and dedicated faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barrington, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Barrington, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
While Barrington itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding area of Camden County. Top options include **St. Mary School** in Haddon Heights (Pre-K to 8, Catholic), **Haddonfield Friends School** in Haddonfield (Pre-K to 6, Quaker), and **Kingsway Learning Center** in Haddonfield (specializing in supporting students with language-based learning differences). Barrington parents also frequently consider private schools in nearby Cherry Hill and Philadelphia. The defining characteristics of these schools range from faith-based education to progressive, values-driven learning and specialized support programs, offering diverse choices within a short commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Barrington, NJ area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Barrington vicinity is generally aligned with or slightly below the high average for New Jersey, which is among the nation's highest. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Mary School often ranges from $8,000 to $12,000, while independent schools like Haddonfield Friends may be higher. New Jersey's **FAFSA** is not applicable for K-12, but nearly all private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. Additionally, New Jersey has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, making direct aid from schools and external scholarships crucial. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through each school's process, often using the **Clarity Application**.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Barrington, NJ residents?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs leveraging their affiliations and locations. **Haddonfield Friends School** emphasizes social justice, community service, and conflict resolution through its Quaker testimonies. **St. Mary School** integrates Catholic faith with STEM initiatives and Spanish language instruction from an early grade. **Kingsway Learning Center** provides a highly specialized, multisensory curriculum for dyslexic students, which is a rare resource in South Jersey. Furthermore, proximity to Philadelphia allows many schools to incorporate rich cultural and historical field trips into their curricula, an advantage not always available in more remote parts of New Jersey.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Barrington, NJ families?
The enrollment cycle for most private schools in this area begins **12-18 months** before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by **January or February** for the following academic year, and completing student assessments or shadow days. Schools like Haddonfield Friends and St. Mary often have waiting pools for certain grades, making early inquiry critical. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. For specialized schools like Kingsway Learning Center, the process includes a comprehensive educational evaluation to ensure proper placement. We recommend initiating contact with admissions offices by the September prior to the year you wish to enroll.
For a family in Barrington, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school district with nearby private options?
Barrington is part of the **Barrington Borough School District**, which serves Pre-K through 8th grade, with students attending Haddon Heights Junior-Senior High School for grades 9-12. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often offer smaller ratios), **Educational Continuity** (a K-8 private school avoids the middle school transition, while public involves a sending relationship), **Specialized Needs** (private options like Kingsway cater to specific learning profiles), and **Values Alignment** (faith-based or philosophical education). Transportation is a major factor; while NJ law mandates some transportation for private school students, the specifics and limits (often 20 miles) vary, so checking with the Barrington district's transportation office is essential for planning logistics and cost.
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