The Best Private Schools in Bernardsville, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bernardsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Willow School
Independent
The Willow School is an acclaimed independent school located just minutes from Bernardsville, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Founded on principles of sustainability and character development, the school features a 34-acre campus with LEED Platinum certified buildings and extensive outdoor learning environments. The academic program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, environmental stewardship, and innovative teaching methods. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum that integrates sustainability principles across all subjects. The school's unique approach to education has earned recognition for both academic excellence and character development.
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Far Hills Country Day School
Independent
Far Hills Country Day School is a prestigious independent school located just 5 miles from Bernardsville, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. With a 54-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities, the school provides a comprehensive educational experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts a highly qualified faculty, many with advanced degrees. Far Hills has a long-standing reputation for preparing students for top secondary schools throughout New Jersey.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is one of New Jersey's oldest and most respected independent day schools, serving students in grades K-8 from Bernardsville and surrounding communities. Located approximately 15 miles from Bernardsville in Morristown, the school offers a rigorous academic program combined with strong character education. The 17-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. Peck's curriculum emphasizes leadership development, ethical education, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top secondary schools. The school maintains a diverse student body and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bernardsville, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Bernardsville, NJ, and what are their educational philosophies?
Bernardsville is situated in a region known for its excellent private schools. The most prominent local options include The Willow School (Pre-K-8), which emphasizes sustainability and ethical learning in an eco-conscious environment; Far Hills Country Day School (Pre-K-8), known for a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum with strong arts and athletics; and The Peck School (K-8) in nearby Morristown, which focuses on character education and academic leadership. While Bernardsville itself has limited on-site private high schools, these premier K-8 institutions have strong feeder relationships with top regional preparatory high schools like Gill St. Bernard's and Pingry, ensuring a continuous private education pathway.
How does tuition for private schools in the Bernardsville, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Bernardsville area is generally at the higher end of the New Jersey spectrum, reflecting the prestigious nature of the schools and the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect K-8 tuition to range from approximately $35,000 to over $45,000 annually. New Jersey has no state-funded voucher programs for private education, so affordability relies on institutional aid. Importantly, all the top schools like Willow, Far Hills, and Peck have robust need-based financial aid programs. They use systems like SSS (School and Student Services) to assess need, and many families receive significant grants. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Bernardsville area that leverage the local environment?
Bernardsville-area private schools excel in integrating their unique settings into their curricula. The Willow School is nationally recognized for its campus as a teaching tool, with programs in ecological literacy and sustainable design. Far Hills Country Day School utilizes its 54-acre campus for outdoor leadership and STEM projects, while also offering signature programs like "Capstone" projects for 8th graders. The Peck School emphasizes "place-based learning" with trips to local historical and cultural sites in Somerset and Morris Counties. All these schools leverage proximity to major corporate and pharmaceutical hubs for STEM partnerships and have strong connections to the cultural resources of New York City, which is under an hour away by train.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Far Hills Country Day or The Willow School in Bernardsville, NJ?
The admission process for these sought-after schools is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a fall start, the ideal timeline is to begin research 18 months prior. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing student assessments/visits in January-February. Notification dates are usually in early March, with contracts due by mid-March. Given the competitive nature, it is highly recommended to apply to more than one school. Many families also consider applying for Pre-K or Kindergarten entry, as spots in higher grades are limited and dependent on attrition. Engaging with the school through tours and events is viewed favorably.
For families residing in Bernardsville, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public school district to local private options?
Bernardsville is served by the Somerset Hills Regional School District (Bernardsville Middle and Bernards High), which is consistently ranked among New Jersey's top public districts. The key considerations for comparison are educational approach and environment. The public schools offer a large, comprehensive program with extensive AP courses, sports, and clubs, reflecting the community's demographic. Private schools like Willow, Far Hills, and Peck offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical philosophies (e.g., progressive, character-based, or eco-centric). The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational mission, a particular community feel, or a K-8 pathway before entering the large, high-performing public high school. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools require personal or provided busing, unlike the public district.
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