The Best Private Schools in Bloomingdale, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bloomingdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Order of Saint Benedict
Delbarton School is a prestigious independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, consistently ranked among New Jersey's top private schools. Located approximately 30 minutes from Bloomingdale, Delbarton offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum within the Benedictine tradition. The 200-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a 100% college matriculation rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, Delbarton provides exceptional academic opportunities complemented by robust extracurricular programs.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly regarded independent K-8 day school serving families throughout Northern New Jersey, including Bloomingdale. With a 130-year legacy of educational excellence, Peck offers a rigorous academic program focused on character development and intellectual growth. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Their innovative STEM curriculum and commitment to community service make them a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded private education within reasonable commuting distance.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Independent
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a premier independent Pre-K through 12th grade school serving families from over 60 communities, including Bloomingdale. MKA offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The school features three specialized campuses by division, outstanding faculty with 70% holding advanced degrees, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. With a diverse student body and commitment to global citizenship, MKA prepares students for success at top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bloomingdale, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Bloomingdale, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
While Bloomingdale itself is a smaller borough, families here have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Morris County area. The most prominent include The Peck School (Morristown) for grades K-8, known for its character-based education and strong community; Delbarton School (Morristown), an all-boys, Benedictine, college-preparatory school for grades 7-12; and Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) in Montclair, a Pre-K through 12 independent school with three campuses. It's important to note that these schools are not within Bloomingdale's immediate borders, so daily commuting or transportation arrangements are a key consideration for local families.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Bloomingdale, NJ, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the North Jersey region is significant and is a major consideration for Bloomingdale families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges are approximately: The Peck School ($40,000+ for K-8), Delbarton School ($50,000+ for 7-12), and Montclair Kimberley Academy ($40,000 - $50,000+ depending on division). These schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" has been proposed but not enacted, so there are currently no state tax-credit scholarships, making institutional aid the primary resource.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Bloomingdale, NJ, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Delbarton, MKA, and Peck offer specialized programs that may not be available in the Bloomingdale Public School District. Delbarton provides a distinctive all-boys, faith-based education with renowned programs in robotics, classics, and global studies. MKA boasts a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a rare combination. The Peck School emphasizes "leadership in action" and outdoor education from an early age. These schools often have lower student-to-teacher ratios, more extensive arts and athletics facilities, and significant global travel opportunities, catering to specialized interests that may be beyond the scope of a standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Bloomingdale, NJ?
The admission process for schools like Peck, Delbarton, and MKA is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the spring or fall before the desired entry year with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are usually in early January (e.g., January 15th for the following fall). Requirements almost always include a standardized test (like the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, a student essay/interview, and a parent interview. Notification dates are generally in mid-March. For Bloomingdale families, it's essential to plan for potential entrance exam preparation and to coordinate visits, as these schools draw applicants from a wide geographic area, making spaces highly competitive.
For a Bloomingdale resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school outside the borough?
The primary logistical factor is transportation. Bloomingdale does not provide public school busing to private schools outside the district, so families must arrange for carpooling, private bus services (some schools organize routes), or driving their children daily to towns like Morristown (20-30 minutes) or Montclair (30-40+ minutes). This impacts daily schedules and costs. Furthermore, the community aspect differs; your child's friends and school activities will be dispersed across North Jersey, which can affect local social connections and involvement in Bloomingdale-based extracurriculars. Evaluating the school's community culture and how it aligns with your family's values becomes even more critical when the school is not integrated into your immediate town.
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