The Best Private Schools in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedar Knolls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Independent Catholic
Delbarton School is a premier independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, located just 3 miles from Cedar Knolls. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Delbarton offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The 200-acre campus features modern classrooms, science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong sense of community and has consistently high parent and student satisfaction ratings.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Cedar Knolls, Peck offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Their curriculum emphasizes character education, critical thinking, and leadership development, with strong arts and athletics programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and excellent faculty-to-student ratio.
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Morristown Beard School
Independent
Morristown Beard School is a coeducational independent school serving students in grades 6-12, conveniently located near Cedar Knolls. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional college preparation. MBS features extensive STEM facilities, including dedicated science and innovation labs, along with outstanding arts programs in state-of-the-art performance spaces. The 22-acre campus includes modern athletic facilities and technology-rich learning environments. The school is known for its diverse community and strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cedar Knolls, NJ, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cedar Knolls, NJ, is centrally located near several prestigious private schools, though most are in neighboring towns. The most prominent are The Peck School (K-8) in Morristown, Delbarton School (7-12, all-boys) in Morristown, and Morristown Beard School (6-12, co-ed) in Morristown. While Cedar Knolls itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, its location in Morris County provides exceptional access to these and other top-tier institutions. Families should also consider nearby Catholic academies and independent schools in Morristown, Madison, and Florham Park, all within a short commute.
How does tuition for top private schools near Cedar Knolls, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Cedar Knolls is above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting their reputation and resources. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for upper schools like Delbarton and Morristown Beard, and $30,000-$40,000 for K-8 schools like Peck. New Jersey has no state-funded voucher programs for private schools, but all these institutions offer robust need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships, and New Jersey's 529 plan can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Cedar Knolls area that leverage the local community?
Private schools near Cedar Knolls capitalize on the region's corporate, historical, and natural resources. Delbarton and Morristown Beard have strong STEM partnerships with nearby Fortune 500 companies in the Morris County pharmaceutical and technology corridor. The Peck School emphasizes environmental science with access to local parks and preserves. Many schools integrate Morristown's rich Revolutionary War history into their curricula through partnerships with the National Historical Park. Additionally, the area's strong arts scene facilitates partnerships with the Mayo Performing Arts Center and local galleries, providing unique enrichment opportunities not always available elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Cedar Knolls, NJ, area?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, most families start visiting schools like Delbarton, Peck, and Morristown Beard in the spring or fall one year prior (e.g., spring 2024 for fall 2025). Application deadlines are typically in January, with entrance exams (ISEE or SSAT) taken in the fall or winter. Admissions decisions are released in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry grades (Kindergarten, 6th, 7th, and 9th), early planning is essential. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Cedar Knolls residents should note that while these schools draw from a wide region, demonstrating a strong connection to the local community can be beneficial.
For a family in Cedar Knolls, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public school system (Morris School District) to nearby private options?
The Morris School District, which serves Cedar Knolls, is consistently ranked among New Jersey's top public districts. Key considerations include: **Cost** (public is tax-funded vs. significant private tuition), **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller ratios), **Specialized Focus** (private schools may offer specific religious, single-gender, or pedagogical approaches like Peck's progressive elementary model), and **Continuity** (public offers a K-12 pathway, while private may require a transition between elementary and upper schools). For families in Cedar Knolls, the decision often hinges on whether they seek the specific community and mission of a private institution versus the comprehensive, diverse, and tuition-free excellence of the local public system. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools typically require personal or private bus arrangements.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Cedar Knolls, NJ: A Parent's 2024 Guide
For parents in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, the search for “prep schools near me” is often the beginning of a significant journey toward finding the right educational environment for your child. This Morris County community is uniquely positioned within a rich landscape of exceptional private institutions, each offering distinct philosophies and pathways to success. Understanding the local options and what they represent is key to moving from a simple online query to a confident decision. The process here is less about finding any school and more about discovering the specific community that will nurture your child’s individual strengths and aspirations.
When considering prep schools near you in Cedar Knolls, it’s essential to appreciate the nuanced offerings within a short drive. The Peck School in Morristown, for instance, provides a foundational K-8 experience renowned for its character education and close-knit community, preparing young students with the academic and ethical grounding for future rigor. For families looking at all-boys education, the Delbarton School in Morristown stands as a premier Benedictine college preparatory school, known for its rigorous academics, storied athletic traditions, and spiritual development. Meanwhile, the Morristown Beard School in Morristown offers a coeducational environment with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, diversity, and fostering independent thought for grades 6-12. Each of these schools, while geographically proximate, creates a vastly different daily experience and long-term outcome for students.
The local context of Cedar Knolls itself plays a role in this search. Many families are drawn to the area for its suburban tranquility coupled with its accessibility to major corporate centers and cultural hubs. This makes the daily commute to these schools manageable and allows the benefits of a private education—smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and enriched curricula—to integrate seamlessly into your family’s life. When researching, consider not just the school’s reputation but also the practical flow of your week. Visit during rush hour to gauge the drive, explore the after-school programs that might align with your work schedule, and talk to other Cedar Knolls parents about their experiences with carpools and community involvement.
Ultimately, transitioning from the general idea of “prep schools near me” to a targeted shortlist requires personal engagement. We encourage families to move beyond websites and brochures. Attend open houses at Delbarton, Peck, and Morristown Beard to feel the campus culture firsthand. Ask specific questions about how each school supports students through the particular transitions of middle school or the college counseling process in upper school. Notice how your child responds to the environment. The best choice will be one where the school’s mission resonates with your family’s values and where you can envision your child not just learning, but thriving. The exceptional options surrounding Cedar Knolls mean your search is about finding the perfect fit, not just an available spot.
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