The Best Private Schools in Collingswood, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Collingswood. 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 provides an exceptional Quaker education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Camden County including Collingswood. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based community, featuring small class sizes, individualized attention, and innovative project-based learning. The comprehensive STEAM program, foreign language instruction, and commitment to social justice education create well-rounded graduates who excel at top secondary schools. The nurturing environment and strong parent community contribute to outstanding student outcomes.
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Camden Catholic High School
Diocese of Camden
Camden Catholic High School is a premier co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Camden County area, including Collingswood. With over 135 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring 20+ AP courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. The 40-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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The King's Christian School
Independent Christian School
The King's Christian School is a highly-regarded independent Christian school serving southern New Jersey communities including Collingswood. Offering comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with spiritual development. The college preparatory program includes honors and AP courses, while extensive fine arts and athletic programs provide balanced development. The modern campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Collingswood, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Collingswood, New Jersey?
While Collingswood itself is a small borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Camden County area. The most prominent include Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill (a co-ed diocesan Catholic school), Haddonfield Friends School in Haddonfield (a Quaker-based elementary school), and The King's Christian School in Cherry Hill (an interdenominational Christian school). Many Collingswood families also consider schools in Philadelphia due to the proximity of the PATCO Hi-Speedline. It's important to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within Collingswood's borders, so commuting to neighboring towns is standard.
How does the tuition for private schools near Collingswood, NJ, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New Jersey?
Tuition in the Collingswood area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000 to $20,000+ annually. Camden Catholic High School's tuition is set by the Diocese of Camden, while independent schools like Haddonfield Friends set their own rates. New Jersey offers specific financial aid avenues, most notably the NJ STARS program for high-achieving high school students for college, but more directly, many schools participate in need-based aid programs. Crucially, New Jersey has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act," which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship funds for students from low- and middle-income families to attend private schools, a key resource for eligible Collingswood residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Collingswood vicinity?
Schools near Collingswood offer distinct programs leveraging their individual missions. Camden Catholic High School features a strong STEM program, extensive NJSIAA athletics, and a renowned performing arts department. Haddonfield Friends School emphasizes Quaker values, social-emotional learning, and project-based education in a small, close-knit setting. The King's Christian School offers a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and competitive athletics. A unique local advantage is the proximity to Philadelphia's cultural and scientific institutions, which many area private schools incorporate into their curricula through field trips and partnerships, something less accessible to schools further inland in New Jersey.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Camden Catholic serving Collingswood students?
For secondary schools like Camden Catholic High School, the process typically begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending an Open House (often held September-November), submitting an application by a December or January deadline, taking a placement exam (usually the HSPT in January), and then receiving acceptance letters in February or March. For families in Collingswood, it's vital to apply early, as these schools draw from a wide geographic area across South Jersey. Many schools also require transcripts, recommendations, and a family interview. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so connecting with the admissions office early is advised.
For a family living in Collingswood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing public school district and a private school?
Collingswood operates its own well-regarded public school district, known for its diverse community and strong arts programs. The decision often hinges on several local factors. Private schools offer a specific religious or value-based education (Catholic, Quaker, Christian) that the public system cannot provide. They may also have smaller average class sizes. However, choosing private means forgoing Collingswood's public school amenities like the new high school building and walking/biking to neighborhood schools. Financially, it involves weighing significant tuition against already paying high NJ property taxes that fund the public schools. Transportation is another key factor; while some private schools provide busing from Collingswood, it's not guaranteed, adding a logistical layer public school families don't face.
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