The Best Private Schools in Columbus, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Columbus. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Network
Stuart Country Day School is a premier independent Catholic school for girls in grades Pre-K through 12, located just 15 minutes from Columbus. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional college placement rates. The school features state-of-the-art STEM facilities, extensive arts programs, and a 55-acre campus with modern athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Stuart emphasizes leadership development and global citizenship while maintaining a strong sense of community.
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Holy Cross Academy
Diocese of Trenton
Holy Cross Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located for Columbus families. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations, including advanced STEM programs and fine arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces. Parents consistently praise the supportive community, dedicated teachers, and the school's commitment to character development alongside academic excellence. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities.
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Doane Academy
Independent
Doane Academy is New Jersey's oldest co-educational independent school, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just 20 minutes from Columbus, the school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum including International Baccalaureate programs. The historic 10-acre campus along the Delaware River features modern academic facilities, athletic centers, and performing arts spaces. Doane emphasizes character education, global perspective, and individual attention with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and offers robust athletics and arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Columbus, New Jersey
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Columbus, New Jersey, and how do they differ?
Columbus, NJ, offers a diverse range of private school options, each with distinct educational philosophies. The top schools include Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (an all-girls, Catholic, Sacred Heart network school in nearby Princeton), Holy Cross Academy (a private, independent Catholic school in Delran), and Doane Academy (a co-ed, Episcopal-affiliated day school in Burlington). These schools differ in gender focus, religious affiliation, and curricular emphasis—from Stuart's rigorous college-prep and global focus to Doane's character-based leadership program. While not all are within Columbus township boundaries, they are primary options for Columbus residents seeking private education, requiring consideration of commute times to Bordentown, Princeton, or Burlington.
How does tuition for private schools in the Columbus, NJ, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Columbus, NJ, families is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' robust programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 annually, with upper schools at institutions like Stuart Country Day being at the higher end. Most schools, including Holy Cross Academy and Doane Academy, offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and sibling discounts. Importantly, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (tax-credit scholarship programs) can provide additional assistance for eligible families to attend participating private schools, which is a key state-specific consideration.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Columbus, NJ, that leverage the local area?
Private schools in the Columbus vicinity leverage their proximity to the Delaware River, historic sites, and major academic centers like Princeton University. For example, Doane Academy, located on the banks of the Delaware, incorporates its riverfront campus into environmental science and leadership programs. Stuart Country Day School emphasizes STEM and global studies with partnerships in Princeton's research community. Holy Cross Academy offers a strong classical education model with Latin instruction. Many schools also facilitate easy access to cultural and educational field trips in Philadelphia, Princeton, and New York City, integrating these resources into their curricula in ways most local public schools cannot match logistically.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Holy Cross Academy or Doane Academy for a Columbus, NJ, resident?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this region begins early, often 12-18 months before the desired start date. For fall entry, open houses typically run from September to November, with application deadlines between January and February. The process usually includes a submitted application, student assessments or entrance exams, school visits/interviews, and submission of records. Given that Columbus is within commuting distance of several sought-after schools, spaces can be limited, and early application is strongly advised. Some schools, like Stuart Country Day, have waiting pools. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly, as timelines can vary, especially for entry into specific grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 9th grade.
For a family in Columbus, NJ, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district (Northern Burlington County Regional) and area private schools?
The decision often hinges on several Columbus-specific factors. The Northern Burlington County Regional School District is well-regarded, so families compare its offerings—such as larger class sizes, no tuition, and extensive sports—against the personalized attention, specialized curricula, and distinct values of private schools. Key considerations include: the daily commute to private schools versus local busing; the desire for a single-sex or faith-based education (not available in the public system); and specific programmatic strengths, like Stuart's renowned robotics or Doane's maritime studies. Additionally, the investment in private tuition must be weighed against the potential need for less supplemental tutoring or enrichment. Many Columbus families value the community aspect of their local public schools but choose private options for a tailored educational philosophy.
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