The Best Private Schools in Demarest, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Demarest. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Academy of the Holy Angels
Independent Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is a prestigious all-girls Catholic college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 24+ Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. Located directly in Demarest, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate to top-tier universities. The campus spans 25 acres and includes modern academic buildings and extensive athletic facilities.
Programs:
The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent School
Located just minutes from Demarest in neighboring Englewood, The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from early childhood through eighth grade. The school is known for its innovative approach to education, combining traditional academic rigor with progressive teaching methods. The campus features dedicated science labs, art studios, music rooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and offers a comprehensive STEAM program, foreign language instruction beginning in early childhood, and extensive arts education. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong community focus.
Programs:
Academies at Englewood
Bergen County Technical Schools
The Academies at Englewood, part of the Bergen County Technical School District, is a highly selective magnet high school located adjacent to Demarest. This public-private hybrid model offers specialized career-focused academies in engineering, medical science, and technology. The school features cutting-edge facilities including professional-grade laboratories, technology centers, and collaborative learning spaces. With a competitive admissions process and rigorous academic program, the school consistently ranks among New Jersey's top high schools. Students benefit from partnerships with local universities and corporations, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and opportunities for professional certifications. The school serves students from throughout Bergen County, including Demarest residents.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Demarest, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Demarest, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
Demarest, NJ, is served by several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate area. The Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest itself is an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12, known for its strong STEM and arts programs. The Elisabeth Morrow School, located in nearby Englewood, offers a co-educational, progressive education from early childhood through 8th grade, emphasizing experiential learning. The Academies at Englewood, a public magnet high school with a private-school-like model, is a tuition-free option for Bergen County residents that requires a competitive application and offers specialized academies in areas like science, technology, and medicine. These schools provide distinct educational philosophies and environments for Demarest families to consider.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Demarest, NJ, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Demarest area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high schools like Academy of the Holy Angels have tuition approximately in the $25,000 range, while independent elementary/middle schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School can exceed $40,000 for upper grades. New Jersey private schools often offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Holy Angels, for instance, awards millions in aid annually. It's crucial to apply for financial aid by the school's deadline, often using the Clarity Application, and to inquire about merit scholarships. Many Demarest families also utilize the NJ FamilyCare/Child Care Assistance programs for younger grades where applicable.
What are the enrollment timelines and key application steps for private schools in and around Demarest, NJ?
The private school admissions process in the Demarest area is highly structured and typically begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. For fall enrollment, key steps often include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications (December-January deadlines), completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT for many schools, January-February), and receiving decisions (March). Schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School have earlier timelines for younger grades. Demarest parents should note that some schools, particularly the most selective, have pre-application events or require registration a full year in advance for certain grades. Staying organized with a calendar for each school is essential.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Demarest area that distinguish them?
Private schools near Demarest offer specialized programs that leverage their resources and missions. The Academy of the Holy Angels features a renowned Engineering and Design Institute, a comprehensive Visual and Performing Arts program, and competitive robotics teams. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes a "4 C's" curriculum (Courtesy, Cooperation, Conservation, and Compassion) integrated with strong language programs starting in early childhood. The Academies at Englewood, while public, offers a private-school-like experience with its specialized "academies" in Science & Technology, Medicine & Health, and Engineering & Design, providing deep, project-based learning. These specialized tracks allow students to pursue significant depth in their areas of interest.
As a Demarest resident, how should I weigh the decision between the high-performing Demarest Public Schools and local private options?
This is a common consideration in Demarest, which is known for its excellent public school system (Demarest School District K-8, then Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest). The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and program offerings. Private options may be chosen for single-gender education (Holy Angels), a specific progressive or faith-based pedagogy, smaller class sizes, or specialized academic tracks not available in the public curriculum. The public system offers a top-tier, tuition-free education with strong college placement. Many Demarest families visit both their local public school and private options to compare culture, facilities, and programmatic focus. The cost of private tuition versus local property taxes supporting the public schools is also a significant financial factor.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities