The Best Private Schools in Denville, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Denville in Morristown, Peck offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Peck's curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere with high parent satisfaction and excellent middle school placement records.
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Morristown Beard School
Independent
Morristown Beard School is a prestigious coeducational independent school serving grades 6-12, conveniently located approximately 15 minutes from Denville. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors programs. MBS features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes global education and community service, with diverse student organizations and competitive athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Morristown Beard provides personalized attention and strong college counseling, consistently placing graduates at top-tier universities.
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Mount Tabor Elementary School (Private)
Independent
Mount Tabor Elementary School is a well-regarded private elementary school located in nearby Parsippany, serving students from preschool through 6th grade. The school offers a nurturing environment with a strong academic foundation, focusing on individualized learning and character development. Programs include comprehensive literacy instruction, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and arts integration. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated play areas, and specialized learning spaces. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Mount Tabor emphasizes community involvement and parent partnership, making it a popular choice for families in the Denville area seeking quality private elementary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denville, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Denville, NJ, and are they located directly in town?
While Denville itself has a limited number of private campuses, it is centrally located with access to several highly-regarded institutions in neighboring towns. The most prominent local option is Mount Tabor Elementary School, a private school located within Denville Township. For older students, families commonly consider The Peck School (K-8) in Morristown and Morristown Beard School (6-12) in Morristown, both approximately a 15-20 minute commute. Additionally, many Denville families explore Catholic schools like St. Mary's Prep in Denville or Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station. The Denville area is known for this convenient access to a mix of independent day schools and parochial options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Denville, NJ area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in the Denville-area private school market is generally at or above the New Jersey state average, reflecting the high cost of living and the prestigious nature of nearby institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect K-8 tuition (e.g., at schools like Peck) to range from $30,000 to $40,000+, while high school tuition (e.g., Morristown Beard) can exceed $50,000. Most established independent schools, including those serving Denville, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. New Jersey also has the "FAST" (Financial Aid for School Tuition) program, and some schools participate in state-sponsored opportunity scholarship programs for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Denville, NJ, that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Denville region often utilize North Jersey's unique geography and cultural resources. For instance, Morristown Beard School's science programs may partner with local environmental centers for ecology studies in the nearby Jersey Highlands. The Peck School emphasizes character education and outdoor learning, which aligns well with Denville's community-focused, lake-side setting. Many schools also have strong STEM and robotics programs that compete in regional New Jersey leagues. Furthermore, proximity to New York City (about an hour by train from Denville) allows schools to integrate unparalleled arts, history, and internship opportunities into their curricula, a significant advantage over schools in more remote areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Morristown Beard or Peck for a Denville resident?
For Denville families targeting top-tier independent schools, planning must begin 12-18 months in advance. The process is highly structured: initial inquiries and tours often occur in the spring or fall a full year before desired entry. Application deadlines for schools like Peck and Morristown Beard are typically in January for the following September. Key steps include standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. As Denville is in a competitive feeder area, applying to multiple schools is common. It's also advisable to connect with the admissions office early to express interest and understand any specific considerations for applicants from the Denville public school district.
For a family living in Denville, what are the key factors when deciding between the highly-rated Denville public schools and a private school option?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Denville's public schools, particularly Denville Township School District, are consistently well-rated, offering a strong, tuition-free education with community integration. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a distinct approach, such as single-gender education, a particular religious foundation, or a more accelerated/individualized curriculum. The private school path typically promises smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-15 students vs. 20+ in public) and specialized facilities. For Denville parents, transportation is a practical factor: while public school provides busing, private schools may require a significant daily commute and carpool coordination. The investment in private tuition is weighed against the value of the specific opportunities it unlocks versus the excellent, no-cost local alternative.
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