The Best Private Schools in East Brunswick, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Brunswick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of East Brunswick is a highly-rated early childhood education center serving children from six weeks to six years old. Located within East Brunswick, this franchise offers a play-based learning approach integrated with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The school features secure, modern facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers. With F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, the school focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. Parents consistently praise the qualified teachers, safe environment, and comprehensive developmental programs.
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Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent Private School
Wardlaw+Hartridge is a premier independent school serving Central New Jersey families from Pre-K through grade 12. Located just minutes from East Brunswick, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The 36-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes global education with international student programs and study abroad opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Wardlaw+Hartridge provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate to competitive universities.
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St. Joseph High School
Catholic Diocesan School
St. Joseph High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving families throughout Middlesex County, including East Brunswick. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, Business, and Fine Arts. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a commitment to faith-based education and community service, St. Joseph maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic traditions. The school's location in Metuchen provides convenient access for East Brunswick residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Brunswick, New Jersey
What are the primary types of private schools available in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and how do they differ?
East Brunswick, NJ, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily falling into three categories. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a prestigious, independent Pre-K through 12 college preparatory day school with a secular, rigorous academic curriculum. St. Joseph High School is a private, Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school serving grades 9-12, integrating faith-based education. The Goddard School is a nationally franchised early childhood education center focused on play-based learning for infants through pre-K. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and age range, all within the local area.
How does tuition for East Brunswick private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at East Brunswick's top private schools is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for similar institutions. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000-$40,000+ for upper schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge and St. Joseph High, while early childhood programs like The Goddard School charge monthly tuition that can equate to $15,000-$25,000 annually. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (though limited) and tax-advantaged 529 plan expansions for K-12 can provide some relief. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at East Brunswick's private high schools?
East Brunswick's private high schools offer distinct specializations. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School emphasizes global citizenship and STEM, with strong language programs, robotics, and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. St. Joseph High School is known for its strong athletics program (particularly football and basketball) within the Greater Middlesex Conference, a structured college counseling program, and service-learning requirements rooted in its Catholic identity. Both schools offer robust arts, clubs, and college preparatory tracks, but Wardlaw+Hartridge provides a more international focus, while St. Joseph integrates faith and competitive sports prominently.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in East Brunswick, and are there key deadlines for the following school year?
The enrollment process for East Brunswick private schools is competitive and begins early. For schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge and St. Joseph High, the application cycle for the following fall typically opens in September, with priority deadlines for financial aid by January or February. The process involves submitting an application, student transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the SSAT or HSPT), and a family interview. Admissions decisions are often released in March. For preschools like The Goddard School, enrollment is often rolling but with waitlists common, so contacting them 6-12 months in advance is advisable.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing East Brunswick Public Schools to the local private schools?
The comparison hinges on several East Brunswick-specific factors. East Brunswick Public Schools are highly rated, offering a strong, tuition-free education with diverse AP courses and extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like Wardlaw+Hartridge or St. Joseph often involves seeking a smaller student-teacher ratio, a specific religious or values-based environment, or a more intensive college-prep focus with a consistent curriculum across all grades. Private schools may also offer more flexibility in program design. The decision often comes down to whether the investment in tuition aligns with a family's desire for a particular educational philosophy, community, or specialized attention that differs from the excellent, but larger-scale, public system.
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