The Best Private Schools in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Rutherford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergen Catholic High School
Private Catholic High School
Bergen Catholic High School is a highly-regarded all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the broader Bergen County area, including East Rutherford families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The 27-acre campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms, serving students from over 80 communities throughout Northern New Jersey.
Programs:
Immaculate Heart Academy
Private Catholic High School
Immaculate Heart Academy is a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from throughout Bergen County and surrounding areas, including East Rutherford. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the academy provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school consistently achieves exceptional academic results and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Academy of the Holy Angels
Private Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women, serving students from over 100 communities including East Rutherford. The school offers a challenging academic program with 20 Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM and engineering tracks, and comprehensive arts education. With a focus on leadership development and global awareness, Holy Angels provides extensive extracurricular opportunities and community service programs. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities on its 27-acre campus, maintaining a tradition of academic excellence for over a century.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Rutherford, New Jersey
What are the primary private high school options for families in East Rutherford, NJ, and are they single-gender or coeducational?
East Rutherford itself is a smaller borough, so many of the top-rated private schools are located in neighboring towns within Bergen County, offering convenient access for East Rutherford residents. The notable options you mentioned include Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell (all-boys, Catholic), Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township (all-girls, Catholic), and the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest (all-girls, Catholic). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute drive. East Rutherford also has a local Catholic K-8 option, St. Joseph's School. The prevalence of single-gender, faith-based education is a defining characteristic of the private secondary landscape in this part of New Jersey.
How does the tuition for top private high schools near East Rutherford, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private high schools in Bergen County tends to be at or above the New Jersey state average for private schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Bergen Catholic, IHA, and Holy Angels ranges from approximately $18,000 to $22,000. This reflects the high operational costs in North Jersey and the schools' extensive academic and extracurricular programs. Importantly, these institutions offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid through systems like FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, as a significant percentage of students receive some form of assistance.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the East Rutherford, NJ, area that leverage local resources?
Private schools in this region often have robust STEM, arts, and athletics programs that benefit from the area's proximity to New York City and major corporate hubs. For instance, schools like Academy of the Holy Angels offer advanced science research programs with potential partnerships at nearby universities. Bergen Catholic’s engineering program is highly regarded. Furthermore, the proximity to the Meadowlands Sports Complex and the professional networks in the region provide unique opportunities for internships, guest speakers in business and media, and cultural field trips. Many schools also have dominant athletic programs that compete in the elite Big North Conference, leveraging top-tier local facilities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools serving East Rutherford, NJ, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade admission, families should start researching in the spring of 7th grade. The key steps include: attending open houses in the fall of 8th grade (often September-October), registering for and taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the fall/winter, submitting applications by December or January deadlines, and completing interviews if required. Acceptance notifications are typically released in February. It is crucial to apply to multiple schools due to competitive seats. For K-8 admissions at local schools like St. Joseph's, timelines are more flexible but still benefit from early inquiry.
For an East Rutherford resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
East Rutherford operates its own K-12 public school district, which is well-regarded for its small size and community feel. The primary considerations are educational approach, cost, and logistics. Private schools offer a specific religious foundation (if Catholic), single-gender environments, and often a wider array of Advanced Placement or specialized honors tracks. The cost is significant, as outlined above. Logistically, attending a private school requires transportation, as most are not in East Rutherford; parents must factor in driving or coordinating busing (some private schools offer paid bus services from central locations). Public school offers a tuition-free, comprehensive education with the convenience of neighborhood schooling and dedicated sports rivalries within the NJIC conference.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities