The Best Private Schools in Englewood, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Englewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent School
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Founded in 1930, the school has built a reputation for academic excellence with a child-centered approach that balances rigorous academics with character development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes robust arts, music, and foreign language programs from early childhood. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Dwight-Englewood School
Independent School
Dwight-Englewood School is a prestigious PreK-12 independent school located in the heart of Englewood. As one of New Jersey's top private schools, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with the option of pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The 45-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school is known for its academic rigor, diverse student body, and extensive extracurricular offerings including championship athletic teams and nationally recognized arts programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Catholic Independent College Preparatory School
Located just minutes from Englewood in neighboring Demarest, Academy of the Holy Angels is a premier Catholic independent college preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the school combines academic excellence with character formation and spiritual development. The curriculum features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, robust STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide. Facilities include modern science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. Holy Angels serves students from Bergen County and beyond, drawing significantly from Englewood families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Englewood, New Jersey
What are the main types of private schools available in Englewood, NJ, and how do they differ?
Englewood, NJ, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent day schools and faith-based institutions. Top schools like Dwight-Englewood School and The Elisabeth Morrow School are prestigious, co-educational independent schools offering rigorous college-preparatory curricula from early childhood through high school. In contrast, the Academy of the Holy Angels is an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory high school. The independent schools often have larger campuses and more extensive extracurricular offerings, while the faith-based school integrates religious values and may have a different tuition structure. This variety allows parents in Englewood to choose based on educational philosophy, single-gender vs. co-ed preferences, and religious alignment.
How does the tuition for private schools in Englewood, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Englewood's leading private schools is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for independent schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $40,000 to over $55,000 for upper grades at schools like Dwight-Englewood. These costs reflect the high cost of living in Bergen County and the significant resources these schools provide. Importantly, all major schools in Englewood offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Dwight-Englewood, for instance, awards millions in aid annually. New Jersey also has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (tax-credit scholarship) proposals that could potentially benefit families, though current aid is primarily school-based. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish Englewood's private schools from those in surrounding Bergen County towns?
Englewood's private schools leverage their proximity to New York City and local resources to offer distinctive programs. Dwight-Englewood School is renowned for its Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering (CIDE) and a renowned music program with frequent NYC collaborations. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes a child-centered, "4 C's" curriculum (Courtesy, Cooperation, Compassion, and Conservation) from a very young age, with a renowned nature-based learning environment on its 14-acre campus. Academy of the Holy Angels offers unique STEM-focused tracks and partnerships with nearby universities. Englewood's cultural diversity and urban-edge location allow these schools to incorporate global perspectives and metropolitan resources in ways that schools in more suburban or rural parts of Bergen County may not.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Englewood, NJ?
The enrollment process for Englewood's top private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, the key timeline is: **Spring/Summer prior (Year Before):** Attend open houses and tours. **September-January (Application Period):** Submit applications (often via SAO or Ravenna), with deadlines typically between January 1st and 15th. This includes scheduling student visits, interviews, and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT). **March 10th (Notification Date):** Most independent schools in NJ, including those in Englewood, issue admission decisions on this common date. **April 10th (Reply Date):** Families submit enrollment contracts and deposits. For younger grades at schools like Elisabeth Morrow, waitlists can be long, so early inquiry is essential. Sibling and legacy applicants often have earlier or prioritized consideration.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing Englewood Public Schools to private schools in the city?
The comparison hinges on educational approach, resources, and cost. Englewood Public Schools are tuition-free and offer a diverse, International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the high school, which is a significant draw. However, private schools in Englewood like Dwight-Englewood often feature smaller class sizes (e.g., 12:1 student-teacher ratios), more individualized attention, and extensive facilities (like state-of-the-art labs and arts centers). Private schools also have more flexibility in curriculum design and often boast higher college matriculation rates to highly selective universities. The decision often comes down to whether a family values the IB's global focus within a large, diverse public system or desires a specific pedagogical approach, religious education, or the perceived advantages of a resource-intensive private environment, despite the substantial financial investment.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Secondary Schools Near Englewood, NJ: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Englewood, New Jersey, the search for "private secondary schools near me" is often driven by a desire for exceptional academic rigor, personalized attention, and a values-based community close to home. You are fortunate to be in a region renowned for its educational excellence, with several top-tier institutions right within or bordering our city. This local concentration means you can find a remarkable private school experience without a lengthy commute, allowing your child to deeply engage in both their academic and extracurricular life while remaining connected to their hometown community.
When exploring private secondary schools near you, it’s essential to look beyond the brochures and consider the unique educational philosophy and environment each offers. The Dwight-Englewood School, for instance, is a prominent local fixture known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking across its six-year middle and upper school program. Its sprawling campus fosters a vibrant, diverse community where innovation in STEM and the arts is a hallmark. Just a short drive away in Demarest, the Academy of the Holy Angels offers a all-girls, Catholic college preparatory environment that empowers young women with strong leadership opportunities and a supportive sisterhood, appealing to families seeking a single-gender education rooted in faith and service. While The Elisabeth Morrow School primarily serves younger children, its reputation for foundational excellence is worth noting, as many families seamlessly transition from such programs into the area's esteemed secondary options.
The practicalities of choosing a school in Englewood also involve understanding the logistical and cultural fit. Visiting campuses is crucial; you’ll want to observe the student interactions, feel the campus culture, and gauge the commute during a typical school day. Consider your child’s specific needs—whether they thrive in a large, competitive setting or a more intimate, nurturing environment. The admissions process for these sought-after schools is typically holistic and can be competitive, so beginning early, often in the fall before the desired enrollment year, is advisable. Engage your child in the process and prepare for interviews and standardized testing as required.
Ultimately, your search for "private secondary schools near me" in Englewood is about finding a partnership—a school that will challenge and support your child in equal measure. The investment is significant, but the return is seen in the development of confident, curious, and well-prepared young adults. Take advantage of open houses, shadow days, and conversations with current parents. The close-knit nature of Englewood means you can easily find firsthand insights from neighbors who have navigated this same decision. By focusing on the alignment between a school’s mission and your family’s values, you can identify the ideal local environment where your teenager will not only succeed academically but will also grow into their unique potential.
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