The Best Private Schools in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Englewood Cliffs. 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. Located just minutes from Englewood Cliffs, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With a strong focus on community and individual student growth, EMS has maintained an excellent reputation for academic excellence and holistic education for nearly a century.
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Dwight-Englewood School
Independent School
Dwight-Englewood School is a prestigious pre-K through grade 12 independent school located adjacent to Englewood Cliffs. The school offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional college placement results. Features include advanced STEM facilities, comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and the International Baccalaureate diploma option. The 45-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, D-E provides a challenging educational environment that prepares students for top colleges and universities worldwide.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Catholic College Preparatory School
Academy of the Holy Angels is an acclaimed all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Englewood Cliffs and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, competitive STEM programs, and outstanding fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology centers, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and community service, Holy Angels consistently achieves exceptional college acceptance rates and maintains a reputation for academic excellence and character formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey?
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though most are located in neighboring towns due to the borough's small size. The most prominent options include The Elisabeth Morrow School (Pre-K–8) in Englewood, Dwight-Englewood School (Pre-K–12) in Englewood, and the Academy of the Holy Angels (all-girls, 9–12) in Demarest. Englewood Cliffs families also have access to a range of other prestigious Bergen County institutions. The local public school district, Englewood Cliffs Public Schools, is also highly rated, which influences the private school landscape to be one of specialized programs and specific educational philosophies.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Englewood Cliffs, NJ, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Englewood Cliffs is among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the area's affluence and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect upper school tuition at Dwight-Englewood and Holy Angels to range from approximately $55,000 to $60,000, while Elisabeth Morrow's middle school tuition is around $50,000. These figures are significantly above the NJ private school average. However, all these schools have substantial financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It is crucial to apply for aid early, as the process is separate from admissions and often uses the Clarity application to assess need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish private schools in the Englewood Cliffs vicinity?
Private schools in the Englewood Cliffs area offer distinct specializations. The **Dwight-Englewood School** is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a global curriculum offered in only a handful of NJ schools. The **Academy of the Holy Angels** features a renowned STEM Scholars Program and extensive leadership opportunities within an all-girls environment. **The Elisabeth Morrow School** emphasizes a child-centered, progressive approach in the early years with a strong focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, often utilizing its expansive campus for experiential learning. This concentration of diverse, high-caliber programs within a few miles is a key feature of the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Englewood Cliffs, NJ?
The admissions process for schools like Dwight-Englewood, Holy Angels, and Elisabeth Morrow is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by early January (with some schools having deadlines as early as December 1st), student visits and interviews (January-February), and standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT). Decisions are released in mid-March. For kindergarten and lower grades, especially at Elisabeth Morrow, applying two years in advance is common due to limited seats and sibling/legacy priority. Engaging with the admissions office early is strongly advised.
For an Englewood Cliffs resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and the nearby private institutions?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and program offerings. Englewood Cliffs Public Schools (ECPS) is a top-rated K-8 district, after which students attend Bergen County Academies or other high schools via choice. ECPS offers a consistent, community-based education with no tuition. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific environment: a continuous Pre-K-12 pathway (Dwight-Englewood), a single-sex education (Holy Angels), a particular pedagogical approach like IB or progressive early childhood, or more specialized arts/athletics. The trade-off involves a significant financial investment and, for most, daily transportation to neighboring towns. Many families in the area value the tailored fit and resources of private schools despite the excellence of the local public option.
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