The Best Private Schools in Fairfield, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a prestigious independent school serving the North Jersey region including Fairfield. With three campuses across Montclair, MKA offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education known for academic excellence and diverse programming. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Their college preparatory curriculum includes extensive AP offerings, competitive athletics, and robust arts programs. MKA graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Newark Academy
Newark Academy
Newark Academy is one of the oldest independent day schools in the United States, serving students from Fairfield and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program including both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate curricula. Known for its exceptional faculty and diverse student body, Newark Academy provides outstanding facilities including a innovation lab, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, global citizenship, and academic excellence with a strong track record of college placements.
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Mount Saint Dominic Academy
Mount Saint Dominic Academy
Mount Saint Dominic Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving the Fairfield area and surrounding communities. The school offers a challenging academic environment with a focus on empowering young women through education. Features include modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive arts facilities. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, STEM education, and community service. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the academy provides personalized attention and strong college counseling, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfield, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Fairfield, NJ, and are there any within the township itself?
While Fairfield, NJ, itself is a smaller township with limited on-site private schools, it is centrally located within a rich educational corridor of Essex County. Families typically consider prestigious nearby institutions such as Montclair Kimberley Academy (in Montclair), Newark Academy (in Livingston), and Mount Saint Dominic Academy (a Catholic all-girls school in Caldwell). Many Fairfield residents also look at other top schools in surrounding towns like West Essex. Transportation, often via carpool or school-provided bus services for a fee, is a key logistical consideration for Fairfield parents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Fairfield, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Fairfield area is typically above the New Jersey state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition at schools like Montclair Kimberley Academy and Newark Academy often ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000+. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial for Fairfield parents to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as these schools have significant endowments dedicated to making education accessible. New Jersey also has no state-funded voucher programs, so aid is primarily school-based.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Fairfield, NJ, area that leverage local resources?
Schools in this region often leverage their proximity to New York City and a network of corporate and scientific hubs in North Jersey. For instance, Newark Academy's STEM program has strong partnerships with nearby universities and research facilities. Montclair Kimberley Academy emphasizes global studies and sustainability, with initiatives connected to the local environmental landscape. Mount Saint Dominic Academy offers specialized programs in health sciences and leadership, often utilizing clinical and professional networks in the greater Essex County area. Many schools also have exceptional arts programs that utilize venues and instructors connected to the vibrant cultural scene in Montclair and Newark.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Fairfield, NJ, and when should Fairfield parents start planning?
The admissions process for the most sought-after private schools in the Fairfield area is highly competitive and follows a strict timeline. Parents should begin research and school visits 12-18 months before the desired entry date (e.g., spring/summer before the application year). Key deadlines for applications, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and interviews are usually between November and January for entry the following fall. Open houses are typically held in the fall. Given the competitive nature, it is advisable for Fairfield families to apply to multiple schools and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family in Fairfield, NJ, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public school district to the nearby private school options?
Fairfield residents are served by the Fairfield Public School District, which is generally well-regarded. The primary considerations for choosing private are often program specialization, smaller class sizes, and specific religious or pedagogical approaches (like single-gender education at Mount Saint Dominic). The private options offer extensive resources, from state-of-the-art facilities to a wider array of advanced coursework and independent study opportunities. However, this comes at a significant financial cost versus the no-tuition public option. The decision often hinges on a family's educational priorities, budget, and the value placed on the private school network and college matriculation records, which are exceptionally strong at schools like Newark Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy.
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