The Best Private Schools in Florence, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Florence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Stuart Country Day School is a premier independent Catholic school for girls in grades Pre-K through 12, located approximately 20 minutes from Florence. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, extensive arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Stuart emphasizes leadership development and global citizenship while maintaining a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart is an independent all-boys school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade, conveniently accessible from Florence. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and emphasizes experiential learning through its 46-acre campus with outdoor classrooms and environmental science programs. Known for its innovative approach to boys' education, the school features specialized learning spaces, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The dedicated faculty and small student-teacher ratio ensure personalized attention and academic excellence.
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Doane Academy
Independent
Doane Academy is New Jersey's oldest co-educational independent day school, located just 10 minutes from Florence in historic Burlington. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on character development and community service. The picturesque campus along the Delaware River features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Doane provides small class sizes, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a track record of successful college placements to competitive universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Florence, New Jersey
What are the main private school options for families residing in Florence, New Jersey, and are they located directly in town?
While Florence, NJ itself is a smaller township, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Mercer and Burlington County area. The most prominent include Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (PreK-12, all-girls) and Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart (K-8, all-boys), both located in Princeton about a 20-25 minute drive. Doane Academy (PreK-12, coed) is in Burlington City, approximately a 15-minute drive. There are also various parochial and independent options in nearby Bordentown, Mount Holly, and Lawrenceville. Most Florence families consider these regional schools, as dedicated K-12 private campuses within Florence's borders are limited.
How does tuition for top private schools near Florence, NJ compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for schools like Stuart, Princeton Academy, and Doane Academy is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average, which is among the highest in the nation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 depending on the grade level and school. However, all these institutions offer robust need-based financial aid programs. For example, Stuart Country Day awards over $4 million annually in aid. New Jersey also has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) proposed legislation for private school choice, though it is not yet active; currently, the primary avenue for assistance is directly through the schools' financial aid offices.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Florence, NJ area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region emphasize distinctive educational philosophies and specialized programs. Stuart Country Day and Princeton Academy follow the Sacred Heart network goals, focusing on global citizenship, faith, and intellectual curiosity, with strong language immersion and robotics programs. Doane Academy, as New Jersey's oldest coed boarding/day school, offers a unique "Leadership & Ethics" curriculum and utilizes its waterfront location for environmental science. Compared to Florence Township public schools, these private options often have smaller class sizes, more individualized college counseling, and specialized facilities like innovation labs and chapels that support their specific missions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Florence, NJ, and when should we start?
The admission process for schools like Stuart, Princeton Academy, and Doane Academy is highly structured and begins well in advance. Families should initiate research and campus visits 12-18 months before desired entry. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid requests typically fall between December and February for the following academic year. For example, many have a January 15th application deadline for the next fall. The process includes standardized assessments (like the ISEE), student interviews, classroom visits, and teacher recommendations. Given the competitive nature and limited spaces, especially in entry grades (PreK, K, 6th, 9th), starting early is crucial for Florence-based applicants.
For a family in Florence, NJ, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Florence Township School District is a single K-8 district, with students attending Florence Township Memorial High School in a sending/receiving relationship. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific religious or pedagogical philosophies (e.g., Sacred Heart, leadership focus) not available publicly. **Class Size & Resources:** Private schools typically have smaller classes but require tuition investment. **Logistics:** Commute to private schools (15-30 mins to Princeton/Burlington) vs. walkability/busing to local public schools. **Continuity:** A regional private school offers a single-campus PreK-12 pathway, whereas Florence public students transition to a different high school. Ultimately, it involves weighing the desired educational environment, community, and financial commitment against the convenience and no-tuition cost of the local public pathway.
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