The Best Private Schools in Fort Lee, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Lee. 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
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly regarded independent school serving children from age 3 through eighth grade. Located in nearby Englewood, the school serves many Fort Lee families with its child-centered approach to education. The school features a 14-acre campus with modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and social-emotional learning. Special programs include Spanish language instruction from age 3, comprehensive STEAM education, and extensive arts programming. The school is known for its warm, inclusive community and strong parent partnership.
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Dwight-Englewood School
Independent
Dwight-Englewood School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Fort Lee, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and achieve outstanding college placement results. The diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular programs create a vibrant learning community.
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Tenafly Education Foundation Private School
Tenafly Education Foundation
Tenafly Education Foundation Private School offers a comprehensive educational program for students in a neighboring community that serves Fort Lee residents. The school provides a challenging academic environment with advanced placement courses, honors programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and college preparation. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers personalized academic support. Strong community involvement and parent engagement contribute to the school's excellent reputation for academic achievement and student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Lee, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and are they located within the borough itself?
While Fort Lee itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, it is part of a densely populated region of Bergen County renowned for its excellent private institutions. Many Fort Lee families consider prestigious nearby schools such as Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, and Tenafly Education Foundation Private School in Tenafly. These schools are all within a short commute and actively draw students from Fort Lee. Additionally, families may explore parochial schools in neighboring towns. The proximity to these top-tier schools is a significant benefit of living in Fort Lee, NJ.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Fort Lee, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading independent day schools in the Fort Lee area, like Dwight-Englewood, is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $50,000 per year for middle and upper schools. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial for parents to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated on a rolling basis. New Jersey also has no state-funded voucher programs for private schools, making institutional aid and scholarships the primary sources of assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Fort Lee vicinity offer that leverage their location in the New York metropolitan area?
Schools in this region frequently capitalize on their proximity to New York City to enhance their programs. This can include specialized courses in finance and entrepreneurship, advanced STEM partnerships with nearby universities, and unparalleled arts education with regular trips to Broadway, museums, and galleries in Manhattan. For example, many schools have robust language immersion programs reflecting the diverse, international community of Fort Lee and Bergen County. Additionally, their athletic programs often compete at a high level within the competitive independent school leagues of Northern New Jersey.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Fort Lee, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admission process for sought-after schools like Dwight-Englewood or Elisabeth Morrow follows a strict independent school calendar. The process typically begins in the fall, 18 months before desired entry (e.g., fall 2024 for September 2025 kindergarten). Key steps include open houses (often in September-October), submission of applications by January, student assessments/interviews, and notification dates in March. For families in Fort Lee, it is highly advisable to begin research and attend open houses in the year prior to application, as spaces, especially in early grades, are limited and competition is significant.
For a family moving to Fort Lee, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Fort Lee Public Schools and the surrounding private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Fort Lee Public Schools are well-regarded, offering a strong academic program within a diverse community. Choosing a private school in the area usually involves seeking a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., progressive, traditional), significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, or specialized programs in arts, languages, or sciences. The private school commute, substantial financial investment, and community culture are major factors. Many families value the private school network's continuity from early childhood through 12th grade, whereas public schooling involves transitions between distinct school buildings.
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