The Best Private Schools in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin Lakes. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Immaculate Heart Academy
Private Catholic
Immaculate Heart Academy is a highly respected all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school located in nearby Washington Township, serving students from Franklin Lakes and throughout Bergen County. The academy offers an exceptional academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, robust STEM initiatives, and outstanding arts programs. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a strong focus on empowering young women through education, leadership development, and faith formation, IHA consistently achieves excellent college placement results and maintains a vibrant, supportive community atmosphere.
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The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Franklin Lakes in Englewood, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on critical thinking, character development, and individualized learning. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and prepares students exceptionally well for competitive secondary schools.
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Bergen Catholic High School
Private Catholic
Bergen Catholic High School is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the Franklin Lakes area and broader Bergen County. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. Students benefit from outstanding athletic facilities, modern science and technology labs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for developing well-rounded young men through its emphasis on faith, scholarship, and service. The campus features recently renovated facilities and strong community support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and what grade levels do they serve?
Franklin Lakes itself is a residential community with limited on-site private schools, but it is centrally located near several highly-regarded institutions in Bergen County. The most prominent nearby options include The Elisabeth Morrow School (pre-K through 8th grade in Englewood), Bergen Catholic High School (all-boys, 9-12 in Oradell), and Immaculate Heart Academy (all-girls, 9-12 in Washington Township). Many Franklin Lakes families also consider other nearby schools like Academy of the Holy Angels (Demarest) and Eastern Christian School (North Haledon). The lack of a major private school within the borough's borders means most students commute, but the proximity to these top-tier schools is a significant draw for the community.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Franklin Lakes, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Franklin Lakes area is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $30,000-$50,000 for high schools like Bergen Catholic and Immaculate Heart Academy, and $20,000-$40,000 for K-8 schools like Elisabeth Morrow. Most of these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs, and some, particularly the Catholic schools, may offer parish-based subsidies or multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (if applicable in future) and tax-advantaged 529 plan usage for K-12 expenses are important state-specific considerations for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Franklin Lakes students that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often utilize their proximity to New York City and the corporate landscape of North Jersey for unique programs. For example, The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes a "4 C's" curriculum (Cooperation, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking) with extensive outdoor learning on its 14-acre campus. Bergen Catholic and Immaculate Heart Academy offer prestigious STEM academies, advanced research partnerships with local universities and corporations, and exceptional arts programs that include trips to NYC museums and theaters. Many also have strong community service requirements that connect students with organizations throughout Bergen County. Their athletic programs frequently compete at the state championship level in well-funded facilities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Bergen Catholic or Immaculate Heart Academy for a Franklin Lakes resident?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For 9th grade entry, families should attend open houses in the fall of the student's 7th or 8th grade year (often September-October). Application deadlines are usually in early December. Required components typically include a completed application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT), and a family interview. Admissions decisions are typically released in late January or February. For Franklin Lakes families, it's important to note that these schools draw from a wide geographic area, making admission competitive. Sibling and legacy preferences exist, but are not guarantees. Starting the process early and ensuring strong academic performance in middle school is critical.
For a family moving to Franklin Lakes, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated public school system and the nearby private school options?
This is a central decision for Franklin Lakes families. The public school system (Franklin Lakes School District and Ramapo High School) is consistently ranked among the top in New Jersey, offering excellent academics, facilities, and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific values and goals: desire for a single-gender or faith-based education (Catholic, in the case of Bergen Catholic or IHA), a different pedagogical approach (like Elisabeth Morrow's progressive model), or specialized programs not available publicly. The private school commute (10-25 minutes) is also a factor versus local busing for public schools. Financially, it involves weighing significant tuition against high local property taxes that fund the public schools. Many families in Franklin Lakes choose the public system, but a substantial cohort opts for private options, creating a community with experience in both.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Special Needs Private School in Franklin Lakes, NJ: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Franklin Lakes navigating the educational landscape for a child with learning differences, the search for the right environment can feel deeply personal and uniquely challenging. While our borough is renowned for its excellent public schools and prestigious private institutions like The Elisabeth Morrow School, Bergen Catholic High School, and Immaculate Heart Academy, families seeking specialized support often look beyond our immediate borders. The phrase "special needs private schools near me" takes on a specific meaning here in Bergen County, where a wealth of exceptional, specialized options exists within a manageable commute, allowing your child to receive targeted education while remaining connected to our community.
The first step for many Franklin Lakes families is understanding the distinction between mainstream private schools with support programs and dedicated special needs schools. Several of our local independent and parochial schools offer learning resource centers or academic support services. These can be an excellent fit for students with mild to moderate learning challenges who are otherwise ready for a rigorous college-preparatory environment. It’s crucial to have open conversations with admissions directors about the scope and staffing of these support systems to ensure they align with your child’s specific needs, whether related to dyslexia, ADHD, or executive function challenges.
When a more tailored, therapeutic approach is necessary, Northern New Jersey is home to some of the nation's top private special education schools. Your search for "special needs private schools near me" will likely lead you to specialized institutions in neighboring towns such as Oakland, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, and Midland Park. These schools are designed with intentionality, featuring small class sizes, integrated therapies, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and curricula that adapt to diverse learning profiles. They focus on building academic skills, social-emotional competencies, and self-advocacy, preparing students for future success in higher education or the workforce.
The advantage for Franklin Lakes residents is proximity. The commute to these specialized settings is often a short drive down Franklin Avenue or Route 208, making it feasible for your child to benefit from a dedicated program without an exhausting daily journey. This allows them to participate in after-school activities, local sports leagues, and community events here in Franklin Lakes, maintaining important social ties. Furthermore, the network of Bergen County parents in similar situations is robust and supportive; connecting with local support groups can provide invaluable firsthand recommendations and insights.
Ultimately, finding the right fit requires visiting schools, observing classes, and asking detailed questions about student-teacher ratios, therapeutic integration, and transition planning. While Franklin Lakes itself may not host a standalone special needs school, our location places us at the heart of a region rich with specialized expertise. The journey involves careful research, but for families in our community, the path to finding an empowering and transformative education for your child is close to home, ensuring they receive the specific support they need to thrive.
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