The Best Private Schools in Garfield, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Garfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Al-Ghazaly School
Al-Ghazaly School
Al-Ghazaly School is a highly-regarded private Islamic school serving the Garfield and broader North Jersey community. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade, combining rigorous academic standards with Islamic values and teachings. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities, the school provides a well-rounded education. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic foundation, dedicated teachers, and nurturing environment that emphasizes both academic excellence and character development.
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Eastern Christian School
Eastern Christian School Association
Eastern Christian School is a well-established Christian private school serving families throughout Bergen County, including Garfield. The school offers education from elementary through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With multiple campuses and a long history of academic excellence, Eastern Christian provides a values-based education in a supportive Christian environment. The school is known for its strong community feel, dedicated faculty, and excellent college placement record.
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St. Anthony of Padua School
Archdiocese of Newark
St. Anthony of Padua School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving families in Hackensack and surrounding communities including Garfield. The school provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum features advanced STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, mathematics, and religious education. The school boasts modern facilities including technology labs, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong sense of community, dedicated teachers, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Garfield, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available within Garfield, NJ, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Garfield, NJ, is home to a small but diverse set of private schools, each with a distinct mission. The three main institutions are Al-Ghazaly School, which provides an Islamic education integrating faith with a rigorous academic curriculum; Eastern Christian School, a PreK-12 Christian school offering a biblically-based education with a focus on college preparation; and St. Anthony of Padua School, a Catholic elementary school (typically PreK-8) providing faith formation within a traditional academic framework. For families seeking a high school option within the city, Eastern Christian is the primary choice, while the others serve younger grades. Many Garfield families also consider reputable private schools in neighboring towns like Clifton, Fair Lawn, and Bergen County at large.
How does tuition for private schools in Garfield, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Garfield's private schools is generally competitive within the North Jersey region but can vary significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary school tuition (like at St. Anthony's) often ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 annually. Secondary school tuition (like at Eastern Christian) can range from $15,000 to $20,000+. These figures are often below the average for elite Bergen County day schools but require careful budgeting. Critically, all three schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and/or parish subsidies (for Catholic families at St. Anthony's). New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax credit scholarships are not currently active, but families should inquire about need-based aid directly with each school and explore state-agnostic programs like the Children's Scholarship Fund.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Garfield's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Garfield's private schools leverage their specific missions to offer unique programs. **Eastern Christian School** emphasizes STEM and fine arts, with opportunities for international travel and service learning rooted in its Christian worldview. **Al-Ghazaly School** provides a dual-language emphasis (Arabic and English) and deep integration of Islamic studies, ethics, and history into all subjects. **St. Anthony of Padua School** offers a strong foundation in Catholic sacramental life and character education, often with smaller class sizes than the public district. All three prioritize a values-based community environment, which is a key differentiator from Garfield's public schools, which are larger and more diverse in programming but do not have a religious affiliation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Garfield, and are there residency requirements?
The enrollment process for Garfield's private schools typically begins in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and siblings. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (often held in autumn), 2) Submitting an application by January/February, 3) Providing academic records and sometimes standardized test scores, 4) Participating in a family interview and/or student assessment, and 5) Completing financial aid applications if needed. Decisions are often communicated in March. There are no municipal residency requirements to attend these private schools; they draw students from Garfield and many surrounding communities. However, early application is strongly recommended as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited.
For a family living in Garfield, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision hinges on priorities for educational approach, community, and cost. Garfield Public Schools offer a no-tuition, comprehensive K-12 education with diverse programs, including ESL and special education services. Choosing a Garfield private school often involves a significant financial commitment for a specific faith-based or value-centered environment with typically smaller class sizes. Transportation is a key practical factor: New Jersey law mandates that local public districts provide transportation to private school students who live more than a certain distance from school (often 2 miles for elementary, 2.5 for high school), but parents must confirm routes and availability with the Garfield Board of Education. Additionally, consider the daily commute to a private school's location versus the neighborhood public school.
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