The Best Private Schools in Garwood, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Garwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakwood Academy
Independent
Oakwood Academy is a highly-regarded Montessori school located directly in Garwood, serving students from infancy through elementary grades. The school emphasizes individualized learning in a nurturing environment with small class sizes. Their Montessori approach focuses on hands-on learning, independence, and academic excellence. Facilities include modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials. The school has strong parent satisfaction ratings for its dedicated teachers and comprehensive educational approach that balances academic rigor with social-emotional development.
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Kent Place School
Independent
Kent Place School is a highly respected all-girls independent school in Summit, serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is known for its exceptional academic program that emphasizes leadership development, STEM education, and global perspectives. With a 130-year legacy, Kent Place offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with extensive advanced course offerings, research opportunities, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school features modern academic buildings, science and innovation labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The institution has strong transportation options serving Union County communities including Garwood.
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The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent
Located in nearby Edison, The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a 140-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive arts and athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities. Many families from Garwood commute to this highly-regarded institution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Garwood, New Jersey
Are there any private schools physically located within Garwood, NJ, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
Garwood itself is a small borough and does not have a large number of private school campuses within its immediate borders. The most prominent local option is Oakwood Academy, which serves students with special needs. Therefore, most Garwood families seeking traditional private day schools look to excellent institutions in surrounding Union and Essex County towns, such as The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison and Kent Place School in Summit. These schools are a short commute away and actively enroll students from Garwood and similar communities.
What is the typical tuition range for top private day schools near Garwood, NJ, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the top-tier independent schools in the Garwood area, like Wardlaw+Hartridge and Kent Place, typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per year for the upper grades. It's important to note that New Jersey has some of the highest private school tuition rates in the nation. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as significant grants (not loans) can substantially reduce the net cost.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Garwood-area private schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge differ from the local public school system?
While Garwood's public schools are well-regarded, private schools in the region offer distinct advantages in terms of program breadth and individualization. For example, The Wardlaw+Hartridge School offers a globally-focused curriculum with advanced research opportunities and a 1:1 technology program. Kent Place School is a all-girls institution with a renowned STEM and leadership focus. These schools typically feature smaller class sizes, more specialized arts and athletics facilities, and a wider array of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses than a smaller public district like Garwood's can provide.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools near Garwood, NJ?
The admissions process for schools like Kent Place and Wardlaw+Hartridge is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the fall, 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student visits and interviews (Fall/Winter), and taking standardized assessments like the ISEE or SSAT. Notification dates are usually in March for entry the following September. For Oakwood Academy, the process is more individualized and focused on assessing fit for their specialized program, so contacting them directly is the best first step.
What are some unique or notable characteristics of the private school community accessible to Garwood, NJ families?
The private school community accessible from Garwood is notable for its diversity and connectivity. Firstly, these schools draw students from a wide geographic area across several counties, creating a regionally diverse student body. Secondly, their locations in suburban hubs provide unique partnerships; for instance, students often engage in internships and research at nearby corporations and universities in the I-278 corridor. Furthermore, schools like Oakwood Academy provide a critical, specialized resource for families in Central NJ seeking supportive, tailored education, filling a niche that is not commonly found in every municipality. This blend of high-powered college prep and specialized support is a hallmark of the area's offerings.
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