The Best Private Schools in Glen Rock, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glen Rock. 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 respected independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located just 15 minutes from Glen Rock, this school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, community engagement, and personalized learning. With a strong focus on preparing students for top secondary schools, EMS boasts an impressive track record of student success and high parent satisfaction.
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Bergen County Academies
Bergen County Technical Schools
Bergen County Academies is a nationally-ranked magnet high school serving students from across Bergen County, including Glen Rock. This tuition-free public magnet school offers seven specialized academies with rigorous STEM and arts-focused curricula. BCA consistently ranks among the top high schools in the nation, with exceptional college placement records and numerous student achievements in academic competitions. The school features advanced laboratories, specialized equipment, and partnerships with major corporations and universities. Students benefit from a challenging academic environment with extensive extracurricular opportunities and dedicated faculty.
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The Academy of Our Lady of Grace
Archdiocese of Newark
The Academy of Our Lady of Grace is a Catholic private school located just minutes from Glen Rock, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values while providing strong foundations in core subjects. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, science labs, and dedicated art and music programs. The school maintains small class sizes with experienced teachers and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parents consistently praise the supportive community, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glen Rock, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and what are their key characteristics?
Glen Rock itself is home to a few notable private institutions, with several other highly-regarded options in nearby Bergen County towns. Within Glen Rock, The Academy of Our Lady of Grace is a private Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade, offering a faith-based education. Just across the border in Englewood, The Elisabeth Morrow School is a prominent independent school for early childhood through 8th grade, known for its progressive curriculum and strong community. For high school, the nationally-ranked Bergen County Academies in Hackensack is a public magnet school with a competitive admissions process, often considered alongside private options. Additionally, families in Glen Rock frequently consider other nearby independent and parochial schools in Ridgewood, Haworth, and Tenafly.
How does tuition for private schools in the Glen Rock, NJ area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Glen Rock area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, independent day schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School have tuition ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000+. Parochial schools like The Academy of Our Lady of Grace are generally more affordable, often between $10,000 and $15,000 for parishioners. Most established private schools in New Jersey offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax credit program allows businesses to fund scholarships for students attending participating private schools, which can be a resource for eligible families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are unique to the private schools accessible from Glen Rock, NJ?
The private and specialized public options near Glen Rock offer distinct programs. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes a "4 C's" curriculum (Courtesy, Cooperation, Compassion, and Conservation) and has renowned music, world language, and science programs starting in early childhood. Bergen County Academies (BCA), while a public magnet, offers a private-school-like experience with specialized "academies" in fields like Science & Technology, Engineering, Medical Science, and Business & Finance, which are unparalleled in the region. Many local private high schools, such as those in the North Jersey Independent School League, offer advanced STEM tracks, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics that complement Glen Rock's strong public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Glen Rock area, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admissions process for competitive private schools in Bergen County is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the process typically starts in the preceding August or September with open houses and inquiry forms. Application deadlines for independent schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School are often in January for the following academic year, with assessments and family interviews scheduled in the winter. Notification dates are usually in March. For The Academy of Our Lady of Grace, timelines may be slightly more flexible but still benefit from early inquiry. For Bergen County Academies, the application process for 8th graders opens in the fall, with a rigorous testing and portfolio requirement. Parents are advised to begin research and tours at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For families in Glen Rock with excellent public schools, what are the compelling reasons to consider a private school investment?
Glen Rock's public schools are consistently top-rated, so the decision often hinges on specific educational philosophies or needs. Parents may opt for private schools for a distinct approach, such as the child-centered, experiential learning at The Elisabeth Morrow School, or a faith-based education at Our Lady of Grace. Some seek a smaller student-to-teacher ratio or a more tailored learning environment. For academically gifted students, a specialized program like those at Bergen County Academies can provide depth in a specific field not available in a comprehensive high school. The choice in Glen Rock is less about escaping a poor public system and more about finding the precise pedagogical, social, or programmatic fit for a child's individual needs.
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