The Best Private Schools in Hackensack, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hackensack. 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 School
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Hackensack in Englewood, this school offers a progressive educational approach with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, with particularly strong programs in STEAM education and world languages starting in early childhood.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Catholic Independent College Preparatory School
Academy of the Holy Angels is a prestigious Catholic independent college preparatory school for young women located in nearby Demarest. Serving students in grades 9-12 from Hackensack and surrounding communities, the school boasts a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Holy Angels offers extensive AP courses, specialized academies in STEM and global studies, and a comprehensive arts program. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Independent School
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly respected independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. While located in Montclair, MKA serves families from throughout Northern New Jersey including Hackensack area. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with the International Baccalaureate program in the upper school alongside advanced placement courses. MKA features three campuses with outstanding facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong college placement record, diverse student body, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academics, arts, athletics, and service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hackensack, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Hackensack, New Jersey, and what are their key characteristics?
While Hackensack itself is home to several parochial and independent schools, the broader Bergen County area offers highly-regarded institutions that attract Hackensack residents. Notable nearby options include The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood (Pre-K-8, known for its progressive, child-centered approach), the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest (all-girls, Catholic college-prep, grades 9-12), and Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair (Pre-K-12, with a strong emphasis on global citizenship and STEM). Within Hackensack proper, you'll find Catholic academies like St. Francis of Assisi and Hackensack Christian Academy. The concentration of top-tier schools in Bergen County means Hackensack parents have access to a diverse range of educational philosophies within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hackensack, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Hackensack and greater Bergen County area is often above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the prestigious nature of many institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000-$25,000 for elementary grades and $30,000-$50,000+ for high school at the most selective independent schools. Most established private schools, including Holy Angels and MKA, have substantial financial aid endowments and offer need-based assistance. It is critical to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax-credit program is not currently active, so families primarily rely on direct aid from schools and external scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Hackensack students that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region often utilize their proximity to New York City and the corporate and scientific hubs of North Jersey. Programs may include specialized STEM partnerships with nearby universities like Fairleigh Dickinson or Stevens Institute of Technology, robust engineering and robotics competitions, and unparalleled arts education with frequent trips to NYC museums and theaters. For example, Montclair Kimberley Academy emphasizes global studies with extensive language immersion and travel programs. The Academy of the Holy Angels offers a renowned science research program where students conduct independent projects with mentor scientists from the area. This access to metropolitan and professional resources is a defining feature of a private education here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Hackensack, NJ area?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in this competitive market begins early. For fall entry, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (some as early as December), and completing student assessments/interviews and parent interviews in the winter. Notification dates are typically in March. For schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School with rolling early childhood admission, applying even earlier is advisable. A crucial local consideration is navigating placement for multiple children, as sibling priority is a significant factor. We recommend creating a detailed calendar for each school you're considering, as dates can vary.
For a family living in Hackensack, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to and from area private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical factor. Hackensack Public Schools may provide bussing to private schools if they are within a 20-mile radius and the school meets state criteria, but this is not guaranteed and often requires annual application. Many families form carpools with others from Hackensack attending the same school. Some schools, particularly the larger ones like Holy Angels, may offer private bus service from centralized locations in Bergen County for an additional fee. The commute to schools in Montclair or Morristown involves navigating highways like I-80 or the Garden State Parkway, so factoring in potential traffic is essential when considering schools outside your immediate vicinity. Evaluating the daily travel time is as important as evaluating the school's program.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private High Schools Near Hackensack, NJ: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Hackensack beginning the search for "private high schools near me," you are situated in a region with a remarkable concentration of educational excellence. Northern New Jersey offers a diverse tapestry of private high schools, each with distinct philosophies, strengths, and communities. This journey is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding the right fit for your teenager’s academic journey and personal growth within the context of our local landscape. While Hackensack itself is home to notable institutions like The Elisabeth Morrow School, which serves younger students, your search for high schools will naturally extend to the surrounding towns, all easily accessible from Bergen County.
The phrase "private high schools near me" often leads families to esteemed options just a short drive away. In Demarest, the Academy of the Holy Angels offers a rigorous college-preparatory education rooted in the Catholic tradition, emphasizing leadership and service for young women. A bit farther in Montclair, Montclair Kimberley Academy provides a coeducational experience known for its strong academics, arts, and athletics across its three campuses. But your local search shouldn’t stop there. Bergen County is rich with other outstanding options, including Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, and Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township. Each presents a unique environment, from single-gender to coed, from religiously affiliated to independent.
Your decision will hinge on several factors specific to our area. Consider the daily commute along routes like Route 4, the Garden State Parkway, or I-80, as traffic patterns can significantly impact your child’s day. Many schools offer transportation or busing options for Bergen County residents, which is a crucial practical detail to investigate. Furthermore, think about the community you want for your family. Some schools draw students from a wide regional base, creating a diverse network, while others have a more localized feel. Attending open houses and shadow days is indispensable; it allows you to sense the school culture firsthand and gauge whether your child would thrive there.
Financially, investing in a private high school education here is a significant consideration, but it’s important to know that most schools offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs. Don’t let the sticker price deter you from exploring all possibilities. The process typically involves standardized testing like the SSAT or ISEE, student interviews, and applications submitted the year prior to entry. Starting early, often in the fall of your child’s 7th or 8th-grade year, is key to managing deadlines and requirements without stress.
Ultimately, your search for "private high schools near me" in Hackensack is an opportunity to find a community that will challenge and nurture your child. The density of high-quality options in our corner of New Jersey is a tremendous advantage. Take the time to visit, ask detailed questions about college counseling, STEM programs, arts offerings, and student support services. By focusing on the alignment between a school’s mission and your child’s aspirations, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice that sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling high school experience right here in Bergen County.
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