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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities