The Best Private Schools in Harrison, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Benedict's Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
St. Benedict's Preparatory School is a highly respected independent Catholic school located just minutes from Harrison in Newark. Founded in 1868, the school has earned national recognition for its innovative educational model and exceptional college placement rates. The school serves students from grades 7-12 and is particularly noted for its unique student-led governance system, rigorous academic curriculum, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong mentorship. The campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Over 98% of graduates attend four-year colleges, with many gaining admission to highly selective universities.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Independent School
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly regarded independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 20 minutes from Harrison. MKA offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The school features three specialized campuses for different age groups, each with modern facilities including science research centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. MKA's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary learning. The school maintains a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities. Graduates consistently achieve exceptional college placement results at selective institutions nationwide.
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Golda Och Academy
Independent Jewish Day School
Golda Och Academy is a premier independent Jewish day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Harrison. The school offers a dual curriculum combining rigorous college preparatory academics with comprehensive Jewish studies. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM offerings, and extensive arts programs. The 25-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive college counseling, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier colleges and universities. The community emphasizes character development and global citizenship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrison, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Harrison, New Jersey, and are they located directly in town?
While Harrison, NJ itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look to prestigious institutions in the surrounding Essex County area. The most notable nearby options include St. Benedict's Preparatory School and Golda Och Academy in nearby Newark, and Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair. These schools are within a reasonable commuting distance. Harrison residents do not have a large selection of in-town private K-12 schools, so exploring neighboring communities is a standard and necessary part of the search process for most families.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Harrison, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Harrison/Essex County area, such as Montclair Kimberley Academy, is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average, which is among the highest in the nation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at these schools can range from approximately $30,000 to over $50,000. However, robust financial aid programs are a hallmark of these institutions. Schools like Golda Och Academy and St. Benedict's Preparatory have significant endowment-funded aid and scholarship programs aimed at socioeconomic diversity. New Jersey's "Invest in Kids" tax credit scholarship program can also provide additional funding options for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Harrison, NJ, vicinity that leverage the local urban and cultural environment?
Private schools near Harrison capitalize on their proximity to New York City and Newark's cultural institutions. St. Benedict's Prep is renowned for its unique "Group System" student-led leadership model and its Urban Plunge program, which immerses students in local community service. Golda Och Academy offers a comprehensive Jewish education with global exchange programs. Montclair Kimberley Academy often integrates the Montclair Art Museum and the performing arts scene into its curriculum. Many schools also feature STEM partnerships with nearby universities like NJIT and Rutgers-Newark, providing unique research opportunities not always available in suburban or public school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Harrison, NJ, area, and when should applications be started?
The admissions process for top-tier schools like Montclair Kimberley Academy, Golda Och Academy, and St. Benedict's Prep is highly competitive and follows an early timeline. The process generally begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and receiving decisions in March. For Harrison families, it's crucial to plan for potential entrance exam preparation (like the ISEE or SSAT) and to schedule visits well in advance due to high demand. Sibling and legacy applicant considerations mean starting early is even more critical.
For a family in Harrison comparing local public schools with nearby private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this area?
The decision in Harrison often centers on academic intensity, class size, and specialized programs. Harrison Public Schools are undergoing changes with new residential development, but class sizes in private schools are consistently smaller, often with a 8:1 or 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. A major factor is the commute; attending a top private school requires daily travel to Newark, Montclair, or beyond. Private schools offer distinct educational philosophies (e.g., Benedict's leadership model, Och's Jewish day school, MKA's progressive college prep) that are not available in the public system. Finally, the network and college matriculation lists from these established private institutions are significant draws for families focused on competitive college admissions.
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