The Best Private Schools in Highland Lakes, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland Lakes. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Halsted School
Independent
The Halsted School is a highly-rated private school specializing in personalized education for students with diverse learning needs, serving families throughout Sussex County including Highland Lakes. The school provides small class sizes (typically 5-8 students) and individualized instruction tailored to each student's learning style. With a focus on building academic confidence and skills, Halsted offers comprehensive college preparatory programs along with strong support services. The school features a nurturing environment with experienced faculty and has an excellent track record of helping students succeed academically and gain acceptance to competitive colleges.
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Pope John XXIII Regional High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson
Pope John XXIII Regional High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Sussex County where Highland Lakes is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and has a strong reputation for academic excellence in northwestern New Jersey.
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Sussex County Christian School
Independent Christian
Sussex County Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving families throughout Sussex County, including the Highland Lakes area. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education grounded in Christian values with strong academic preparation. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students from the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland Lakes, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland Lakes, New Jersey, and what grade levels do they cover?
Highland Lakes itself is a small, private lake community, so families typically look to nearby schools in Sussex County. The most prominent options include Pope John XXIII Regional High School (grades 9-12, Catholic, in Sparta), The Halsted School (a private therapeutic day school for students with special needs, in Newton), and Sussex County Christian School (Pre-K through 12th grade, interdenominational Christian, in Newton). Given the rural/suburban nature of the area, many families also consider private schools in neighboring towns or counties. Transportation is a key consideration, as most private schools in this region do not provide district busing from Highland Lakes.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Highland Lakes, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Highland Lakes vicinity is generally below the average for New Jersey's more affluent suburban counties but aligns with Sussex County's costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Pope John XXIII High School tuition is approximately $16,500, while Sussex County Christian School is around $9,500 for elementary grades. New Jersey's unique financial aid option is the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for students from low- and middle-income families to attend participating private schools. Additionally, all major schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families at Pope John. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Highland Lakes that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate the natural assets of the New Jersey Highlands. Pope John XXIII High School features a robust environmental science program that can utilize local lakes and forests for fieldwork. Its extensive athletics program includes skiing and snowboarding, taking advantage of nearby Mountain Creek Resort. Sussex County Christian School emphasizes agricultural and hands-on learning, which fits the semi-rural setting. Furthermore, the proximity to New York City (about 1-1.5 hours away) allows schools like Pope John to offer specialized arts programs and trips that connect students to major cultural institutions, a unique blend of rural and metropolitan access.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Pope John XXIII for a student from Highland Lakes?
For Pope John XXIII Regional High School, the enrollment process for incoming freshmen begins in the fall of 8th grade. Key steps include attending an Open House (usually October-November), submitting an application by a December/January deadline, taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT), and providing records from the current school. Acceptance notifications are typically sent in February. For families in Highland Lakes, it's important to note that Pope John draws from over 60 sending towns, so early application is advised. Transfer admissions for other grades are considered on a rolling, space-available basis. Sussex County Christian School often has a more flexible, rolling admissions process throughout the year.
For a family in Highland Lakes, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Vernon Township School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. Vernon Township High School offers a comprehensive public education with no tuition. Choosing a private school like Pope John or Sussex County Christian involves a significant financial commitment but may offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education, and different academic tracks. For specialized needs, The Halsted School provides services not available in the standard public setting. Transportation is a major practical difference: Vernon provides busing within Highland Lakes, while private schools require parent-provided transportation, which can be a considerable daily commitment given the area's spread-out geography. Additionally, private schools may offer a wider network extending across Sussex County, which some families value over the more community-centered public school experience.
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