The Best Private Schools in Highland Park, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent School
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a prestigious independent PreK-12 school located just minutes from Highland Park in Edison. With over 135 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development while maintaining strong academic standards that prepare students for top universities. Their comprehensive program includes advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities.
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Rutgers Preparatory School
Independent School
As one of the oldest independent schools in the United States, Rutgers Preparatory School offers an exceptional educational experience just across the river from Highland Park. The school provides both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, allowing students to pursue challenging academic pathways. The 42-acre campus features modern science and technology facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletics and renowned arts programs.
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Princeton Day School
Independent School
Princeton Day School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from Highland Park and surrounding communities. Located approximately 20 miles away, the school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with exceptional academic rigor and extensive co-curricular programs. The 106-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, science and innovation labs, multiple athletic fields, and dedicated arts facilities. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership, with strong college counseling that places graduates in top-tier universities. Princeton Day School is known for its inclusive community and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academics, arts, and athletics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland Park, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland Park, NJ, and are they located within the borough?
While Highland Park itself is a small borough, it is exceptionally well-positioned near several top-tier private schools. The most prominent are The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison, Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset, and Princeton Day School in Princeton. It's important to note that no major independent private schools are physically located within Highland Park's borders; however, these leading institutions are all within a 15-30 minute commute. Many Highland Park families choose these schools for their rigorous academics, extensive extracurriculars, and college preparatory focus. The local public school district also has a strong reputation, making the decision one of specific educational philosophy and program fit.
How does tuition for top private schools near Highland Park, NJ, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools in the area is significant and aligns with the high cost of living in Central New Jersey. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000 to $50,000+ for the upper school grades at institutions like Wardlaw+Hartridge, Rutgers Prep, and Princeton Day School. All of these schools have robust need-based financial aid programs, with many offering grants (not loans) to make attendance feasible for qualified students from a range of economic backgrounds. It is crucial to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission, as deadlines are strict. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax credit program is not currently active, so most aid comes directly from the schools' endowments.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs draw Highland Park families to local private schools?
The private schools near Highland Park distinguish themselves with specialized programs that complement the strong STEM focus found in many New Jersey public schools. For example, Rutgers Preparatory School offers a unique partnership with Rutgers University for advanced research. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School emphasizes global citizenship and has a renowned world languages program starting in early childhood. Princeton Day School boasts exceptional arts facilities and a pre-professional-level science institute. For Highland Park parents, these programs offer a level of specialization and resource intensity that, while available in some public magnet programs, is consistently integrated into the daily curriculum at these private institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Highland Park, NJ, area?
The admission process for schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge, Rutgers Prep, and Princeton Day is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the fall (September-October) a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student interviews and visits, and taking standardized tests like the ISEE or SSAT. Notification dates are usually in March for the following September. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry into middle and high school grades, starting the process early is essential. Many families from Highland Park begin researching and touring schools 18-24 months in advance.
For families living in Highland Park, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public schools to nearby private options?
This is a central decision for Highland Park residents. The Highland Park Public Schools are consistently highly rated, offering a small, community-focused K-12 experience with notable strengths in diversity and inclusive programming. The primary considerations for opting for a private school often revolve around class size, specialized facilities, and specific educational trajectories. Private schools typically offer smaller average class sizes (e.g., 12-15 students vs. 20+), more extensive athletic and arts facilities, and a curriculum designed explicitly for a college-preparatory track. The trade-off, beyond cost, often includes a longer commute and a potentially less socio-economically diverse student body than the Highland Park public schools. The decision frequently comes down to seeking a particular pedagogical approach or program depth that aligns with a child's specific needs and interests.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools Near Highland Park, NJ
For families in Highland Park, New Jersey, beginning the search for “secular private schools near me” opens a door to a remarkable concentration of educational excellence right in our backyard. The quest is not merely about finding a school without religious affiliation, but about identifying a community that aligns with your family’s values, academic aspirations, and desire for a well-rounded education. Fortunately, our central location in the heart of the Garden State places some of the region's most prestigious independent schools within a manageable commute, each offering a distinct approach to secular education.
The local landscape is defined by schools that are not just institutions, but long-standing pillars of academic and personal development. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison, for instance, is practically a neighbor. Its secular, co-educational environment from pre-K through 12th grade emphasizes global citizenship and ethical leadership, making it a compelling choice for Highland Park families seeking a close-knit, progressive community. A short drive down River Road brings you to Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset. As one of the oldest independent schools in the nation, it offers a rigorous secular curriculum deeply enriched by its historical ties and a forward-thinking focus on innovation and inclusivity. For those looking towards Princeton, Princeton Day School presents a top-tier secular option known for balancing profound academic challenge with exceptional arts and athletics, all within a culture that encourages intellectual curiosity.
When researching “secular private schools near me” from Highland Park, practical considerations are uniquely shaped by our location. The commute is a real factor; Route 27 and the New Jersey Turnpike become familiar roads, but each school’s culture is worth the travel. Many local families find carpool networks, which are common in our tight-knit borough, to be invaluable. It’s also crucial to look beyond the impressive names and examine the philosophical fit. Secular in this context means the ethical framework is built on humanistic values, community service, and respect for diverse perspectives—a perfect match for Highland Park’s own vibrant, eclectic character. Consider what your child needs: Does a school with a sprawling campus like Wardlaw+Hartridge’s 36 acres appeal, or the collegiate atmosphere of Rutgers Prep? Are you drawn to Princeton Day’s emphasis on student-driven inquiry?
The process is deeply personal. We recommend starting your search by attending open houses, which these schools host regularly. This allows you to feel the community vibe, talk to current parents—many of whom will be from Highland Park and surrounding towns—and see the facilities firsthand. Speak to admissions officers about your specific hopes for your child’s education. Remember, “near me” is about more than geography; it’s about finding an academic home that feels connected to your family’s life in our wonderful borough. The investment in this search is an investment in a learning environment where your child can thrive intellectually and socially, free to explore their identity and passions within a framework of excellence and integrity. The ideal secular private school is out there, waiting to become an extension of your Highland Park home.
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