The Best Private Schools in Highlands, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highlands. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rumson Country Day School
Independent School
Rumson Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, located about 15 minutes from Highlands. The school combines strong academic fundamentals with innovative teaching methods, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign languages, arts, music, and athletics. RCDS focuses on character development and community engagement, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. The school has a reputation for preparing students exceptionally well for competitive secondary schools.
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Ranney School
Independent School
Ranney School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 20 minutes from Highlands, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Ranney emphasizes character education and global citizenship while maintaining a strong track record of college placements at top universities.
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Christian Brothers Academy
Lasallian Educational Institution
Christian Brothers Academy is a prestigious private Catholic college preparatory school for young men located approximately 25 minutes from Highlands. CBA offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, competitive athletics, and diverse extracurricular activities. The school maintains a strong STEM program and emphasizes leadership development through its Lasallian tradition. With excellent college placement records and a comprehensive campus featuring modern academic facilities and athletic complexes, CBA serves students from throughout Monmouth County and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highlands, New Jersey
What are the main private school options serving families in Highlands, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
While Highlands, NJ itself is a small borough, it is served by several prestigious private schools in the surrounding Monmouth County area. The most prominent include Ranney School (PreK-12, located in Tinton Falls), known for its strong college preparatory program and global initiatives; Rumson Country Day School (PreK-8, located in Rumson), celebrated for its character education and foundational academic rigor; and Christian Brothers Academy (9-12, all-boys, located in Loma Colonia), a renowned Catholic college preparatory school. These schools typically require a commute, but many offer transportation or busing options for Highlands residents. Each has a distinct culture, from Ranney's emphasis on innovation to CBA's Lasallian tradition.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Highlands, NJ compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Highlands area is significant, reflecting their resources and competitive offerings. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $30,000-$40,000+ for upper schools and $20,000-$35,000 for lower and middle schools. New Jersey's tax code does not offer a voucher or tax-credit scholarship program for private school tuition, making financial aid crucial. All the top schools (Ranney, RCDS, CBA) have robust need-based financial aid programs. It is essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, submitting forms through platforms like SSS (School and Student Services). Some schools also offer merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Highlands, NJ offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Private schools in the Highlands region uniquely integrate the Jersey Shore's coastal and maritime environment into their curricula. Ranney School has a renowned Marine Science program, utilizing the nearby rivers and ocean for hands-on research. Many schools, including Rumson Country Day, emphasize environmental stewardship and offer outdoor education tied to the local ecosystem. Sailing teams are common at schools like Christian Brothers Academy and Ranney, taking advantage of the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. This coastal context provides unparalleled opportunities for science, ecology, and athletics that are distinct to this area of New Jersey.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Highlands, NJ area?
The admission process for schools like Ranney, Rumson Country Day, and Christian Brothers Academy is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a fall start, parents should initiate inquiries in the spring or summer prior (12-18 months ahead for some grades). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and providing teacher recommendations. Notification dates are typically in March. For Highlands residents, it's important to factor in travel time for visits and assessments. Due to limited seats, especially in entry-level grades (PreK, Kindergarten, 9th grade), early planning is critical.
For a family in Highlands, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Highlands Elementary) and a private school in the region?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, resources, and long-term planning. Highlands Elementary School (K-6) is a small, community-oriented public school, after which students attend Henry Hudson Regional (7-12). Choosing a private school like Ranney or RCDS offers a continuous, often more resource-intensive, PreK-12 or PreK-8 pathway with smaller class sizes, specialized facilities, and distinct curricular approaches (e.g., International Baccalaureate, advanced STEM labs). For families in Highlands, the trade-off involves a significant financial investment and daily commute versus the convenience and cost-free nature of the local public system. The choice may also be influenced by seeking a single-sex education (CBA) or a particular religious or values-based foundation not available in the public setting.
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