The Best Private Schools in Hightstown, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hightstown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Princeton Day School
Independent
Princeton Day School is a prestigious coeducational independent school located just 15 minutes from Hightstown. Founded in 1910, PDS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, PDS provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and leadership.
Programs:
The Hun School of Princeton
Independent
Located just 10 minutes from Hightstown, The Hun School of Princeton is a renowned college preparatory school serving day and boarding students in grades 6-12. Founded in 1914, the school offers a challenging academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and innovative STEM programs. The 45-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. Hun emphasizes experiential learning, global perspectives, and character education. The school maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and has a strong record of college placements at top-tier universities.
Programs:
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Stuart Country Day School is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades Pre-K through 12, located approximately 12 minutes from Hightstown. Founded in 1963, Stuart is part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The school focuses on educating women leaders through a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and spiritual growth. The 55-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, arts facilities, and athletic spaces. Stuart maintains small class sizes and has an excellent college placement record.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hightstown, New Jersey
What are the main private school options for Hightstown, NJ residents, and are they actually located in Hightstown?
While Hightstown itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borough limits, residents commonly consider several prestigious institutions in the surrounding Princeton area, which are part of the greater Hightstown community's educational landscape. The top schools often considered include Princeton Day School (located in Princeton), The Hun School of Princeton (located in Princeton), and Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (located in Princeton). Many Hightstown families also look at smaller local parochial options. A key consideration for Hightstown parents is transportation, as these top schools are a short drive away, and most provide busing or have organized carpool networks from the Hightstown area.
How does the tuition for elite private schools near Hightstown, NJ compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Princeton/Hightstown corridor is significant, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $50,000 per year for upper schools. Princeton Day School, The Hun School, and Stuart Country Day School all have robust need-based financial aid programs aimed at creating socioeconomically diverse student bodies. It's crucial for New Jersey parents to note that these schools use tools like the School and Student Service (SSS) for financial aid assessment. Many families in the Hightstown area also benefit from New Jersey's relatively high median income when budgeting, but should apply for aid early, as deadlines are typically in the winter prior to the enrollment year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hightstown offer that leverage the local Princeton environment?
Private schools in the Hightstown/Princeton area uniquely leverage proximity to Princeton University and a dense corporate and research corridor. Programs often include advanced independent research opportunities, where high school students can work with university professors or local biotech firms. Princeton Day School has a renowned science institute, The Hun School emphasizes global studies with access to international organizations nearby, and Stuart Country Day has a strong focus on women in STEM leadership. Furthermore, many schools incorporate the cultural resources of Princeton, from art museums to the McCarter Theatre, directly into their humanities and arts curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Hightstown, NJ families?
The enrollment process for schools like Princeton Day, Hun, and Stuart Country Day is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The key timeline for Hightstown parents is to start attending open houses in the fall (September-October) when their child is in 7th grade for high school entry. Application deadlines are usually in January (e.g., January 15th), with standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE) completed by December. Admissions decisions are released in March for the following academic year. Given the competitive nature, it's advised for Hightstown families to engage with schools early, schedule student visit days, and ensure all application materials highlight both academic prowess and personal character.
For a family living in Hightstown, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Hightstown High School) and a private school in Princeton?
The decision often hinges on several Hightstown-specific factors. The East Windsor Regional School District, which includes Hightstown High School, is a well-regarded public option. Choosing a private school typically involves seeking a more specialized environment—such as single-gender education at Stuart, a particular pedagogical approach, or significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-1 student-teacher ratios vs. larger public classes). Transportation is a practical factor: the private school commute is parent-managed or via paid bus service. Financially, it's a major investment versus no-cost public education. However, many Hightstown families value the private schools' extensive college counseling networks and the perceived competitive edge for admission to highly selective universities, which is a significant driver in this academically focused region of New Jersey.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Middle School in Hightstown, NJ: A Parent's Guide
For families in Hightstown, the transition from elementary to the pivotal middle school years is a significant moment. Choosing a private middle school in our community is about more than just academics; it’s about finding an environment that nurtures your child’s growing independence, intellectual curiosity, and character during these formative years. Hightstown’s unique position in central New Jersey offers families exceptional access to some of the region’s most respected independent schools, each providing a distinct approach to the middle school experience. This journey is deeply personal, and understanding the local landscape is the first step toward finding the right fit for your child and your family.
The private middle school options accessible from Hightstown are renowned for their rigorous, engaging programs tailored specifically for adolescents. Schools like Princeton Day School, The Hun School of Princeton, and Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart understand that middle school students thrive on connection and challenge. Their curricula are designed to move beyond rote learning, emphasizing critical thinking, collaborative projects, and the integration of arts and athletics into daily life. This holistic approach ensures students develop not just as scholars, but as well-rounded individuals. For Hightstown parents, this often means a curriculum that leverages our proximity to Princeton’s academic and cultural resources, with field trips, guest speakers, and partnerships that enrich the classroom learning.
A key consideration for Hightstown families is the daily commute and the sense of community. The drive to schools in Princeton or beyond is a common part of life here, and these schools often facilitate carpools and provide robust after-school programs to accommodate working parents. This logistical aspect is balanced by the close-knit communities these private middle schools foster. With smaller class sizes, advisors who truly know each student, and a focus on ethical development, these institutions become an extension of your family’s values. Whether it’s the leadership focus at Stuart, the college-preparatory ethos at Hun, or the intensive arts and science programs at Princeton Day, each school offers a culture where your child is seen and supported.
Ultimately, selecting a private middle school is an investment in your child’s foundation. We encourage Hightstown parents to look beyond the brochures and rankings. Schedule visits, observe classes, and, most importantly, talk to current students and parents. Ask about how the school handles the social dynamics of middle school, how teachers inspire a love for learning, and how the community supports students through challenges. The right private middle school will feel like a partnership—one that aligns with your child’s unique spirit and prepares them not just for high school, but for a life of confident inquiry and contribution. Here in Hightstown, you have the privilege of choosing from world-class options right in your backyard, each ready to help your child navigate these critical years with purpose and passion.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities