The Best Private Schools in Hillside, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Place School
Independent
Kent Place School is a prestigious all-girls independent school serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located just 8 miles from Hillside in Summit, the school offers a rigorous academic program with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate pathways. The 26-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Kent Place emphasizes leadership development, global education, and community service, with a strong focus on preparing young women for college and beyond. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and STEM fields.
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The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located approximately 10 miles from Hillside in Edison, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses. The 36-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for arts and technology. The school emphasizes character education, global citizenship, and innovative learning with specialized programs in robotics, entrepreneurship, and environmental science. Wardlaw+Hartridge maintains a diverse student body and offers extensive athletic teams, performing arts programs, and community service opportunities.
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Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Holy Child Network of Schools
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is a Catholic independent school located in Summit, approximately 8 miles from Hillside. The school offers coeducational education from kindergarten through grade 6 and all-girls education from grades 7-12. Rooted in the Holy Child educational philosophy, Oak Knoll emphasizes intellectual curiosity, faith development, and social responsibility. The school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 11-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Oak Knoll maintains a strong college preparatory focus with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillside, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Hillside, New Jersey, and are they located directly in town?
While Hillside itself is a smaller residential community, it is situated in a region of Union County with several highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent nearby options include Kent Place School (all-girls, K-12) in Summit, The Wardlaw+Hartridge School (co-ed, PreK-12) in Edison, and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (all-girls, K-12, co-ed PreK/K) in Summit. Families in Hillside typically consider these and other schools in surrounding towns like Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Newark. There are limited, if any, private secondary schools physically located within Hillside's borders, so commuting is a standard expectation.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Hillside, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for the leading day schools in the Hillside area, such as Kent Place, Wardlaw+Hartridge, and Oak Knoll, is typically above the New Jersey private school average, often ranging from approximately $35,000 to $50,000+ for upper grades. New Jersey has some of the highest private school tuitions in the nation. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated on a rolling basis. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax credit program is not currently active, so families primarily rely on direct aid from the schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Hillside, NJ, vicinity that distinguish them from local public schools?
Schools in this competitive market offer specialized programs not always available in public districts. For example, Kent Place has a renowned STEM Institute and a comprehensive global studies program. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School emphasizes a global curriculum with advanced language offerings and a dedicated Center for Global Learning. Oak Knoll provides a strong Holy Child network emphasizing social justice and has robust arts and robotics programs. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized college counseling, and facilities like state-of-the-art science labs and performing arts centers that can surpass those in many public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Hillside, New Jersey?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, families should start researching schools in the spring or summer before the application year (e.g., spring of a child's 7th grade for 9th-grade entry). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), registering for standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE, submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing student interviews and visits. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For the most sought-after schools, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable to apply to multiple schools, as admission is competitive throughout Union County and the broader region.
For a family in Hillside comparing local public schools to nearby private options, what are the main practical considerations?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Academically, Hillside Public Schools are a smaller, underfunded district compared to wealthier neighbors, which can lead some families to seek private alternatives for perceived greater resources and opportunities. Practically, commuting is a major factor; attending a private school often requires a significant daily drive or reliance on private busing (which some schools help coordinate). Financially, it's a direct comparison of property taxes funding public schools versus paying high tuition. Culturally, private schools offer distinct environments (single-sex, religious affiliation, specific educational philosophies) that may align with a family's values in a way the diverse but generalist public system may not.
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