The Best Private Schools in Kenilworth, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kenilworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Place School
Independent School
Kent Place School is a highly regarded independent all-girls school serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located just 6 miles from Kenilworth in Summit, this prestigious institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Kent Place emphasizes leadership development, global citizenship, and innovative learning with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent School
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located approximately 15 miles from Kenilworth in Edison, this accredited IB World School offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The school features modern academic facilities, including dedicated science and innovation labs, art studios, and athletic fields. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Wardlaw+Hartridge provides a comprehensive education that balances academic excellence with character development and extracurricular engagement.
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Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Independent Catholic School
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is an independent Catholic school located in Summit, approximately 6 miles from Kenilworth. The school offers coeducational education from kindergarten through grade 6 and all-girls education from grades 7-12. Oak Knoll provides a challenging academic environment with strong college preparatory programs, including numerous AP courses. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith-based education, community service, and leadership development while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention for each student.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kenilworth, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Kenilworth, New Jersey, and are there any within the town itself?
Kenilworth, NJ, is a small residential borough without a private school physically located within its borders. However, it is centrally situated in Union County with exceptional access to several highly-regarded independent and parochial schools in neighboring towns. 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. Many Kenilworth families also consider schools in surrounding areas like Scotch Plains, Cranford, and Berkeley Heights. Transportation via carpool or school-provided bus services is common.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Kenilworth, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools in the Kenilworth area is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for independent schools, reflecting their competitive academics and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools often ranges from approximately $35,000 to $50,000+ for upper grades. New Jersey has a strong culture of financial aid in its independent schools. Kent Place, Wardlaw+Hartridge, and Oak Knoll all offer robust need-based financial aid programs, with many families receiving significant grants that do not require repayment. 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 can provide scholarships for students attending certain non-public schools.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Kenilworth, NJ?
The schools near Kenilworth are known for distinctive programs that leverage their resources and locations. Kent Place School has a renowned Center for Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Action (IDEAS) and a globally recognized ethics program. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School emphasizes a global curriculum with advanced STEM labs and a strong Mandarin Chinese program from an early age. Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child integrates its Holy Child Network with a focus on social justice and offers a unique engineering and design program for girls. Proximity to New York City also allows for enhanced internship, arts, and research opportunities not typically found in public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Kenilworth, NJ, area?
The admission process for schools like Kent Place, Wardlaw+Hartridge, and Oak Knoll is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired enrollment year (e.g., fall 2024 for 2025-26 entry). Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, scheduling student visits and assessments (January-February), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For Kenilworth residents, it's important to note that these schools draw from a wide geographic area, making early engagement and demonstration of genuine interest important. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission.
For a family in Kenilworth weighing options, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to the nearby private schools?
Kenilworth Public Schools (David Brearley Middle/High School) is a single, small K-12 district known for close-knit community and recently upgraded facilities. Key considerations when comparing include: **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller ratios), **Program Breadth** (private schools offer more language, AP/Advanced, and niche elective options), **Campus Resources** (private schools have dedicated facilities like science wings, theaters, and turf fields), and **Educational Philosophy** (private schools often have specific missions, like all-girls education or a global focus). For Kenilworth families, the decision often hinges on the desired fit for their child's learning style and aspirations, balanced against the significant financial investment of private tuition versus the no-cost, community-oriented public option. Transportation logistics for private schools are also a practical factor.
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