The Best Private Schools in Lakehurst, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lakehurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ranney School
Ranney School
Ranney School is a premier independent day school serving Lakehurst and surrounding Ocean County communities. Founded in 1960, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Ranney emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, experienced faculty, and robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. The school consistently achieves strong college placement results and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Christian Brothers Academy
Christian Brothers Academy
Christian Brothers Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Lakehurst and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Established in 1959, CBA provides a rigorous academic environment with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and strong STEM programs. The school features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and technology resources. CBA's Lasallian educational tradition emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence. The school maintains high college acceptance rates and offers comprehensive athletic and extracurricular programs.
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St. Joseph's School
St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Joseph's School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Lakehurst families and the broader Toms River community. Founded in 1956, the school provides education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, and dedicated faculty with extensive teaching experience. St. Joseph's offers a comprehensive curriculum including language arts, mathematics, science, and religious education, along with various extracurricular activities and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and high satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lakehurst, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Lakehurst, New Jersey?
While Lakehurst itself is a smaller borough, families typically look to the surrounding Monmouth and Ocean County areas for private education. Notable schools within a reasonable commute include Ranney School in Tinton Falls (Pre-K-12, independent), Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft (all-boys, 9-12, Catholic), and St. Joseph's School in Toms River (Pre-K-8, Catholic). It's important to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within Lakehurst's borders, so transportation planning is a key consideration for Lakehurst parents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Lakehurst, NJ area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are common?
Tuition in the Lakehurst region varies widely. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Ranney School have tuition exceeding $40,000 for upper grades, while parish-based schools like St. Joseph's are often in the $5,000-$10,000 range. New Jersey's average private school tuition is approximately $15,000, placing the Lakehurst-area options on both the higher and lower ends. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and New Jersey families can also utilize the state's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) programs, which provide tax-credit scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend participating private schools.
Are there private schools near Lakehurst, NJ that offer specialized programs aligning with the area's military and aerospace presence?
Yes, the proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and historical aerospace sites influences some local private school offerings. While not a standard curriculum, schools like Ranney School have robust STEM and engineering programs that can appeal to families with ties to the base's technical missions. Furthermore, many private schools in the region, including Christian Brothers Academy, have strong NJROTC programs or leadership academies that resonate with military families. These schools are also experienced in supporting transient military students during the enrollment process.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Lakehurst, such as Ranney School or Christian Brothers Academy?
The timeline for top-tier schools in the Lakehurst area is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the process often starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by December or January, completing student assessments/interviews, and receiving decisions in March. For Catholic schools like St. Joseph's, priority is often given to parish members, and deadlines may be slightly later, but applying by January is still strongly advised. Lakehurst parents should plan proactively due to the competitive nature and limited seats in these sought-after institutions.
What are the key considerations when comparing the Lakehurst Borough public school system to private schools in the surrounding region?
The primary considerations are educational model, class size, and investment. Lakehurst's public schools are part of the Lakehurst School District (Pre-K-8), with high school students attending Manchester Township High School. The main draw of private options is smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (e.g., Ranney's international baccalaureate influence, CBA's classical education), and often more extensive extracurricular offerings. The trade-off is cost and commute. For high school, a private school may offer a different peer environment and college preparatory focus compared to the regional public high school. Parents should also consider the value of community-based education versus a drawn-from-a-wider-area private school community.
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