The Best Private Schools in Lambertville, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lambertville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Princeton Day School
Princeton Day School
Princeton Day School is a premier independent school located approximately 30 minutes from Lambertville, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. PDS offers a comprehensive curriculum with extensive AP options, cutting-edge STEM research opportunities, outstanding arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized attention to students, with many graduates attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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The Pennington School
The Pennington School
The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for grades 6-12 located about 25 minutes from Lambertville. With a rich history dating back to 1838, the school offers both traditional college preparatory curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. Pennington is known for its strong academic support programs, competitive athletics, and diverse student body. The school emphasizes character education and community service while preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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New Hope-Solebury School
New Hope-Solebury School District
New Hope-Solebury School is a highly-regarded public school district located just across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania that serves many Lambertville families. With an excellent academic reputation and strong college preparatory program, the school offers comprehensive AP courses, robust STEM education, and outstanding arts programs. The district features modern facilities, competitive athletics, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Many Lambertville residents choose this option for its academic excellence and proximity to their community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lambertville, New Jersey
Are there any private schools located directly within Lambertville, NJ, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no major private K-12 day schools physically located within the Lambertville city limits. Due to its small size, families in Lambertville typically consider excellent private institutions in the surrounding region of Hunterdon County and Central New Jersey. Top options include The Pennington School (in Pennington, ~15 minutes away), New Hope-Solebury School (in New Hope, PA, just across the Delaware River bridge), and Princeton Day School (in Princeton, ~25 minutes away). Many of these schools actively enroll students from Lambertville and provide transportation or carpool networks.
How does New Jersey's tuition assistance landscape affect private school affordability for Lambertville residents?
New Jersey offers several state-supported financial aid programs that Lambertville families can utilize. The most notable is the NJ STARS program for high-achieving community college students, which can be a long-term financial strategy. More directly, many private schools in the area, like The Pennington School, offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, New Jersey's tax code allows deductions for some educational expenses, and families can use NJBEST 529 plans for K-12 tuition. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by the private schools near Lambertville, NJ?
Private schools in the Lambertville area leverage their proximity to the Delaware River, historic sites, and Princeton's academic resources. The Pennington School features a renowned Global Studies program and sustainability focus. New Hope-Solebury School offers a strong International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and utilizes its location for environmental science studies. Princeton Day School provides exceptional STEM partnerships with nearby institutions and a nationally recognized arts program. Many also emphasize outdoor education, with river-based ecology and crew teams being popular offerings that take advantage of the local geography.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Lambertville, NJ?
The process for schools like Princeton Day School, The Pennington School, and New Hope-Solebury is highly structured and begins well in advance. Prospective families should start researching in the summer or early fall, one year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines (with some schools having earlier "Early Decision" options), completing student visits and interviews (fall/winter), and taking required entrance exams like the ISEE or SSAT. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. Admission decisions are typically released in March. Given the competition for seats from across Central NJ and Eastern PA, early planning is essential.
For a Lambertville family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (South Hunterdon Regional) and a private school in the area?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. South Hunterdon Regional School District is a well-regarded, small public district serving Lambertville. In contrast, private options offer significantly smaller average class sizes (e.g., 10-15 students vs. 20+), distinct curricular paths like IB or advanced independent study, and often more extensive facilities and extracurricular breadth. However, this comes with a substantial tuition cost. Families should consider the daily commute to schools outside Lambertville, the community environment (neighborhood-based vs. drawn from a wider region), and whether their child needs specialized programs not available in the public district, such as intensive college-prep, arts, or language immersion.
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