The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gill St. Bernard's School
Independent
Gill St. Bernard's School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Lebanon, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 208-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong academic program, the school emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and community engagement. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities.
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The Willow School
Independent
The Willow School is an innovative independent school located just minutes from Lebanon, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. The school is renowned for its unique approach to education that integrates sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the curriculum. The campus features environmentally advanced buildings and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with a strong focus on hands-on learning experiences. The school's small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and its graduates consistently gain admission to top secondary schools in the region.
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Hunterdon Central Academy
Private School Network
Hunterdon Central Academy is a respected private school located approximately 15 minutes from Lebanon in Flemington. Serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with a strong emphasis on both STEM and humanities. The curriculum is designed to challenge students while providing individualized support, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and technology resources. Extracurricular programs include robotics, music, theater, and various sports, providing students with well-rounded educational experiences. The academy is known for its supportive community and strong parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Lebanon, New Jersey, and what are their educational philosophies?
Lebanon, NJ, is served by several notable private schools, though most are located in nearby towns. The most prominent are Gill St. Bernard's School in Gladstone (Pre-K-12, known for a college-prep curriculum with strong arts and athletics), The Willow School in Gladstone (Pre-K-8, renowned for its sustainability-focused, character-based education and campus), and Hunterdon Central Academy in Flemington (a private, non-sectarian high school). Lebanon itself has a more limited number of on-site private institutions, so families often look to these surrounding communities within a 15-20 minute drive. Understanding each school's core philosophy is key to finding the right fit.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lebanon, NJ, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Lebanon area is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average, reflecting the region's affluence and the schools' resources. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 for upper grades. All the major schools like Gill St. Bernard's and The Willow School have robust need-based financial aid programs. Importantly, New Jersey does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private K-12 education, so aid is primarily sourced from the schools' own endowments and fundraising. Early consultation with admissions offices about financial planning is highly recommended.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lebanon, NJ, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this area often leverage their smaller size and independent curricula to offer distinctive programs. Gill St. Bernard's, for example, features a renowned Global Studies program and a 100-acre campus used for environmental science. The Willow School integrates its built and natural environment into every subject as a core part of its mission. Hunterdon Central Academy offers a focused, rigorous high school experience with an emphasis on individual attention. These programs contrast with the strong but more standardized offerings of the highly-rated Lebanon Borough School District and North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, providing alternatives centered on specific pedagogical approaches or specialized community environments.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Gill St. Bernard's or The Willow School for a family residing in Lebanon?
The admissions process for top-tier schools in this competitive region begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student visits/assessments in winter, and receiving decisions in March. Rolling admissions may exist for other grades if space is available. As Lebanon is within these schools' primary geographic draw, residency is not a barrier, but demonstrating genuine interest and fit is crucial. Sibling and legacy policies can also influence timelines.
For a family in Lebanon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and private options in terms of community and daily life?
Lebanon families must weigh several local factors. The public system involves transitioning from the small, K-6 Lebanon Borough School to the much larger North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School. Private options offer a continuous, often smaller-community experience from early grades through high school (like GSB). Daily logistics are significant: private schools require commuting to Gladstone or Flemington, while public schooling is walkable or involves short bus rides within the borough. The private school choice often fosters a regional community network, whereas public schools deepen connections within the immediate Lebanon town community. The decision hinges on prioritizing educational approach versus neighborhood integration and convenience.
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