The Best Private Schools in Leonia, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leonia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Hudson School
Independent School
The Hudson School is a highly selective independent school serving middle and high school students, with many families from Bergen County including Leonia choosing this option for its academic rigor and intimate learning environment. The school offers a challenging liberal arts curriculum with particular strengths in mathematics, sciences, and humanities. With an average class size of 12 students, the school provides personalized attention and fosters intellectual curiosity. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and independent research. Located in Hoboken, the school utilizes its urban setting as an extended classroom while maintaining strong transportation options for Bergen County families.
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Dwight-Englewood School
Independent School
Dwight-Englewood School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Leonia in neighboring Englewood, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development through a diverse range of academic and extracurricular programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Dwight-Englewood consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Independent Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is a prestigious all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located in nearby Demarest, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and strong community values. The curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM program, and robust arts education. The school features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Holy Angels emphasizes leadership development, service learning, and preparing young women for success in higher education and beyond, with graduates consistently attending competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leonia, New Jersey
Are there any private schools physically located within Leonia, New Jersey, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no major private K-12 day schools physically located within the borough of Leonia itself. Families in Leonia most commonly look to prestigious independent and parochial schools in the surrounding Bergen County area. Top-tier options very close by include Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, and The Hudson School in Hoboken (accessible via NJ Transit or ferry). Leonia's excellent location near the George Washington Bridge and major highways makes commuting to these and other regional private schools a common practice for local families.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Leonia, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for leading private schools in the Leonia area is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Dwight-Englewood and Academy of the Holy Angels often ranges from approximately $40,000 to $55,000 for upper grades. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Many Leonia families successfully apply for aid packages that can significantly reduce the net cost. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission and to use the school's preferred financial aid service (like Clarity or SSS).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs draw Leonia families to the area's premier private schools?
Schools in the Leonia orbit offer distinctive programs that appeal to local families seeking specialized opportunities. Dwight-Englewood School is renowned for its global citizenship initiatives, advanced STEM research facilities, and a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program. Academy of the Holy Angels offers a strong all-girls STEM curriculum and renowned visual/performing arts. The Hudson School, while a commute into Hoboken, attracts Leonia students with its intimate, seminar-style humanities focus and its unique urban campus setting that integrates the city into its curriculum. These specialized offerings often supplement the strong academic foundations found in Leonia's own highly-rated public schools.
What is the typical admissions timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Leonia, NJ, students?
The admissions process for the most sought-after schools near Leonia is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours for entry the following academic year. Application deadlines are usually in early January (e.g., January 10th or 15th). Required components almost always include a standardized test (like the ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, school transcripts, a student essay or interview, and a parent interview. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March. For Leonia families, it's essential to plan for potential entrance exam preparation and to schedule visits early, as spots fill quickly.
For a family living in Leonia, what are the key factors in choosing between the highly-regarded public school district and a nearby private school?
This is a significant consideration in Leonia, which boasts a top-ranked public school system (Leonia Public Schools). The decision often hinges on specific family priorities. Families may lean toward private options for desires such as a single-sex education (Holy Angels), a specific pedagogical approach like IB (Dwight-Englewood), a much smaller average class size, or a particular religious affiliation. The private schools also often provide more extensive facilities (like larger campuses, theaters, or science labs) and different extracurricular niches. Conversely, staying with Leonia's public schools offers the benefit of an excellent, tuition-free education within the community, with easier access to neighborhood friends and local activities. The decision frequently comes down to "fit" rather than a question of educational quality.
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