The Best Private Schools in Lincoln Park, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincoln Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Delbarton School
Delbarton School is an independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, located approximately 10 miles from Lincoln Park. Founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Mary's Abbey, Delbarton combines rigorous academics with character formation in the Benedictine tradition. The school offers 28 Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines and maintains exceptional college placement results. The 200-acre campus features extensive facilities including a performing arts center, science and technology labs, and comprehensive athletic complexes. Delbarton's robust extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, extensive community service opportunities, and award-winning arts programs.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly regarded independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Lincoln Park, MKA offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and outstanding arts programs. The school features a 26-acre campus with modern athletic facilities, multiple libraries, and specialized learning spaces. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, MKA provides personalized attention and has a strong college placement record, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities.
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Morristown-Beard School
Morristown-Beard School
Morristown-Beard School is a coeducational independent day school serving students in grades 6-12, located about 12 miles from Lincoln Park. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. MBS features extensive athletic facilities including a field house, ice rink, and multiple playing fields, along with dedicated arts spaces for theater, music, and visual arts. The school's global studies program includes international travel opportunities and cultural exchange programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Morristown-Beard provides individualized attention and strong college counseling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincoln Park, New Jersey
Are there any private schools located directly within Lincoln Park, NJ, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no major, traditional K-12 private day or boarding schools physically located within the borough of Lincoln Park itself. Families in Lincoln Park most commonly consider prestigious independent schools in the surrounding Morris and Essex counties. Top options within a reasonable commute include Montclair Kimberley Academy (in Montclair), Morristown-Beard School (in Morristown), and Delbarton School (in Morristown Township). This means transportation planning, whether via carpool, school-provided bus, or public transit, is a key logistical consideration for Lincoln Park residents.
What is the typical tuition range for the top private schools near Lincoln Park, NJ, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Lincoln Park area is significant and aligns with the high cost of living in Northern New Jersey. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Delbarton and Montclair Kimberley Academy often ranges from approximately $45,000 to over $55,000 for upper grades. Morristown-Beard School falls within a similar range. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families in Lincoln Park are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as packages can substantially reduce the net cost.
How do the specialized academic programs at schools like Delbarton and MKA cater to different types of learners near Lincoln Park?
The schools accessible to Lincoln Park families offer distinct educational philosophies and specializations. Delbarton is an all-boys, Benedictine Catholic school with a strong liberal arts core and renowned programs in classics, robotics, and global studies. Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) is co-educational with a progressive, interdisciplinary approach, highlighted by its Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering. Morristown-Beard School offers a balanced, co-ed curriculum with notable strengths in science research and a dedicated Center for Innovation and Design. This variety allows Lincoln Park parents to match their child’s learning style and interests with a school’s specific pedagogical strengths.
What is the admissions timeline and key steps for applying to competitive private schools in the Lincoln Park, NJ, area?
The admissions process for schools like MKA, Morristown-Beard, and Delbarton is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January (e.g., January 15th), with required components including standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and school transcripts. Decisions are usually released in March. Given the competitiveness, Lincoln Park families are advised to start research in the spring of the year before they intend to enroll and to carefully attend to each school's specific deadlines and requirements.
For a Lincoln Park resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Lincoln Park's public school district is well-regarded, making the decision a matter of fit and priority. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller student-to-teacher ratios), **Educational Approach** (private schools may offer specialized curricula, religious education, or single-gender environments not available publicly), **Extracurricular Breadth** (private schools may have more extensive arts, athletics, and club offerings), and **Logistics** (public school is free and involves no commute, while private school requires significant tuition and transportation planning). Many Lincoln Park families value the community aspect of their local public schools, while others seek the specific mission and programs of a private institution.
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