The Best Private Schools in Livingston, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Livingston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Newark Academy
Newark Academy
Newark Academy is one of New Jersey's most prestigious independent day schools, located directly in Livingston. Founded in 1774, it serves students in grades 6-12 with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Newark Academy emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship through its diverse academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of graduates attending top-tier universities.
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The Montclair Kimberley Academy
The Montclair Kimberley Academy
Located just 15 minutes from Livingston in Montclair, The Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. MKA offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing exceptional academic opportunities. The school features three campuses with modern facilities including science centers, art studios, and athletic fields. MKA emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and community engagement, with many Livingston families choosing this school for its comprehensive educational approach and strong college placement record.
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Morristown-Beard School
Morristown-Beard School
Morristown-Beard School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students in grades 6-12, located approximately 20 minutes from Livingston. Founded in 1891, the school offers a challenging academic program with extensive Advanced Placement course options and robust STEM initiatives. The 22-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. Morristown-Beard emphasizes personalized education with small class sizes and strong faculty-student relationships. The school serves many families from the Livingston area and has an excellent reputation for college preparation and student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Livingston, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for Livingston, NJ residents, and are there any located directly within the township?
While Livingston itself is primarily served by its highly-rated public school district, residents commonly consider prestigious private day schools in neighboring towns. The most prominent options include Newark Academy in Livingston (grades 6-12), The Montclair Kimberley Academy with campuses in Montclair (Pre-K-12), and Morristown-Beard School in Morristown (grades 6-12). Newark Academy is the only one physically located within Livingston's borders. These schools are all within a 15-25 minute commute and are known for rigorous academics, extensive extracurriculars, and strong college placement.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Livingston, NJ compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at leading schools like Newark Academy, MKA, and Morristown-Beard ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000+ for the upper grades, which is above the New Jersey private school average. These institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Newark Academy awards over $6 million in aid annually to about 30% of its student body. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like Clarity or SSS, and to inquire about merit scholarships, though need-based aid is more common.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible to Livingston families?
Schools in this competitive corridor offer distinct specializations. Newark Academy is renowned for its STEM initiatives and global studies program. The Montclair Kimberley Academy emphasizes a strong arts curriculum and interdisciplinary learning across its three specialized campuses. Morristown-Beard School is noted for its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and robust theater program. All offer extensive advanced placement (AP) or advanced topic courses, championship athletics, and unique opportunities like independent study and global travel, leveraging their resources and proximity to New York City's cultural and scientific institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Livingston area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, parents should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (for schools like Newark Academy and MKA), and scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For middle and high school entry, grades 6 and 9 are the most common entry points with the most available seats. It's advisable to apply to multiple schools due to competitive selectivity.
For families in Livingston's excellent public school district, what are the main reasons to consider a private school in the area?
The decision often hinges on specific educational philosophies and programmatic offerings. While Livingston Public Schools are consistently top-ranked, private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical approaches (e.g., more experiential learning). They may also provide more flexibility in curriculum depth, specialized facilities, and a student body drawn from a wider geographic area, which some families value. The choice typically comes down to seeking a particular community focus, a specific program not available publicly, or a different campus culture, despite the significant tuition investment.
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