The Best Private Schools in Lyons, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lyons. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sparta provides high-quality early childhood education serving families in the Lyons area. This nationally accredited preschool offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts. The school features modern, secure facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor play areas, and specialized classrooms. With highly qualified teachers and low student-teacher ratios, the program focuses on social-emotional development, academic readiness, and creative expression. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction through regular communication and family engagement opportunities.
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County College of Morris - STEM Academy
County College of Morris
The STEM Academy at County College of Morris is a specialized public-private partnership high school that serves students from surrounding communities including Lyons. This highly selective program offers an intensive STEM curriculum with opportunities for dual enrollment college credits. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities, and partnerships with local technology companies. The academy emphasizes project-based learning and prepares students for competitive STEM fields at top universities. With small class sizes and expert faculty, the program consistently produces graduates who excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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Pope John XXIII Regional High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson
Pope John XXIII Regional High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Sussex County where Lyons is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and competitive athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lyons, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lyons, New Jersey, and what age groups do they serve?
Lyons, NJ, is served by a few notable private institutions, each catering to different educational stages. Pope John XXIII Regional High School is a prominent co-educational Catholic high school (grades 9-12) drawing students from Lyons and surrounding Sussex and Warren counties. For younger children, The Goddard School is a nationally franchised early childhood education center offering play-based learning programs for infants through preschool. Additionally, the County College of Morris - STEM Academy, located nearby in Randolph, is a specialized, tuition-free public high school program focused on science and technology, which is an important consideration for families exploring all advanced academic options in the area. The selection within Lyons itself is limited, so many families also look at private schools in neighboring towns like Morristown and Chester.
How does tuition for private schools like Pope John XXIII in the Lyons, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Pope John XXIII Regional High School for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $17,500 for parishioners and slightly higher for non-parishioners, which is generally in line with or slightly below the average for New Jersey private high schools. New Jersey has some of the highest private school tuition costs in the nation. However, most established schools like Pope John offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, often through applications like FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (though not a universal voucher program) and tax-advantaged 529 plan rules for K-12 expenses can provide some financial relief. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about specific aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Lyons, NJ residents that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Lyons area often capitalize on the region's character. Pope John XXIII High School, for instance, offers a distinctive Environmental Science and Ecology program that can utilize the nearby Allamuchy Mountain State Park and the Musconetcong River watershed for fieldwork. Its strong athletics programs, particularly in wrestling and track, compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference. While not a private school, the proximity to the County College of Morris STEM Academy provides a unique, intensive partnership with a local college for advanced STEM projects. The Goddard School incorporates nature-based learning in its curriculum, aligning with the community's semi-rural setting. Many schools also emphasize community service, partnering with local organizations in Sussex and Morris counties.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Pope John XXIII for a family moving to Lyons?
The enrollment process for Pope John XXIII and similar private high schools in the region is structured and begins early. For freshman admission, the process typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, with open houses held between September and November. Application deadlines are often in early December, with entrance exams (like the HSPT) scheduled for January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February. For families moving to Lyons mid-cycle or seeking transfer admission for upper grades, it is essential to contact the admissions office directly, as spaces are contingent on availability. Rolling admission may be possible, but prompt inquiry is recommended due to high demand and limited seats.
For a family in Lyons, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Byram Township Schools) and private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and cost. Byram Township Schools, part of the Lenape Valley Regional High School district, offer a well-regarded, tuition-free public education with a strong sense of community. Key considerations for choosing private include: seeking a faith-based education (Pope John's Catholic identity), desiring a different student-to-teacher ratio, or targeting a specific academic focus like STEM that may be more intensive than the public school's offerings. Transportation is a practical factor; while public schools provide busing, private schools may require parents to arrange transportation to Sparta (Pope John) or Randolph. The financial commitment of private tuition versus property taxes funding public schools is also a major factor for Lyons families.
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