The Best Private Schools in Maple Shade, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Maple Shade. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moorestown Friends School
Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
ReligiousMoorestown Friends School is a highly prestigious Quaker institution offering education from preschool through grade 12. It is renowned for its academic excellence, including the IB Diploma Programme, and emphasizes values such as integrity, community, and social responsibility. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, extensive extracurricular options, and a low student-teacher ratio. Parents consistently praise its nurturing environment and strong college placement record, making it a top choice for families in the region.
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Bishop Eustace Preparatory School
Diocese of Camden
Bishop Eustace Preparatory School is a co-educational Catholic high school known for its strong academic programs and vibrant extracurricular offerings. It provides a well-rounded education with focuses on STEM, fine arts, and athletics, supported by experienced teachers and modern facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service, with high parent satisfaction due to its supportive atmosphere and successful college admissions outcomes. It serves students from Maple Shade and surrounding areas with a commitment to excellence.
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Holy Cross Academy
Independent Catholic School
Holy Cross Academy is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12, known for its rigorous academics and strong community values. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on STEM, fine arts, and extracurricular activities, including competitive sports and service programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, it fosters a supportive environment that prepares students for higher education. Parent satisfaction is high due to its modern facilities and commitment to holistic student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Maple Shade, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Maple Shade, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
While Maple Shade itself is a smaller township, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Burlington and Camden County area. The most prominent include Holy Cross Academy (PreK-8, Catholic), Moorestown Friends School (PreK-12, Quaker), and Bishop Eustace Preparatory School (9-12, Catholic). Holy Cross offers a parish-based education in nearby Delran. Moorestown Friends, located in neighboring Moorestown, is known for its rigorous academics and Quaker values of community and service. Bishop Eustace in Pennsauken is a premier college-preparatory school with strong athletic and arts programs. Many Maple Shade families also consider other nearby options like Camden Catholic and St. Mary of the Lakes, creating a competitive and diverse private school landscape.
How does tuition for private schools in the Maple Shade, NJ area compare, and are there financial aid options or state programs to help with costs?
Tuition in the Maple Shade area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $7,000-$10,000 for parish-based elementary schools like Holy Cross Academy to over $40,000 for upper schools at institutions like Moorestown Friends. New Jersey offers specific financial resources to assist families. Most private schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, the NJ FamilySmart Program provides tax-credit scholarships for middle-income families, and the state's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) proposals, though evolving, are important to monitor. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Maple Shade, NJ, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region often provide specialized programs not typically found in the Maple Shade Township Public School district. Moorestown Friends School offers a renowned Center for Ethical Leadership and a globally-focused curriculum. Bishop Eustace Preparatory School has a distinguished STEM Academy and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Many of the Catholic schools integrate faith-based education and character development throughout their curriculum. Furthermore, these schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and unique extracurriculars like robotics teams, championship athletic leagues (e.g., in the Olympic Conference), and extensive arts performances, leveraging their resources and independent structures.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Maple Shade, NJ families, and when should we start?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. For most competitive schools like Moorestown Friends and Bishop Eustace, the process for the following fall begins 12-18 months in advance. Open houses typically occur in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are often in January or February for the next academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses, submitting applications with fees, scheduling student visits/interviews (often in winter), and taking any required entrance exams (like the HSPT for Catholic high schools). Financial aid applications usually have concurrent deadlines. For elementary schools like Holy Cross, timelines may be slightly more flexible, but starting your research in the fall is strongly advised for all options.
For a family living in Maple Shade, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the township?
This is a vital logistical factor. The Maple Shade School District does not provide transportation to private schools outside its boundaries, except in limited cases mandated by state law for certain distances and parochial schools. Most families must arrange carpooling or utilize the private bus services often coordinated by the schools themselves (for an additional fee). This impacts daily schedules and community connection. However, choosing a school like Bishop Eustace or Moorestown Friends means your child will join a regional community drawn from across South Jersey, which can broaden their social network. It's important to connect with other Maple Shade families at your target school to establish carpools and assess the commute's impact on family life.
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