The Best Private Schools in Merchantville, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Merchantville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross Academy
Diocese of Camden Catholic Schools
Holy Cross Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Merchantville area and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Holy Cross emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers numerous extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and community service programs.
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The King's Christian School
Independent Christian School
The King's Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving families throughout the South Jersey region, including Merchantville. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Academic programs include honors and AP courses, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on spiritual formation and academic rigor, TKCS maintains high college acceptance rates and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities from robotics to mission trips.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Camden Catholic Schools
St. Mary School is a long-standing Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students from Merchantville and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics while integrating technology and Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Features include dedicated STEM labs, comprehensive literacy programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. St. Mary prepares students for success in area high schools with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and service learning. The campus includes modern classrooms, a chapel, and playground facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Merchantville, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available within or directly serving the Merchantville, NJ community?
Merchantville itself is home to a few key private institutions, primarily faith-based schools. The notable options include Holy Cross Academy (a Catholic elementary school), St. Mary School (another Catholic elementary school), and The King's Christian School (a private Christian school located in nearby Cherry Hill that serves many families from the Merchantville area). Due to Merchantville's small size, many families also consider private schools in surrounding Camden and Burlington counties. These local schools offer a close-knit community feel with smaller class sizes than many larger regional public districts.
How does tuition for private schools in the Merchantville, NJ area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Merchantville area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at Holy Cross Academy and St. Mary School typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $8,000 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. The King's Christian School's tuition is generally higher, often exceeding $10,000 annually. A critical New Jersey-specific financial consideration is the NJ FamilyCare/Child Care Assistance Program for eligible families, and more broadly, the state's Tax Credit Scholarship program through the New Jersey Opportunity Scholarship Act, which can provide significant aid to students from lower-income families attending participating non-public schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Merchantville emphasize?
Private schools in and around Merchantville often leverage their specific missions to offer unique programs. Holy Cross Academy and St. Mary School integrate Catholic values and sacramental preparation throughout a standard core curriculum, often with strong community service components. The King's Christian School offers a comprehensive Bible-based curriculum with college-prep tracks and notable fine arts programs. Given the proximity to Philadelphia, some schools organize educational trips to the city's museums and historical sites. A common feature across these schools is an emphasis on character education and a safe, disciplined environment, which is a significant draw for many Merchantville parents.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Holy Cross Academy or St. Mary School in Merchantville?
The enrollment process for Merchantville's private schools usually begins in the winter for the following fall. Open houses are typically held between January and March. For parish-affiliated schools like Holy Cross and St. Mary, priority is often given to active members of the supporting parish, then to other Catholic families, and finally to the general community. Applications, along with records from previous schools, are required, and for some grades, a student assessment or shadow day may be part of the process. It's highly advisable to contact the school's admissions office by early spring, as some grades fill quickly. Re-registration for current families often happens before new applications are fully processed.
For a family living in Merchantville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Merchantville School District) and a private school?
The Merchantville School District is a single Pre-K-8 district, after which students attend Haddon Heights High School. A key consideration is continuity; private schools like Holy Cross or The King's Christian may offer a K-12 pathway, avoiding a high school transition. Academically, private schools often have more standardized, faith-based curricula and smaller class sizes, while the public district may offer more diverse elective programs and services mandated by the state. Cost is a major factor, as public school is tuition-free. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious education, the value placed on a particular school community, and their satisfaction with the projected public school pathway versus the private school's complete educational model.
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