The Best Private Schools in Millburn, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Millburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Pingry School
Independent
The Pingry School's Short Hills campus serves lower school students and is a premier independent day school known for its rigorous academic environment and extensive resources. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with standout programs in STEM, robotics, and performing arts, supported by state-of-the-art labs, theaters, and athletic facilities. With a reputation for high student achievement and Ivy League placements, Pingry emphasizes leadership, diversity, and extracurricular engagement. Parent satisfaction surveys note dedicated faculty, robust alumni networks, and a welcoming community that attracts families from Millburn and surrounding areas.
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Far Brook School
Independent
Far Brook School is a highly regarded co-educational independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, located just minutes from Millburn. It is celebrated for its progressive educational philosophy that integrates arts across the curriculum, fostering creativity and critical thinking. The school features expansive outdoor learning environments, modern classrooms, and dedicated art and science facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight small class sizes, exceptional teacher-student ratios, and a strong community focus that emphasizes character development and academic readiness for top secondary schools.
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Kent Place School
Independent
Kent Place School is an acclaimed all-girls independent school serving kindergarten through twelfth grade, conveniently located near Millburn in Summit. It is distinguished by its International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, strong emphasis on women's leadership, and innovative courses in STEM and the humanities. The campus includes advanced science and technology centers, art studios, and athletic fields, fostering a supportive environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth. Reviews from parents commend the school for its empowering atmosphere, low student-to-teacher ratio, and successful college placements, making it a top choice for families seeking a dedicated girls' education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Millburn, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Millburn, NJ, and what are their key educational philosophies?
Millburn residents have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The most prominent include Far Brook School in Short Hills (within Millburn Township), known for its progressive, arts-integrated curriculum and nursery through 8th grade program. A short drive away, The Pingry School's Short Hills Campus serves grades K-5 (with the upper grades in Basking Ridge), emphasizing a rigorous classical education and character development. Kent Place School in Summit is a leading all-girls, K-12 independent school with a strong focus on leadership and STEM. Millburn's location also provides convenient access to many other top-tier schools in Essex and Union Counties, offering a range of co-ed and single-sex environments.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Millburn, NJ area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Millburn area is among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the region's cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000 to $55,000 for K-12 schools, with lower elementary grades often at the lower end. Notably, Millburn Township's public schools are consistently ranked #1 in New Jersey, which is a significant financial consideration as residents already fund them through high property taxes. However, all major private schools like Pingry, Kent Place, and Far Brook offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as these schools often meet 100% of demonstrated need for accepted students.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools near Millburn, NJ, and when should we start?
The admissions process for top-tier schools in the Millburn area is highly structured and competitive. Families should begin researching schools 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The formal process typically kicks off in the early fall (September/October) with open houses and application openings. Key deadlines for applications, financial aid forms, and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) usually fall between December and January for entry the following September. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March. For younger siblings or children of alumni, it's important to note that while they may receive some preference, it does not guarantee admission given the high demand for spots in these schools.
For a family moving to Millburn specifically for the top-rated public schools, what are the reasons to also consider local private options?
While Millburn Public Schools are exceptional, some families choose private options for specific educational approaches not found in a large public district. Private schools near Millburn often offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-15 students vs. 20+), more specialized programs in areas like classical education, arts immersion, or single-gender learning environments. They may also provide a different community scale and a consistent educational philosophy from kindergarten through 12th grade, whereas Millburn public schools are structured as separate elementary, middle, and high schools. The decision often hinges on finding the best "fit" for a child's individual learning style and a family's values, rather than purely on academic ranking.
What unique extracurricular or academic specialization opportunities are available at private schools in the Millburn, NJ area that distinguish them?
Private schools in this region leverage their resources and missions to offer distinctive programs. For example, Far Brook School has a renowned "Music and Movement" program and an outdoor-focused curriculum integrated with its woodland campus. The Pingry School emphasizes its "Honor Code" and offers extensive competitive athletics and global studies programs starting in the lower grades. Kent Place School has a dedicated Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering (KIDE) and a nationally recognized Ethics Institute. Many of these schools also have partnerships with local cultural institutions in Newark, New York City, and the broader Essex County area, providing enriched learning experiences that are deeply woven into their curricula.
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