The Best Private Schools in Montague, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montague. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Craig School
Independent Specialized School
The Craig School is a highly-regarded independent school specializing in serving students with learning disabilities, located within reasonable commuting distance from Montague. Founded in 1980, the school uses research-based methodologies including the Orton-Gillingham approach to help students with language-based learning differences. The school offers small class sizes (6:1 student-teacher ratio), individualized instruction, and comprehensive college preparatory programs. Many families from Northwestern New Jersey, including Montague, choose Craig for its exceptional specialized programming and strong academic outcomes.
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Blair Academy
Independent
Blair Academy is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school located approximately 15 miles from Montague. Founded in 1848, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 25 Advanced Placement courses. The 463-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Blair provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities. The school serves students from Montague and surrounding Sussex County communities.
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The Willow School
Independent
The Willow School is an innovative independent school located approximately 25 miles from Montague, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Founded in 2000, the school is renowned for its environmentally sustainable campus and progressive educational approach that integrates sustainability, arts, and character development. The school features LEED-certified buildings, organic gardens, and extensive natural habitats used as outdoor classrooms. With small class sizes and a focus on holistic education, Willow attracts families from across Northwestern New Jersey seeking an alternative to traditional private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montague, New Jersey
What are the main private school options serving families in Montague, New Jersey, and what are their educational focuses?
Montague, NJ, is served by several notable private schools, though most are located in nearby towns due to its rural setting. The most prominent is Blair Academy in Blairstown, a prestigious co-ed boarding and day school with a rigorous college-prep curriculum and renowned arts and athletics. Closer options include The Craig School in Mountain Lakes, which specializes in educating students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD through a structured, multisensory approach. The Willow School in Gladstone is an independent school focused on sustainability, environmental ethics, and a holistic education. For Montague residents, these schools typically provide transportation or have carpool networks, but the commute is an important consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Montague, NJ, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools near Montague varies significantly. Blair Academy's day student tuition is well above the NJ private school average, often exceeding $50,000, reflecting its boarding program and extensive facilities. The Craig School and The Willow School have tuitions more aligned with the state's independent school average, typically ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 annually. New Jersey has limited state-funded voucher programs, so financial aid is primarily need-based and offered directly by the schools. Many families in Sussex County, including Montague, utilize payment plans. It's crucial to inquire early about aid deadlines, as funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Montague offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Montague area uniquely integrate the region's natural landscape. The Willow School's entire curriculum and campus are built around sustainability; its buildings are LEED-certified, and students engage in hands-on environmental science in the surrounding woods and wetlands. Blair Academy utilizes its 435-acre campus for outdoor leadership programs and environmental studies. For students with learning differences, The Craig School offers specialized programs like Orton-Gillingham reading instruction, which is a significant draw. These schools often partner with local farms, the Delaware Water Gap, and environmental centers for experiential learning, an advantage of the rural Northwestern NJ setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Blair Academy that serve Montague students?
The enrollment timeline for top private schools near Montague is lengthy and begins over a year in advance. For a fall start, the process typically opens in August/September. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January/February (with SSAT/ISEE testing), completing student interviews and visits, and receiving decisions in March. Blair Academy, as a boarding school, has specific deadlines for domestic and international applicants. Rolling admissions may be available at some schools if space permits, but planning early is critical. Montague families should note that transportation logistics for day students are a key part of the interview and enrollment conversation.
For a family in Montague Township, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Montague Township School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistics. Montague Township School District is a small, single-school K-6 district, after which students attend public high school in a sending-receiving relationship. Families may seek private schools for continuity (K-12), specialized learning support (like at The Craig School), a more competitive college-prep environment (Blair Academy), or a particular ethical focus (The Willow School). The commute to private schools, which can be 30-60 minutes, is a major factor in rural Montague. Financially, it involves comparing private tuition against potentially higher property taxes for premium public districts elsewhere, as many Montague families considering private options may also contemplate moving.
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