The Best Private Schools in Montvale, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montvale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergen Catholic High School
Private Catholic School
Bergen Catholic High School is a highly-regarded all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the broader Bergen County area, including Montvale families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and a comprehensive athletics program. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong emphasis on character development, Bergen Catholic consistently ranks among New Jersey's top private high schools. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
Programs:
Academy of the Holy Angels
Private Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women that serves students from Montvale and throughout northern New Jersey. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with 20+ AP courses, robust STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. Holy Angels emphasizes leadership development, community service, and global awareness. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, athletic facilities, and technology resources. With a strong track record of college placements and academic excellence, it consistently ranks among New Jersey's top private schools.
Programs:
The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent Private School
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from Montvale and surrounding communities from age 3 through eighth grade. The school offers a comprehensive educational program emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. Their curriculum includes strong STEAM integration, world language instruction starting in early childhood, and extensive arts and athletics programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Known for preparing students for top secondary schools, Elisabeth Morrow maintains small class sizes and individualized attention.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montvale, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Montvale, NJ, and what grade levels do they serve?
Montvale itself is home to a few notable private institutions, but the broader Pascack Valley area offers several highly-regarded options. Within Montvale, The Elisabeth Morrow School is a premier independent day school serving students from age 2 through 8th grade, known for its progressive, child-centered approach. For high school, families often look to nearby schools such as Bergen Catholic High School (an all-boys Catholic school in Oradell for grades 9-12) and the Academy of the Holy Angels (an all-girls Catholic school in Demarest for grades 9-12). These schools, while not within Montvale's municipal borders, are central to the private school landscape for local families and have deep historical ties to the Bergen County community.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Montvale, NJ area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Montvale area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, independent schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School have tuition that can range from approximately $30,000 to over $40,000 annually, depending on the grade. Catholic high schools like Bergen Catholic and Holy Angels generally have lower tuition, often in the $20,000-$25,000 range, with active parishioner discounts available at some. Importantly, most of these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. New Jersey also has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) proposed legislation for tax-credit scholarships, though it's not yet enacted. Parents should directly inquire about aid applications (often using the SSS/Clarity platform) and merit scholarship opportunities during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Montvale residents that differentiate them from local public options?
Private schools in the Montvale area often provide specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. Bergen Catholic High School is renowned for its Engineering and Biomedical Sciences academies, offering advanced, project-based tracks. The Academy of the Holy Angels features a distinguished STEM Scholars program and extensive opportunities in the arts, including a dedicated dance studio and theater program. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes world language immersion starting in early childhood, a renowned music program, and a "4 C's" curriculum (Cooperation, Communication, Content, and Conflict Resolution) integrated throughout all grades. These programs offer depth and specialization that can differ from the comprehensive but standardized offerings of the highly-rated Pascack Valley Regional High School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Montvale, NJ, and when should applications be submitted?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. For schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School, the application process for the following academic year often opens in September, with tours and open houses in the fall. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. For the competitive Catholic high schools (Bergen Catholic, Holy Angels), the process usually begins with an entrance exam (HSPT) in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, with applications due shortly thereafter. It is highly advisable for Montvale parents to begin researching schools 12-18 months in advance, attend open houses in the fall, and ensure all testing and application materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family moving to Montvale, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and the local private school options?
This decision hinges on several factors unique to Montvale. The public schools (Memorial Elementary, Fieldstone Middle, and Pascack Hills High School) are consistently top-ranked in New Jersey, offering a rigorous, tuition-free education with extensive AP courses and extracurriculars. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (like Montessori-inspired at Elisabeth Morrow), a single-gender environment, or a particular religious foundation. Other considerations include class size (private schools often have smaller ratios), the desire for a K-8 or 9-12 continuum different from the public K-5, 6-8, 9-12 structure, and specialized programs as mentioned earlier. The commute is also a factor, as the top private high schools require transportation to neighboring towns. Weighing the financial investment against these specific values and goals is essential for Montvale families.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities