The Best Private Schools in Montville, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Willow School
Independent
An acclaimed independent school serving students from Montville and surrounding communities with a unique focus on sustainability and environmental education. The school features an innovative curriculum that integrates ecological principles across all subjects while maintaining strong academic standards. Campus includes LEED-certified buildings, organic gardens, and natural habitats used for hands-on learning. Known for developing critical thinkers with strong ethical foundations and environmental stewardship values.
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Villa Walsh Academy
Religious Teachers Filippini
ReligiousA premier Catholic college preparatory school for young women serving the greater Morris County area, including Montville families. Known for exceptional academic rigor with 100% college acceptance rate and strong STEM programs. Features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a values-based education that emphasizes leadership development and community service.
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Montville Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
A highly-regarded private early education center serving Montville families for three decades. Offers comprehensive early childhood programs with a strong focus on developmental learning and school readiness. Features experienced educators, modern facilities, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes both academic foundations and social development. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and well-structured curriculum that prepares children for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montville, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 students within or near Montville, New Jersey?
Within Montville Township itself, dedicated K-12 private day schools are limited, but several highly-regarded options are in the immediate surrounding area. Montville Child Care & Learning Center serves early childhood education. For families seeking a full K-12 experience, nearby options include Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown (an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 7-12) and The Willow School in Gladstone (an independent, co-ed school focused on sustainability and character education for grades Pre-K through 8). Many Montville families also consider private schools in neighboring towns like Morristown, Madison, and Summit, which offer a wider range of religious and independent institutions.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Montville, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the North Jersey region surrounding Montville is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the area's higher cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$25,000 for elementary schools and $20,000-$40,000+ for secondary schools. Most established schools, like Villa Walsh Academy and The Willow School, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (tax-credit scholarship programs) may provide options for families who meet certain income thresholds to receive scholarships for participating private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Montville residents that differ from the public school curriculum?
Private schools in the Montville vicinity often provide specialized programs that complement the strong Montville Township Public Schools. For example, Villa Walsh Academy offers a distinctive classical curriculum with a focus on liberal arts, advanced STEM tracks, and extensive world language study, including Italian. The Willow School integrates its campus's ecosystem directly into its curriculum, with a pioneering "building as a teaching tool" approach to sustainability and ethics. Many area private schools also feature unique offerings like intensive arts conservatories, global exchange programs, or independent research capstones that may differ in scope from the public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Montville, New Jersey?
The admissions process for sought-after private schools in Morris and Somerset Counties is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall, the timeline typically starts 12-18 months prior, with open houses in the preceding spring and fall. Key steps include: submitting applications by January (often with deadlines between Jan. 1st and 31st), student visits and interviews in the winter, and notification dates in March. Standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) is commonly required for middle and upper schools. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, Montville families are advised to start research and attend open houses well over a year in advance.
For families moving to Montville, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Montville Township Public Schools and local private options?
This is a significant decision for new residents. Montville Township Public Schools are consistently ranked among the top in New Jersey, offering a comprehensive, tuition-free education. The consideration for private schools often hinges on specific values or needs: a desire for a particular religious foundation (e.g., Catholic education at Villa Walsh), a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., The Willow School's environmental and ethical focus), smaller average class sizes, or specialized programs for gifted learners or those needing different learning environments. Transportation is also a key factor; while Montville provides transportation for private school students within certain distances as per NJ law, the logistics and commute time to schools outside the township should be evaluated. Many families find the public schools excellent, while others choose private for a mission-aligned education.
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