The Best Private Schools in Moonachie, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Moonachie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saddle River Day School
Independent School
Saddle River Day School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from Moonachie and surrounding communities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside advanced placement options, providing students with globally-recognized credentials. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and has a strong record of college placements at top-tier universities.
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St. Joseph Regional High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark
St. Joseph Regional High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Moonachie and surrounding Bergen County communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through community service requirements.
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Academy of Our Lady
Archdiocese of Newark Catholic Schools
Academy of Our Lady is a premier all-girls Catholic high school serving the Moonachie area with a strong focus on empowering young women through education. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with honors and AP courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its supportive community and strong alumnae network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Moonachie, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Moonachie, New Jersey?
While Moonachie itself is a small borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Bergen County area. Notable options include St. Joseph Regional High School (all-boys, Catholic, in Montvale), the Academy of Our Lady (all-girls, Catholic, in Glen Rock), and Saddle River Day School (co-ed, independent, in Saddle River). Many Moonachie families also consider private schools in nearby towns like Hackensack, Teaneck, and Paramus. Transportation to these schools is a key consideration, as most require private arrangements or offer limited busing services that may not extend directly into Moonachie.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Moonachie, NJ compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Moonachie area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Joseph Regional High School and Academy of Our Lady, as Catholic diocesan schools, have tuition in the range of $15,000-$18,000. Saddle River Day School, as an independent college-preparatory school, has a higher tuition, typically exceeding $50,000. New Jersey offers several financial aid avenues, including the NJ STARS program for high academic achievers and need-based aid directly from the schools. Additionally, many Bergen County private schools participate in the FACTS financial aid assessment, and New Jersey's Tax Credit Scholarship Program (NJ ASPIRE) can provide assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Moonachie offer that differentiate them?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. St. Joseph Regional is renowned for its competitive athletics and robust STEM programs, often feeding into top engineering universities. The Academy of Our Lady emphasizes leadership and women-in-STEM initiatives within a faith-based environment. Saddle River Day School is known for its intensive college counseling, innovative "Design Thinking" curriculum, and prestigious arts programs. A unique local advantage is the proximity to New York City, which many of these schools leverage for internships, cultural trips, and specialized academic partnerships not typically available in more remote areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Moonachie, NJ students?
The process for competitive private high schools in Bergen County is rigorous and begins early. For freshman admission, prospective students should start visiting schools in the fall of their 7th-grade year. Key deadlines for applications, standardized tests (like the HSPT for Catholic schools or the ISEE/SSAT for independents), and interviews are usually between November and January of 8th grade. Notification dates are typically in March. Given Moonachie's location, it's crucial to inquire directly about geographic priority; some schools give preference to applicants from specific parishes or towns. Waiting lists are common, so applying to multiple schools is advisable.
For a Moonachie family, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The Moonachie School District is a single K-8 district, so the decision often centers on high school. Moonachie public school students attend Wood-Ridge High School through a sending/receiving relationship. The primary considerations are academic fit, environment, and cost. Private schools offer a specific religious identity or pedagogical approach (like Saddle River's progressive model), often with smaller class sizes. However, they require a significant financial investment and daily commute. The public pathway provides a tuition-free, community-based experience with guaranteed placement. Families should assess the value of specialized programs against the cost, and consider the social aspect of their child attending school with local peers versus a more geographically dispersed private school community.
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