The Best Private Schools in Morris Plains, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morris Plains. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Independent Catholic School
Delbarton School is an internationally recognized independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, located just 2 miles from Morris Plains. Operating under the Benedictine tradition for over 80 years, Delbarton combines rigorous academic preparation with strong moral and spiritual development. The school offers an extensive curriculum including 25 Advanced Placement courses, renowned STEM programs, competitive athletics, and exceptional arts education. The 200-acre campus features historic and modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. Delbarton consistently ranks among New Jersey's top private schools with nearly 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges, including Ivy League and other highly selective institutions.
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The Peck School
Independent School
The Peck School is a highly-regarded co-educational independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Morris Plains in neighboring Morristown, Peck has built a 130-year reputation for academic excellence and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school's strategic location makes it easily accessible to Morris Plains families seeking a rigorous academic foundation with strong community values.
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Morristown Beard School
Independent School
Morristown Beard School is a prestigious co-educational independent school serving students in grades 6-12, conveniently located adjacent to Morris Plains. With over 125 years of educational excellence, MBS offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum featuring 24 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM opportunities. The 22-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global education, community service, and character development while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. MBS consistently achieves exceptional college placement results and serves as a primary private school choice for Morris Plains families seeking comprehensive secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morris Plains, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Morris Plains, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
Morris Plains is centrally located within a network of highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent day schools include The Peck School (K-8, co-ed, in Morristown), Morristown Beard School (6-12, co-ed, in Morristown), and Delbarton School (7-12, all-boys, in Morristown). While these schools have Morristown addresses, they are a short commute from Morris Plains and draw a significant portion of their student body from the surrounding towns, including Morris Plains. Each has a distinct identity: Peck focuses on foundational character and academic growth, Morristown Beard offers a comprehensive co-ed college preparatory experience, and Delbarton is a Benedictine monastic school known for its rigorous academics and strong community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Morris Plains, NJ, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top-tier private schools near Morris Plains is significant, reflecting the competitive market and high cost of living in New Jersey. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges approximately from $40,000 to $50,000+ for upper schools, with elementary/middle schools like Peck being slightly lower. Importantly, all these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as schools like Delbarton and Morristown Beard award millions in aid annually. New Jersey also has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so institutional aid is the primary resource.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Morris Plains, NJ?
Schools in this area provide exceptional specialized programs. Delbarton is renowned for its classical education foundation, extensive robotics program, and championship-level athletics. Morristown Beard School features a renowned Center for Innovation and Design, a comprehensive performing arts program, and unique global travel opportunities. The Peck School emphasizes its "Portrait of a Graduate" competencies, including ethical leadership, and offers signature programs like its immersive outdoor education. Proximity to New York City also allows many schools to incorporate unique arts, science, and internship partnerships not typically found in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Morris Plains, NJ, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, most families start visiting schools and attending open houses in the September-November prior (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2025 entry). Application deadlines are typically in January, with standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) completed by winter. Admissions decisions are released in March, with enrollment contracts due shortly thereafter. For competitive schools like Delbarton, applying for 7th or 9th grade is most common, as those are major entry points. It is crucial to plan at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for upper school admission.
For a family living in Morris Plains with excellent public schools, what are the key considerations for choosing a local private school instead?
Morris Plains is part of the highly-rated Morris School District, so the decision often hinges on specific educational philosophies and environments. Key differentiators include: a desire for a single-gender or religious (e.g., Catholic/Benedictine) education; smaller average class sizes and more individualized attention; specialized academic tracks or more extensive arts/athletics facilities; and a distinct community culture focused on specific values. The private school commute is also a factor—while public school is hyper-local, private options involve driving or busing to Morristown. Many families choose private schools for a tailored fit that aligns precisely with their child's learning style and their family's educational priorities, despite the significant financial investment.
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