The Best Private Schools in Morristown, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morristown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Order of Saint Benedict
Delbarton School is an acclaimed independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, operated by the Benedictine monks of St. Mary's Abbey. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program, spiritual formation, and exceptional college placement. Situated on a beautiful 200-acre campus, Delbarton offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The school emphasizes the Benedictine values of prayer, learning, and community while providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for leadership roles. Facilities include modern science centers, performing arts spaces, extensive athletic fields, and historic monastery buildings.
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Morristown-Beard School
Independent
Morristown-Beard School is a prestigious coeducational independent school serving grades 6-12. Located on a 22-acre campus, MBS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Known for its strong academic program, MBS offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM initiatives, and comprehensive arts programs. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement, with a diverse student body and numerous extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and community service programs.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. As one of the oldest independent elementary schools in New Jersey, Peck combines academic excellence with strong character education. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with specialized instruction in science, technology, arts, and physical education. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. Peck emphasizes community values, leadership development, and preparing students for success in secondary education. The school's small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide personalized attention while offering diverse extracurricular programs including athletics, arts, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morristown, New Jersey
What are the main types of private schools available in Morristown, NJ, and how do they differ?
Morristown, NJ, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including prestigious independent day schools and a renowned all-boys monastic college preparatory school. The Morristown-Beard School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12 known for its strong academics and arts. Delbarton School, located just outside Morristown in Morristown Township, is an all-boys Benedictine monastery school for grades 7-12 with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. The Peck School is a coeducational K-8 independent day school focused on foundational education and character development. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, single-gender vs. coed environments, and grade-level focus.
How does tuition for Morristown-area private schools compare to the New Jersey state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at top Morristown-area private schools is generally at or above the high end of the New Jersey private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $40,000 for upper schools like Morristown-Beard and Delbarton to the mid-$30,000s for elementary/middle schools like Peck. These figures exceed the state's average private school tuition, reflecting the schools' resources, facilities, and faculty credentials. However, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as significant grants (not loans) are available, with some schools meeting 100% of demonstrated need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Morristown, NJ, area that leverage the local community?
Morristown private schools deeply integrate the rich historical, scientific, and corporate resources of the area into their programs. For instance, Morristown-Beard School's proximity to the historic Morristown National Historical Park allows for unique history and environmental science partnerships. Delbarton School's STEM programs often connect with nearby corporate headquarters in pharmaceuticals and technology. Many schools also utilize the Mayo Performing Arts Center for student performances and the extensive trail systems for outdoor education. This local connectivity provides students with unparalleled experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Morristown, NJ?
The enrollment process for Morristown's top private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall admission, the process typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January (e.g., January 15th or 31st) for the following academic year. Required components usually include a standardized test (like the ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, school transcripts, a student interview, and a parent interview. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March. Due to intense competition, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 7th grades, early planning and engagement are strongly recommended.
For families considering both options, how do the academic outcomes and environments of Morristown's private schools compare to the highly-rated Morris School District public schools?
This is a key local consideration. The Morris School District (serving Morristown and Morris Township) is consistently ranked among New Jersey's top public districts. The choice often comes down to educational approach and environment rather than a simple quality ranking. Private schools like Morristown-Beard, Delbarton, and Peck offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, distinct religious or value-based foundations (where applicable), and often more extensive arts, athletics, and global programs. Public schools offer a larger, more diverse peer environment and no tuition. Many families find the private school advantage lies in specialized college counseling, unique program depth, and a tightly-knit community, while the public schools provide excellent academics within a broader socioeconomic setting.
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