The Best Private Schools in Mount Arlington, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Arlington. 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 a premier independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, located about 15-20 minutes from Mount Arlington. The school offers an exceptional college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The 200-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts venues, and extensive athletic complexes. Delbarton consistently ranks among New Jersey's top private schools with a reputation for academic excellence, strong moral formation, and exceptional college matriculation rates at prestigious universities.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly-regarded independent K-8 day school located just 15 minutes from Mount Arlington. Founded in 1893, Peck offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, dedicated art studios, and modern athletic spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong college preparation.
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Villa Walsh Academy
Religious Sisters of Mercy
ReligiousVilla Walsh Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women located approximately 15 minutes from Mount Arlington. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and community service, Villa Walsh consistently achieves excellent college placement results and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Arlington, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, and what are their key characteristics?
While Mount Arlington itself is a small borough, it is situated in Morris County, which is renowned for its excellent private schools. The most prominent options nearby include The Peck School (co-ed, K-8, in Morristown), Villa Walsh Academy (all-girls, 7-12, Catholic college-prep in Morristown), and Delbarton School (all-boys, 7-12, Benedictine monastic school in Morristown). These schools are all within a 15-20 minute commute from Mount Arlington. Each offers a distinct educational philosophy: Peck focuses on character and leadership in younger grades, Villa Walsh provides a faith-based environment for young women, and Delbarton offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum for boys. There are no major private school campuses physically within Mount Arlington's borders, so transportation is a key consideration for local families.
How does tuition for top private schools near Mount Arlington, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Morris County area surrounding Mount Arlington is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for upper schools like Delbarton and Villa Walsh, and $30,000-$40,000 for K-8 schools like Peck. New Jersey's high cost of living is reflected in these figures. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated early. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (though not yet fully implemented) is a topic of discussion for potential future tax-credit scholarships, and some schools participate in state-approved scholarship funds for students from underperforming public districts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Mount Arlington, NJ, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often utilize the cultural, corporate, and natural resources of Morris County and Northern New Jersey. Delbarton School, for instance, has a renowned STEM program with partnerships at nearby corporate headquarters. Its extensive campus allows for robust outdoor and athletic programs. Villa Walsh Academy emphasizes global studies and language immersion, benefiting from the diverse demographic of the broader area. The Peck School incorporates "place-based" learning, using local history sites and the Great Swamp Watershed for environmental science. Furthermore, proximity to New York City (about an hour by train from Morristown) allows all these schools to facilitate regular educational trips, arts outings, and internship opportunities not available in more remote locations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Mount Arlington, NJ, and how far in advance should parents plan?
The admission process for top-tier schools like Delbarton, Villa Walsh, and Peck is highly structured and begins well over a year before desired entry. For fall entry, the process typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and inquiry forms. Application deadlines are often in early January (e.g., January 10th for Delbarton for 9th grade). This is followed by student visits/interviews and standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions are released in mid-to-late March. For kindergarten entry at Peck, planning should begin two years in advance. Given the competitive nature, families in Mount Arlington are advised to start researching and visiting schools 18-24 months before the intended start date, especially for entry points like 7th and 9th grades.
For a family living in Mount Arlington, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school district with the leading private school options in Morristown?
Mount Arlington is served by the Mount Arlington Public School District, which includes a single K-6 elementary school and sends 7-12 graders to the Roxbury School District under a sending/receiving relationship. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools offer significantly smaller classes (often 12-18 students) versus larger public school classes. **Program Continuity:** Private schools like Peck (K-8) or Delbarton/Villa Walsh (7-12) offer a continuous, single-campus experience, whereas Mount Arlington students transition between districts. **Specialized Focus:** The private options offer single-gender or specific religious education not available in the public system. **Commute:** Choosing private school adds a daily commute to Morristown (approx. 20 mins), while public school transportation is provided. **Cost:** This is the most significant factor, as private tuition is a major financial commitment compared to no direct tuition cost for the well-regarded Roxbury public high school. The decision often hinges on the value placed on a specific educational philosophy, community, and program depth versus the convenience and cost-savings of the public pathway.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Pre-K Programs in Mount Arlington, NJ for Your Child's Future
For families in Mount Arlington, the decision to explore private pre k is often the first significant step in a long-term educational journey. Nestled in the rolling hills of Morris County, our community values a strong foundation, and many parents seek an early learning environment that aligns with this principle. While Mount Arlington itself offers excellent public options, the surrounding area is rich with prestigious private institutions that provide exceptional pre-kindergarten programs. Understanding the local landscape is key, as these programs are not merely daycare but are designed as the introductory chapter to a cohesive, values-driven education.
The concept of private pre k in our area typically emphasizes a blend of academic readiness and character development. Schools like The Peck School in nearby Morristown, for instance, begin with a Junior Kindergarten program for four-year-olds that focuses on social-emotional growth through play-based and structured learning. This balance is crucial, preparing children not just for kindergarten, but fostering a genuine love for discovery. Similarly, Villa Walsh Academy’s early childhood program integrates its Catholic identity with a nurturing, exploratory curriculum. For many Mount Arlington families, this alignment of educational philosophy with family values is a primary driver. The daily commute to these schools is a common consideration, with routes along I-80 and I-287 being well-traveled by local parents who prioritize this specific early start.
It’s important to recognize that admission to these sought-after programs is often the gateway to the entire school. Securing a spot in a Delbarton School early childhood program, for example, is highly competitive and typically offers a streamlined path into their lower school. This long-term view is a significant factor for parents planning their child’s entire educational trajectory. The investment in private pre k, therefore, is viewed not just for a single year, but as the beginning of a stable, continuous learning community—a valuable consideration for families putting down roots in Mount Arlington.
Practically speaking, the search process should begin early, often a full year in advance. Attending open houses is essential; it allows you to feel the culture of the school and see the pre k classrooms in action. Ask specific questions about teacher qualifications, the student-to-teacher ratio, and how the program specifically transitions children into kindergarten. Don’t hesitate to inquire about community connections—are there other families from Mount Arlington? This can help build a local support network. Ultimately, the right private pre k in the Mount Arlington area will be one where your child is seen, known, and inspired to take those first joyful steps into a wider world of learning. It’s an investment in their confidence and curiosity, setting a positive tone for all the school years to come.
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