The Best Private Schools in Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Laurel. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moorestown Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Moorestown Friends School is a highly respected Quaker independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 10 minutes from Mount Laurel, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The 48-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The Quaker educational philosophy fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical leadership.
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Holy Cross Academy
Catholic Schools of South Jersey
Holy Cross Academy is a regional Catholic high school serving students from Mount Laurel and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM curriculum. The faith-based education emphasizes moral development and service learning. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and provides extensive college counseling support. Extracurricular activities range from competitive sports teams to robotics clubs and community service organizations.
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Doane Academy
Independent Episcopal School
Doane Academy is New Jersey's oldest co-educational independent school, located approximately 15 minutes from Mount Laurel. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The historic 13-acre campus along the Delaware River features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. The Episcopal tradition emphasizes character development, global citizenship, and academic rigor. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Laurel, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Mount Laurel, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
Mount Laurel itself is home to several well-regarded private schools, with additional prestigious options in neighboring towns that many local families attend. Within Mount Laurel, you'll find Holy Cross Academy, a Catholic school offering Pre-K through 8th grade with a values-based education. A short drive away, Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown is a top-tier, Quaker-affiliated Pre-K-12 institution known for its rigorous academics, strong arts, and emphasis on community and service. Doane Academy in Burlington is an independent, coeducational day school for Pre-K-12, notable for being New Jersey's oldest preparatory school, offering a college-prep curriculum on a historic campus. These schools represent the core of the private school landscape accessible to Mount Laurel residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Mount Laurel, NJ area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Mount Laurel corridor is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades at local parochial schools to over $40,000 for upper grades at elite independent schools like Moorestown Friends. Most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. New Jersey also has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (pending legislation) and various scholarship funds for lower-income families, which some schools can help navigate.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Mount Laurel area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in this area often leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. Moorestown Friends School emphasizes Quaker testimonies like peace and stewardship, integrated into a globally-focused curriculum with extensive service learning. Doane Academy offers a distinctive "Leadership and Ethics" program and utilizes its location on the Delaware River for environmental science studies. Holy Cross Academy provides a strong STEM initiative alongside its faith formation. Compared to Mount Laurel Township's public schools, these private institutions typically feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more extensive offerings in world languages, robotics, or performing arts at the lower and middle school levels.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Mount Laurel, NJ?
The process for schools like Moorestown Friends and Doane Academy is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should start researching 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines for the following fall, and scheduling student visits/assessments in the winter. Admissions decisions for these competitive schools are typically released in March. For Mount Laurel-based schools like Holy Cross Academy, the process may be more rolling but still benefits from early application. We strongly recommend applying to multiple schools and ensuring all financial aid paperwork is submitted on time.
For a family living in Mount Laurel, what are the major considerations when choosing between the township's highly-rated public schools and local private options?
This is a significant decision for Mount Laurel families, as the township's public schools are consistently well-rated. Key considerations include: **Educational Philosophy:** Private schools offer specific religious (Catholic) or pedagogical (Quaker, college-prep) approaches not found in public schools. **Class Size:** Private schools often have significantly smaller classes than Mount Laurel's public elementary (~22 students) and middle/high schools. **Continuity:** Some private options (Moorestown Friends, Doane) offer a single-campus Pre-K-12 experience, while public students transition between multiple buildings. **Cost:** Weighing the substantial financial investment of private tuition against the "free" public option is paramount. Many families choose private for a specific community or program fit that aligns with their child's needs and their family's values.
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