The Best Private Schools in Mountainside, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mountainside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Pingry School
Independent
The Pingry School is a highly selective coeducational independent day school serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. With a rich history spanning over 160 years, Pingry offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Pingry consistently ranks among the top private schools in New Jersey, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. The school serves families throughout Union County, including Mountainside residents.
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Kent Place School
Independent
Kent Place School is an independent all-girls day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located just minutes from Mountainside in Summit, the school offers a challenging academic program with particular strengths in leadership development, STEM education, and global studies. The campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, arts facilities, and athletic spaces. Kent Place emphasizes character education and community engagement while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. The school has a strong reputation for preparing young women for leadership roles and college success.
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Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Independent Catholic
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is an independent Catholic school offering coeducational classes from kindergarten through grade 6 and all-girls education from grades 7-12. Located in nearby Summit, the school serves families from Mountainside and surrounding communities. Oak Knoll provides a balanced education combining rigorous academics with character formation in the Holy Child tradition. The school features excellent facilities including science labs, technology centers, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a strong college preparatory program and diverse extracurricular offerings, Oak Knoll prepares students for academic success and ethical leadership.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mountainside, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Mountainside, New Jersey, and are they located directly in town?
While Mountainside itself is a residential suburb, it is centrally located near several of New Jersey's most prestigious private schools. The most prominent are The Pingry School (with its Upper School campus in Basking Ridge, a short drive away), Kent Place School (an all-girls K-12 school in Summit), and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (a Catholic, all-girls K-12 school in Summit). Many Mountainside families also consider schools like The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison or Newark Academy in Livingston. Transportation via bus or carpool is a common consideration for Mountainside residents attending these nearby institutions.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Mountainside, NJ compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools in the area is among the highest in New Jersey. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at Pingry, Kent Place, and Oak Knoll ranges from approximately $55,000 to $60,000. This exceeds the NJ private school average, reflecting the schools' resources, faculty salaries, and facilities. However, all these schools have substantial financial aid endowments and are committed to need-based assistance. It is common for a significant percentage of the student body to receive aid, and families are encouraged to apply through processes like SSS (School and Student Services) regardless of income level to explore eligibility.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Mountainside area that leverage local resources?
Schools in this region often feature robust STEM and entrepreneurship programs connected to the nearby corporate and pharmaceutical corridors (e.g., Merck in Kenilworth). The Pingry School, for instance, has a renowned computer science department and a business institute. Kent Place has a strong focus on engineering and design, while Oak Knoll emphasizes leadership and global studies. Furthermore, proximity to New York City allows for exceptional arts partnerships, internship opportunities, and speaker series that are integrated into the curriculum, providing students with unique metropolitan advantages while living in a suburban setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Mountainside, NJ, and when should we start?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For kindergarten or middle/high school entry, families should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (often January 15th), completing student assessments/interviews (fall/winter), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For the most sought-after grades like kindergarten and 9th grade, sibling and legacy applicants often have priority, making the process even more competitive. It is crucial to check each school's website (Pingry, Kent Place, Oak Knoll) for their specific dates, as they may vary slightly.
How do the public schools in Mountainside compare to the nearby private options, and what factors might lead a family to choose one over the other?
Mountainside's public schools (part of the Mountainside School District, with students attending Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights for grades 9-12) are highly rated and offer a strong academic program. The choice often comes down to specific family priorities. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, more specialized academic tracks (like advanced independent research), distinct educational philosophies (single-gender or religious), and extensive facilities (like state-of-the-art theaters and athletic complexes). The public system provides an excellent, tuition-free education with a community-centered experience. Many families weigh the significant financial investment of private school against the desire for a particular type of community, curriculum intensity, or specialized focus not available in the public system.
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