The Best Private Schools in Norwood, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Norwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Norwood in Englewood, this school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology centers. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, EMS provides individualized attention and has a longstanding reputation for preparing students for top-tier secondary schools. The campus spans 14 acres with extensive outdoor learning spaces and athletic facilities.
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Rockland Country Day School
Independent
Rockland Country Day School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Norwood in Congers, New York, RCDS offers an International Baccalaureate program and emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides highly personalized education and has an excellent track record of college placements. The diverse community and strong arts program make it a popular choice for families in the Norwood area.
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Pascack Hills Private School
Private Independent
Pascack Hills Private School serves students in grades 9-12 and is located approximately 8 miles from Norwood in Montvale. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings and a robust STEM program. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong academic performance, with graduates regularly attending top-tier colleges and universities. The dedicated faculty and comprehensive extracurricular program provide students with well-rounded educational experiences and numerous leadership opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Norwood, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Norwood, New Jersey, and what are their key educational philosophies?
Norwood, NJ, is served by several notable private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood (pre-K through 8) is renowned for its child-centered, progressive approach and strong emphasis on community. Rockland Country Day School in Congers, NY, is an independent, college-preparatory school for grades 5-12 that attracts many New Jersey families with its rigorous academics and arts integration. Pascack Hills Private School offers a more flexible, often alternative educational model. Additionally, many Norwood families consider prestigious Bergen County academies and Catholic schools like Academy of the Holy Angels. The proximity to New York City also expands options for specialized high schools.
How does tuition for private schools in the Norwood, NJ, area compare, and are there financial aid or state-assisted programs available?
Tuition in the Norwood-area private schools varies significantly. Day schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School and Rockland Country Day School typically range from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 annually. It's crucial to factor in additional costs like transportation, as some schools are across the state line in New York. Financial aid is widely available at these institutions, based on demonstrated need. New Jersey also offers unique state-assisted programs, such as the "Interdistrict Public School Choice Program," but this applies to public schools, not private. However, NJ does not have tax-credit scholarship programs like some states, so most aid comes directly from the schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Norwood, New Jersey?
The process for Norwood-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For schools like The Elisabeth Morrow School, applications for the following academic year often open in September, with deadlines in January for the main round of admissions. The process usually includes a completed application, parent interviews, student visits/assessments, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. For upper grades at schools like Rockland Country Day School, standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) is typically required. Given the competitive nature of Bergen County's private education market, families are advised to start research and tours at least 12-18 months before desired entry, especially for pre-K and kindergarten seats.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Norwood's local public schools compare to the nearby private school options?
Norwood's public schools (part of the Norwood Public School District) are well-regarded, with small class sizes and a strong sense of community. The key differences lie in specialization, resources, and approach. Private options like Rockland Country Day School often offer more advanced or specialized college-prep tracks, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and distinctive programs in arts, technology, or global studies that may be more extensive. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes experiential learning from a very early age. Private schools also have more autonomy in curriculum design. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a specific educational philosophy, religious affiliation, or specialized program not available in the public system.
What are some unique logistical considerations for Norwood, NJ, families choosing a private school, particularly those located in New York State?
A unique consideration for Norwood families is the common scenario of choosing a top-tier private school across the state line in New York, such as Rockland Country Day School. This involves navigating interstate logistics. Parents must consider daily commute times across the Tappan Zee Bridge (Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) and potential traffic. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, as NJ school districts generally do not provide busing to out-of-state private schools. Furthermore, families should verify the school's accreditation and ensure its curriculum aligns with New Jersey's graduation requirements if a return to public high school is possible. The cultural and social dynamic of a student body drawn from both New York and New Jersey is also a distinctive aspect of these schools.
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