The Best Private Schools in Oakland, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Immaculate Heart Academy
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark
Immaculate Heart Academy is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Oakland and throughout Bergen County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. Known for its strong community values and exceptional college placement record, IHA features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Independent Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is a prestigious independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women, drawing students from Oakland and surrounding communities. With a history spanning over 140 years, AHA offers a comprehensive curriculum featuring extensive AP courses, specialized STEM programs, and robust arts education. The school emphasizes leadership development and global citizenship through international exchange programs and community service initiatives. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces, supporting a well-rounded educational experience.
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Don Bosco Preparatory High School
Salesians of Don Bosco
Don Bosco Prep is a renowned all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving Oakland and the broader northern New Jersey region. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, including specialized engineering and computer science tracks. Don Bosco features exceptional athletic facilities, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school's Salesian educational philosophy focuses on character development and leadership, preparing students for success in college and beyond. With modern science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, Don Bosco provides a dynamic learning environment for young men.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakland, New Jersey
What are the primary private secondary school options available to families residing in Oakland, New Jersey?
While Oakland itself is a smaller borough, it is situated in a region of Bergen County with several highly-regarded private secondary schools. The most prominent options include Immaculate Heart Academy (all-girls, grades 9-12) in Washington Township, Academy of the Holy Angels (all-girls, grades 9-12) in Demarest, and Don Bosco Preparatory High School (all-boys, grades 9-12) in Ramsey. Oakland residents also have access to other regional Catholic and independent schools. These schools are all within a reasonable commuting distance, with many families utilizing carpool networks.
How does the tuition for top private high schools near Oakland, NJ compare, and are there financial aid options?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $18,000 to $23,000. Don Bosco Prep and Academy of the Holy Angels generally fall within this range, while Immaculate Heart Academy is often on the higher end. It's crucial to factor in additional costs for registration, technology fees, activities, and transportation from Oakland. All these institutions offer need-based financial aid, and many have merit scholarship programs. New Jersey also has no state-level tax credit or voucher program for private school tuition, making institutional aid and external scholarships key resources for Oakland families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Oakland, NJ?
Schools in this competitive Bergen County corridor offer robust programs. Don Bosco Prep is renowned for its STEM-focused Engineering Academy and competitive athletics. Immaculate Heart Academy features a nationally-recognized STEM program for women, extensive arts, and a global studies certificate. Academy of the Holy Angels offers signature programs in visual and performing arts, a competitive science research track, and a comprehensive leadership institute. For Oakland students interested in specific fields, these specialized tracks can be a major differentiator from the local public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Oakland, NJ residents?
The process is highly structured and begins early. Prospective students for fall entry should start exploring schools in the spring of their 7th-grade year. Open houses are held in the fall of 8th grade (September-October). Application deadlines are usually in early November, with entrance exams (like the HSPT or school-specific tests) scheduled for November or December. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in February. For Oakland families, planning for transportation and coordinating with neighbors for test prep and shadow day logistics is an important local consideration.
For a family in Oakland, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public high school (Indian Hills) to the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on educational approach, class size, and specific program offerings. Indian Hills High School (part of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District) is a highly-rated public school. The private alternatives offer significantly smaller average class sizes, religious education (if desired), and the specialized academies mentioned earlier. The private schools also draw from a wider geographic area, which can expand your child's social network across Bergen County. Conversely, Indian Hills provides a tuition-free education with strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and the convenience of a local community school. Oakland families should consider the daily commute, financial investment, and which environment best aligns with their child's learning style and goals.
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