The Best Private Schools in Ocean City, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ocean City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Augustine Preparatory School
Augustinian Schools
St. Augustine Prep is a highly-regarded all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the South Jersey region, including Ocean City families. The school features a rigorous academic program with 22 AP courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average SAT scores well above national averages, the school maintains exceptional academic standards. The 100-acre campus includes modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities serving students from throughout Cape May and Atlantic counties.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Camden
Holy Trinity Catholic School serves families throughout Cape May County, including Ocean City residents, with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations, featuring integrated technology, STEM programs, and small class sizes. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many students continuing to top regional high schools. The curriculum includes Spanish instruction, music and art programs, and competitive sports for middle school students.
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The Pilgrim Academy
Independent Christian School
The Pilgrim Academy is an independent Christian school serving students from Ocean City and throughout Atlantic County with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school offers a college-preparatory curriculum grounded in Christian values, featuring advanced placement courses, competitive athletic teams, and extensive fine arts programs. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and character development. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces, serving as a regional educational option for families seeking faith-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ocean City, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Ocean City, New Jersey, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ocean City itself is home to a few key private institutions, with more options available in the surrounding Cape May and Atlantic County areas. Directly in Ocean City, The Pilgrim Academy is a notable Christian school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. For Catholic education, Holy Trinity Catholic School in nearby West Cape May serves Pre-K through 8th grade. Many Ocean City families also consider St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland (Atlantic County), an all-boys Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12. The selection is more limited within the island city itself, so commuting to neighboring towns is a common consideration for families seeking specific religious affiliations or high school programs.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ocean City, NJ area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New Jersey residents?
Tuition in the Ocean City area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$10,000 annually for elementary grades at schools like Holy Trinity Catholic School to over $20,000 for high school at St. Augustine Prep. New Jersey offers several financial aid avenues that local families can explore. Most schools have their own need-based aid and merit scholarship programs. Critically, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" allows businesses to redirect a portion of their state tax liability to scholarship funds for students attending non-public schools, which can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ocean City offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Several private schools in the Ocean City area integrate the unique coastal and marine setting into their curricula. The Pilgrim Academy, for instance, may incorporate local ecology and environmental science projects focused on the nearby wetlands, beaches, and ocean. St. Augustine Prep, with its strong college-prep focus, offers robust science programs where students can engage in marine biology research, potentially partnering with local institutions like the Rutgers University Marine Field Station in Tuckerton. Sailing, environmental stewardship clubs, and community service projects focused on beach clean-ups or coastal conservation are common extracurriculars that provide a distinctive educational experience rooted in the Jersey Shore community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ocean City, NJ, and are there considerations for seasonal residents?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date, with application deadlines typically between January and March. Schools like St. Augustine Prep and The Pilgrim Academy require entrance exams (HSPT or similar), transcripts, recommendations, and family interviews. A key consideration for Ocean City families is the large population of seasonal residents. Many schools are accustomed to this and have processes in place, but it's crucial to communicate your status early. Securing a spot can be competitive, especially for incoming high school freshmen, so applying early is strongly advised. Some schools may also offer flexible scheduling or have experience with students who split time between locations.
For families considering both options, what are the main differences between Ocean City's public school district and the available private schools?
Ocean City's public school district (Ocean City School District) is highly rated and serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade in a non-tuition-based system. The primary differences with private options involve class size, religious education, and specialized focus. Private schools like Holy Trinity and The Pilgrim Academy offer smaller class sizes and a faith-based education integrated into the daily curriculum—an option not available in the public system. St. Augustine Prep offers a single-gender, rigorous college-prep environment. While Ocean City High School provides excellent academic and extracurricular programs (including notable sailing and music programs), private schools provide an alternative for families seeking specific religious values, a particular pedagogical approach, or a smaller, more intimate learning community, albeit at a significant financial cost. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide the same busing services as the public district.
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