The Best Private Schools in Palisades Park, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Palisades Park. 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-regarded independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Palisades Park in Englewood, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school maintains a strong community focus with extensive parent involvement and consistently high satisfaction ratings from families throughout Bergen County.
Programs:
Dwight-Englewood School
Independent
Dwight-Englewood School is one of New Jersey's premier independent day schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in nearby Englewood, this academically rigorous institution offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The 45-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities including multiple gymnasiums and fields, state-of-the-art science and technology labs, and dedicated arts centers. The school is known for its diverse student body, exceptional college placement record, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings that include championship athletic teams and nationally-recognized arts programs.
Programs:
Academy of the Holy Angels
Catholic Independent College Preparatory School
Academy of the Holy Angels is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women located in Demarest, serving students throughout Bergen County including Palisades Park. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and global studies. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Holy Angels maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with 100% college acceptance rates and numerous merit scholarship recipients. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Palisades Park, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Palisades Park, NJ, and are there any within the town itself?
While Palisades Park itself is a densely populated residential borough, it does not host major independent private schools within its immediate borders. Therefore, families typically look to prestigious neighboring towns in Bergen County. Top-tier options very close by include The Elisabeth Morrow School (Englewood, serving ages 3-Grade 8), Dwight-Englewood School (Englewood, PreK-Grade 12), and the Academy of the Holy Angels (Demarest, all-girls, Grades 9-12). Many Palisades Park students also attend excellent Catholic parochial schools in surrounding communities. This proximity to a concentration of highly-regarded institutions is a significant benefit of the location.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Palisades Park, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading independent schools in Bergen County is among the highest in New Jersey. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000 to $55,000+ for day schools like Dwight-Englewood and Holy Angels. This exceeds the NJ private school average, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. Crucially, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families in Palisades Park are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions; awards can significantly reduce the net cost. New Jersey also has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private K-12 education, making institutional aid the primary resource.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Palisades Park area that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region leverage their proximity to New York City and a diverse, globally-connected community. For example, Dwight-Englewood School emphasizes global studies and entrepreneurship, with programs that utilize NYC as a classroom for internships and arts partnerships. The Academy of the Holy Angels offers renowned STEM and robotics programs, competing at high levels in regional and national competitions. The Elisabeth Morrow School’s "4 C's" curriculum (Courtesy, Consideration, Cooperation, and Compassion) is deeply integrated with its nature-filled campus. Furthermore, language immersion programs (Spanish, Mandarin, French) are common, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Palisades Park and Bergen County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Palisades Park, NJ, families?
The timeline is early and structured. For fall entry, the process often begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines (often with a common form like the SAO), scheduling student visits/interviews (Fall/Winter), and taking standardized assessments (like the ISEE or SSAT). Notification dates are usually in March, with contracts due shortly after. For Palisades Park families, it's vital to plan for potential transportation, as most schools do not provide district bussing. Starting early is critical, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, where competition is most intense.
For a family in Palisades Park, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing public school district and a private school?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and financial commitment. Palisades Park Public Schools are well-regarded, offering a solid education with the convenience of neighborhood schooling and no tuition. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific environment: smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), specialized curricula (International Baccalaureate, advanced STEM tracks, or faith-based education), or particular extracurricular depth (arts, athletics). The private schools nearby also draw from a wider geographic area, potentially creating a different social and academic peer group. Families must weigh the significant financial investment against these potential benefits, considering commute times to schools in Englewood, Demarest, or beyond.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities