The Best Private Schools in Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Picatinny Arsenal. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Morristown Beard School
Independent School
Morristown Beard School is a highly-regarded coeducational independent school serving grades 6-12. Located just 15 minutes from Picatinny Arsenal, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. MBS emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in robotics, debate, and community service. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The Peck School
Independent School
The Peck School is one of New Jersey's oldest and most respected independent day schools, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Located approximately 12 miles from Picatinny Arsenal, Peck emphasizes a balanced approach to education with strong academic foundations, character development, and community engagement. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Peck's curriculum includes comprehensive STEAM education, foreign language instruction beginning in kindergarten, and a renowned character education program that has been recognized nationally.
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Gill St. Bernard's School
Independent School
Gill St. Bernard's School is a prestigious PreK-12 independent school located approximately 20 miles from Picatinny Arsenal in the scenic Somerset Hills. The school offers a comprehensive educational program with particular strengths in science, mathematics, and the arts. The 208-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and an on-site farm used for environmental science education. Gill St. Bernard's maintains small class sizes, offers 20+ Advanced Placement courses, and has a strong record of college placements at top-tier universities. The school community emphasizes ethical development and global citizenship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey
Are there any private schools located directly on Picatinny Arsenal, and what are the top nearby options for military and civilian families?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the secure confines of Picatinny Arsenal itself. However, military and civilian families associated with the Arsenal typically live in the surrounding Morris County communities and have access to several highly-regarded private schools a short commute away. The top options frequently considered include Morristown Beard School in Morristown (Pre-K-12), The Peck School in Morristown (K-8), and Gill St. Bernard's School in Gladstone (Pre-K-12). These schools are accustomed to serving families connected to the Arsenal and often have streamlined processes for military transitions.
What is the typical tuition range for private day schools near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, and are there financial aid options specifically for military or Department of Defense families?
Tuition for the leading private day schools in the Picatinny Arsenal area is consistent with the high cost of living in Morris County. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range of approximately $30,000 to $50,000+ for grades K-12. All the top schools, including Morristown Beard, Peck, and Gill St. Bernard's, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. While there are no tuition-specific military discounts, these aid packages are need-blind and can significantly reduce costs. Additionally, Department of Defense families may explore using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for K-12 tuition, though this is subject to specific eligibility and benefit tiers.
How do the STEM programs at private schools near Picatinny Arsenal leverage the local presence of a major research and engineering facility?
The proximity to Picatinny Arsenal, a premier Department of Defense research facility for armament systems, creates unique STEM opportunities. Schools like Morristown Beard and Gill St. Bernard's have developed strong engineering, robotics, and advanced science curricula that sometimes include guest lectures from Arsenal engineers, specialized project collaborations, and field trips to approved external exhibits or STEM fairs hosted in the area. These connections provide students with real-world context and inspire pathways into engineering and defense technology fields, though direct access to the secured Arsenal grounds is limited.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission assessment requirements for competitive private schools serving the Picatinny Arsenal community?
The admission process for top-tier private schools in this region is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall 2025, the ideal timeline starts in the summer or early fall of 2024. Key steps include attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing student assessments/interviews by February. Most schools require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Given the potential for sudden PCS moves, schools in the Picatinny area are generally experienced at accommodating mid-year applications from military families on a space-available basis, but planning ahead is strongly advised for the best outcome.
For families living on or near Picatinny Arsenal, how do the transportation logistics for private schools typically work, given the base's security?
Transportation requires planning, as school buses do not typically enter the secured Arsenal grounds. Most families living on-base or in immediate off-base housing provide their own transportation or organize carpools. Some private schools, like Gill St. Bernard's, offer private bus service with routes that include designated pickup points in nearby towns such as Rockaway, Denville, or Morristown, where Arsenal families can meet the bus. It's crucial to discuss specific transportation needs and options directly with the admissions office of each school, as they can often connect you with other local families from the Arsenal community to facilitate arrangements.
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