The Best Private Schools in Plainfield, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Place School
Independent School
Kent Place School is an exceptional independent all-girls school serving the Plainfield area from its Summit location. Founded in 1894, this prestigious institution offers education from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is renowned for its leadership development program and strong STEM curriculum. Kent Place features outstanding facilities including a innovation lab, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global perspective. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the school provides a supportive environment where girls excel academically and develop as confident leaders. College matriculation includes top-tier universities nationwide.
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Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Holy Child Network of Schools
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is a premier Catholic independent school located in Summit, serving families from Plainfield and surrounding communities. Founded in 1924, the school offers coeducational education from kindergarten through grade 6 and all-girls education from grades 7-12. The Holy Child educational philosophy emphasizes intellectual curiosity, faith development, and social responsibility. The school features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, arts studios, and athletic facilities. Oak Knoll's rigorous college preparatory curriculum is complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere with an emphasis on character development and service learning.
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The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent School
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a highly regarded independent school located just minutes from Plainfield in Edison. Founded in 1882, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and numerous clubs. The school has a strong track record of college placements at top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainfield, New Jersey
What are the top private school options for families in Plainfield, NJ, and are they located within the city itself?
While Plainfield itself is home to a few private institutions, the most highly regarded schools in the area are located in neighboring towns, drawing many Plainfield families. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison is a premier Pre-K-12 independent school known for its strong college preparatory curriculum. Kent Place School in Summit is an all-girls, independent college preparatory school for grades K-12. Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, also in Summit, is a Catholic independent school, co-ed from kindergarten through grade 6 and all-girls in grades 7-12. These schools are all within a reasonable commuting distance from Plainfield and represent the top tier of private education in the region.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Plainfield, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Plainfield area is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge and Kent Place often ranges from approximately $35,000 to $50,000+ for upper grades. New Jersey has a relatively high cost for private education, but these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. It is common for 20-30% of the student body at these institutions to receive some form of aid. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as deadlines are strict and funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Plainfield, NJ, area offer that differentiate them?
Private schools serving Plainfield families often provide specialized programs that leverage their resources and locations. For example, The Wardlaw+Hartridge School has a renowned Global Scholars program and extensive STEM research opportunities. Kent Place School has a distinctive all-girls STEM-focused curriculum and a nationally recognized Ethics Institute. Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child emphasizes leadership and service learning rooted in its Catholic heritage. Additionally, their proximity to New York City and major corporate hubs in New Jersey allows for robust internship programs, speaker series, and cultural partnerships that are less common in public school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Plainfield, NJ?
The admissions process for top-tier schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge, Kent Place, and Oak Knoll is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are usually in early January for the following academic year. The process includes a completed application, student assessments or entrance exams (like the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Notification dates are generally in mid-March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry-level grades (K, 6, and 9), families in Plainfield are advised to start their research and visits 18-24 months before desired enrollment.
For a Plainfield, NJ resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the area?
Plainfield residents must weigh several local factors. The Plainfield Public School District faces challenges common to urban districts, including larger class sizes and constrained resources, though it offers various specialized programs. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial commitment but typically guarantees smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more extensive college counseling and extracurricular offerings. A major practical consideration is transportation; while Plainfield may provide busing for some private school students under state "choice" programs or within a mandated distance, many families must arrange and budget for private transportation to schools in Summit, Edison, or elsewhere. The decision often hinges on prioritizing specific educational philosophies, religious affiliation, and the value placed on the private school network and resources.
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