The Best Private Schools in Riverside, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Riverside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross Academy
Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools
Holy Cross Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Riverside area and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and robust fine arts offerings. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Mary of the Lakes School
Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools
St. Mary of the Lakes School provides exceptional Catholic education to students from Riverside and surrounding communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, enriched language arts, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school features modern classrooms, STEM labs, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and focus on developing well-rounded students through academic, spiritual, and extracurricular programs.
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St. Charles Borromeo School
Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools
St. Charles Borromeo School serves families in Riverside and the greater Cinnaminson area with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates technology throughout all subjects while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Programs include comprehensive arts education, competitive sports, and community service initiatives. The campus features modern facilities including computer labs, science centers, and updated athletic fields. The school is particularly noted for its welcoming community atmosphere and strong parent-teacher collaboration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Riverside, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Riverside, New Jersey, and what are their educational affiliations?
Riverside, NJ, is served by several well-regarded private, faith-based schools, though it's important to note that the schools themselves are located in neighboring towns. The top options include Holy Cross Academy (PreK-8, Roman Catholic) in Riverside, St. Mary of the Lakes School (PreK-8, Roman Catholic) in Medford, and St. Charles Borromeo School (PreK-8, Roman Catholic) in Cinnaminson. Riverside families also have access to other private and parochial schools throughout Burlington County. There are no large independent non-sectarian private schools within Riverside itself, making Catholic education the dominant private option for local residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Riverside, NJ area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New Jersey families?
Tuition for the K-8 Catholic schools serving Riverside typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,500 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. New Jersey offers specific financial aid programs that Riverside families can utilize. The most significant is the "NJ FamilyChoice" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by corporate donations to eligible students. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based aid and offer parish subsidies for active members. It's crucial to contact each school's financial office directly, as aid availability and application processes can vary.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Riverside, NJ, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Riverside area emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is a primary differentiator. Academically, they often feature standardized curricula like the Diocese of Trenton's guidelines, with a strong focus on foundational skills. Many offer specialized programs such as STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiatives, foreign language instruction starting in elementary grades, and robust sacramental preparation programs. Extracurriculars like CYO sports, choir, and community service projects are deeply embedded in the school culture, fostering a close-knit community environment that can be distinct from larger public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for kindergarten at a private school like Holy Cross Academy in Riverside, NJ?
For kindergarten enrollment at Holy Cross Academy or similar schools in the area, the process typically begins a full year in advance. Priority registration for existing families and parishioners often opens in January for the following September. Open registration for new families usually follows in February or March. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and often a registration fee. Some schools may require a developmental screening or a meeting with the principal. Due to limited seats, especially in kindergarten, Riverside parents are strongly advised to contact their school of choice by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year to get exact dates and ensure a spot.
For a family in Riverside, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Riverside Township School District) and a private Catholic school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Academically, Riverside Township Public Schools serve grades K-8 locally, with students attending Riverside High School (a regional high school). Private Catholic schools offer a continuous K-8 program with a religious curriculum and typically smaller class sizes. Logistically, private schools may involve a commute to Medford or Cinnaminson, whereas public school is neighborhood-based. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against the tax burden for public schools. Culturally, the choice is between a diverse public school community and a faith-centered private community. Many Riverside families choose private schools for religious instruction and a perceived consistent disciplinary environment, while others value the no-tuition cost and local community of the public system.
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