The Best Private Schools in Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scotch Plains. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Independent Catholic School
Oak Knoll School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12, with a coeducational elementary school and all-girls middle and high school. Located just minutes from Scotch Plains in Summit, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Oak Knoll emphasizes character development and leadership while maintaining strong academic traditions with a 100% college acceptance rate.
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Kent Place School
Independent School
Kent Place School is one of the nation's oldest independent all-girls schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in nearby Summit, the school serves families throughout Union County including Scotch Plains. The school features an exceptional academic program with a focus on leadership development, STEM education, and global perspectives. Kent Place offers extensive advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and robust arts programs. The school is known for its beautiful 26-acre campus, outstanding faculty, and commitment to empowering young women through education.
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The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent School
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is an independent coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Edison and serving families from Scotch Plains and surrounding communities, the school offers both traditional college preparatory curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs. The 36-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship with small class sizes and individualized attention. Wardlaw+Hartridge maintains strong college placement records and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scotch Plains, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Scotch Plains, NJ, and what are their key characteristics?
Scotch Plains itself is home to The Wardlaw+Hartridge School, a prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent school on its campus. Additionally, families in Scotch Plains commonly consider several highly-regarded nearby institutions. These include the all-girls Kent Place School (K-12) in Summit and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (co-ed K-6, all-girls 7-12) in Summit. These schools offer diverse educational philosophies: Wardlaw+Hartridge is nonsectarian with a global focus, Kent Place emphasizes leadership and STEM for girls, and Oak Knoll is a Catholic independent school. The proximity to these top-tier schools is a significant benefit of the Scotch Plains location.
How does tuition for private schools in the Scotch Plains, NJ, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this competitive market is significant, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to over $50,000 annually for upper grades. For the 2024-2025 year, expect tuition at schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge, Kent Place, and Oak Knoll to be in the upper tier of this range. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families should not be deterred by the sticker price; they are encouraged to apply for aid, which can substantially reduce the cost. The financial aid process is separate from admissions and typically requires submitting forms like the SSS (School and Student Services) by early deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Scotch Plains, NJ, offer that distinguish them?
Schools in this area leverage their resources and location to offer exceptional programs. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School features a renowned global scholars program and extensive language offerings, including Mandarin. Kent Place School has a dedicated Center for Innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and design thinking, and a strong robotics program. Oak Knoll emphasizes leadership through its Holy Child Network and offers distinctive programs in broadcasting and theater. All benefit from their proximity to New York City for arts and cultural partnerships, and their campuses often include state-of-the-art science labs, arts centers, and athletic facilities uncommon in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Scotch Plains, NJ, area?
Planning is crucial. The process for fall entry generally begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (common for schools like Kent Place and Oak Knoll), and scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) for the winter. Admissions decisions are typically released in March. For The Wardlaw+Hartridge School, which has a rolling admissions policy for some grades but priority deadlines, starting early is still advised. Engaging with your local Scotch Plains network for parent insights can also be invaluable.
For families weighing options, what are the notable differences between the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public School District and the surrounding private schools?
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District is highly rated, which makes the decision one of educational philosophy and specific needs. Key differences include: **Class Size** (private schools often have classes of 12-18 vs. public's 20-25), **Curriculum Flexibility** (private schools can offer specialized tracks and more elective choices earlier), **Religious or Single-Gender Education** (options like Oak Knoll or Kent Place), and **Resources** (private schools may have newer facilities and more niche programs funded by tuition and endowments). The public district offers a excellent, comprehensive education, while private options provide a tailored experience with distinct communities and often more intensive college counseling starting in earlier grades.
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