The Best Private Schools in Short Hills, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Short Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Pingry School
The Pingry School
The Pingry School is one of New Jersey's most prestigious independent day schools serving the Short Hills area with two campuses. Founded in 1861, Pingry offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic standards. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a comprehensive extracurricular program including championship athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Kent Place School
Kent Place School
Kent Place School is a highly-regarded independent all-girls day school serving families in Short Hills and surrounding communities. Established in 1894, the school provides an exceptional educational experience focused on empowering young women through academic excellence and leadership development. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and global perspectives with advanced STEM programs, robust arts education, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology centers, art studios, and athletic facilities. Kent Place is known for its supportive community, experienced faculty, and outstanding college preparation with graduates consistently accepted to prestigious universities.
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Newark Academy
Newark Academy
Newark Academy is a highly selective co-educational independent school serving the Short Hills area with a rich history dating back to 1774. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula, providing students with diverse academic pathways and rigorous college preparation. Features include extensive STEM facilities, performing arts centers, modern athletic complexes, and innovative learning spaces. The school emphasizes global citizenship, ethical leadership, and intellectual curiosity through its comprehensive program. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Newark Academy maintains exceptional academic standards and strong college placement records, consistently ranking among New Jersey's top private schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Short Hills, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options serving families in Short Hills, NJ, and are they located directly in town?
While Short Hills itself is a residential community, it is exceptionally well-served by several of New Jersey's top-tier private schools located in the immediate surrounding area. The most prominent are The Pingry School (with its Short Hills campus for grades K-5 and a Basking Ridge campus for 6-12), the all-girls Kent Place School in Summit, and the co-educational Newark Academy in Livingston. These schools are the primary destinations for Short Hills families seeking independent education. Additionally, families often consider Far Brook School in Short Hills for younger grades and other regional options like The Peck School in Morristown or Montclair Kimberley Academy.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Short Hills, NJ, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at the leading private schools in the Short Hills area is among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting their prestige, facilities, and faculty. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000 to $55,000 for upper schools, with elementary grades generally slightly lower. This is above the NJ private school average. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. For example, Pingry, Kent Place, and Newark Academy all have substantial endowment-funded aid budgets, awarding millions annually. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and aid is need-based, not merit-based.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Short Hills, NJ?
Schools in this corridor offer exceptional and distinct programs. The Pingry School is renowned for its STEM initiatives and nationally competitive athletics. Kent Place School has a dedicated Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering and a strong focus on women's leadership. Newark Academy features a unique Global Online Academy membership, an extensive debate program, and a renowned visual and performing arts department. A common thread is their emphasis on global citizenship, with extensive study abroad and language immersion opportunities. The proximity to New York City also allows these schools to facilitate unparalleled internships and cultural partnerships not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Short Hills, NJ, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families should start researching schools 18-24 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by early January (often via the Standard Application Online - SAO), scheduling student visits and interviews (fall/winter), and taking standardized assessments like the ISEE or SSAT. Admission decisions are released in mid-March. For the most sought-after grades, competition is intense, and applying in the main entry year is advised. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission.
For families in Short Hills with excellent public schools (Millburn Township), what are the key factors in deciding between private and public education?
This is a significant consideration, as Millburn Public Schools are consistently ranked #1 in New Jersey. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy and specific student needs. Families may choose private schools for smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 20+), more specialized academic tracks or learning support, a particular focus like single-sex education (Kent Place), or a specific community ethos. The private options also offer more flexibility in curriculum design and often have more extensive arts, athletics, and global programs. Conversely, the public system provides a top-tier education with no tuition and a direct connection to the local community. Many families visit both their local public school and several private options to assess the best fit for their child's learning style and their family's values.
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