The Best Private Schools in Teaneck, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Teaneck. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dwight-Englewood School
Independent School
Dwight-Englewood School is a prestigious coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located just minutes from Teaneck in neighboring Englewood, this highly-regarded institution offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional college preparation. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and support. The comprehensive curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement offerings, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and outstanding visual and performing arts. The school maintains a diverse student body and strong community values.
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The Elisabeth Morrow School
Independent School
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a highly respected independent school serving students from age 3 through eighth grade. Located in nearby Englewood, this school serves many families from Teaneck and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a curriculum that balances traditional subjects with innovative approaches. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Special programs include comprehensive STEAM education, world language instruction beginning in early childhood, and a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. The school is known for its nurturing environment and strong sense of community.
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The Frisch School
Yeshiva University Affiliated
The Frisch School is a modern Orthodox Jewish coeducational high school located in nearby Paramus, serving students from Teaneck and throughout Bergen County. The school offers a dual curriculum combining rigorous college preparatory academics with comprehensive Jewish studies. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses in multiple subjects, robust STEM offerings, and extensive humanities curriculum. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Frisch maintains strong college placement records and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, academic clubs, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its warm, inclusive community and commitment to both academic excellence and Jewish values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Teaneck, New Jersey
What are the main types of private schools available in Teaneck, New Jersey, and how do they differ?
Teaneck, NJ, offers a diverse range of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The top-tier independent day schools, like Dwight-Englewood School (Pre-K-12), provide a rigorous, secular college-preparatory education with extensive arts and athletics. The Elisabeth Morrow School serves younger students (ages 3-14) with a progressive, child-centered approach. The Frisch School is a premier co-ed Yeshiva high school offering a dual curriculum of intensive Jewish studies and a comprehensive secular program. This variety means parents in Teaneck can choose based on academic rigor, religious affiliation, and pedagogical style, all within a close-knit suburban community.
How does tuition for private schools in Teaneck, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition at Teaneck's leading private schools is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for similar institutions, reflecting their prestige and the region's higher cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Dwight-Englewood can exceed $55,000, while Frisch School is typically in the mid-$40,000s. Most Teaneck-area private schools have substantial financial aid budgets funded through endowments and annual giving. They use need-based assessment systems like SSS (School and Student Services) by NAIS. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" tax credit program can provide scholarships for students attending certain non-public schools, though eligibility criteria apply.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Teaneck's private schools?
Teaneck's private schools distinguish themselves with specialized programs leveraging their resources and location near New York City. Dwight-Englewood School is known for its Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering (CIDE), its extensive global travel programs, and a renowned performing arts department. The Frisch School offers unique programs like its Business Halacha Institute and STEM tracks integrated with Torah studies. The Elisabeth Morrow School emphasizes its "4 C's" curriculum (Courtesy, Cooperation, Compassion, and Conservation) and hands-on learning in its science lab and maker space. Proximity to NYC also allows for regular educational trips and access to cultural institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Teaneck?
The admission process for Teaneck's top private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, the timeline typically starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (with some schools like Dwight-Englewood using the Standard Application Online), student visits/testing/interviews in winter, and notification dates in March. For The Frisch School, the process may also include assessments in Judaic studies. Due to limited seats and high demand, especially for non-sibling applicants, starting the process early and engaging deeply with each school's specific requirements is crucial.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Teaneck compare academically to the highly-rated Teaneck Public Schools?
Teaneck Public Schools are well-regarded and diverse, offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the high school. Choosing private often comes down to specific priorities. Private schools like Dwight-Englewood and Frisch typically offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 20-30 in public), more individualized attention, and different curricular focuses (e.g., Frisch's dual curriculum). They may have more resources for specialized facilities and programs. The public system provides a strong, tuition-free education with its own unique strengths, like the IB program and the community's celebrated diversity. The decision often hinges on desired class size, religious education, specific academic tracks, and family budget.
Private Education Insights
Discover Teaneck's Premier Private Pre-K: A Parent's Guide to Early Excellence
For families in Teaneck, the decision to explore private pre k is often the first significant step in a long-term educational journey. It’s about more than just finding a safe, nurturing environment for your young child; it’s about laying a foundational stone that aligns with your family’s values and academic aspirations. In our diverse and community-oriented town, this choice carries unique weight, as the early learning landscape here is rich with options that cater to a wide spectrum of philosophies and goals. Understanding the local nuances can help you navigate this important process with greater confidence and clarity.
One of the primary considerations for Teaneck parents is the pathway that a private pre k creates. Many of our esteemed local institutions are part of larger schools that continue through the upper grades. For instance, a private pre k program at a school like Dwight-Englewood or The Elisabeth Morrow School isn't just a standalone year; it's often the preferred entry point into a continuous, cohesive educational experience. Securing a spot in these sought-after pre k classes can be integral to a long-term plan, potentially simplifying the admissions process for later years. This continuity is a significant advantage, providing stability and a consistent pedagogical approach from the very start of your child’s formal education.
The educational philosophy is another critical factor. Teaneck’s private pre k options reflect a range of approaches. You might find a play-based, developmental program that emphasizes social-emotional growth alongside early literacy and numeracy, often in a secular setting. Conversely, families seeking a faith-based foundation have strong options, such as The Frisch School, which offers an early childhood program rooted in Jewish values and traditions. This diversity means you can find a program where the classroom culture feels like a natural extension of your home, whether you prioritize progressive education, a particular religious framework, or a blend of both. Visiting these schools, you'll notice how their philosophies manifest in the classroom design, daily routines, and the way teachers interact with students.
Logistically, life in Teaneck adds specific considerations. Many families balance commutes to New York City with a desire for a tight-knit community school. A local private pre k offers the profound benefit of embedding your family within a network of neighbors who share similar educational priorities. Furthermore, the practical aspects—drop-off and pick-up times, after-care options, and school calendars—need to align with your family's rhythm. We encourage you to look beyond the brochure and talk to current parents. Ask about the community feel, how the school communicates, and how it supports the transition from preschool to kindergarten. The right private pre k in Teaneck will not only prepare your child academically and socially but will also make you feel connected and supported as a parent, turning a school choice into a community choice for your entire family.
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