The Best Private Schools in Totowa, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Totowa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delbarton School
Delbarton School
Delbarton School is a highly prestigious independent Catholic school for boys in grades 7-12, consistently ranked among the top private schools in New Jersey. Located approximately 15 miles from Totowa, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic results. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 14 students, a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and extensive Advanced Placement course offerings. The 200-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions, with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and top-tier universities.
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St. Mary's Prep
St. Mary's Prep School
St. Mary's Prep is a co-educational Catholic elementary and middle school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, located approximately 12 miles from Totowa. The school provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values while maintaining strong academic standards. The curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating advanced STEM programs, foreign language instruction, and comprehensive fine arts education. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is notably high, with families praising the nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 15 miles from Totowa. MKA offers a comprehensive educational program featuring the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside advanced placement courses. The school maintains three distinct campuses tailored to different age groups, each with specialized facilities including state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary learning. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and average class size of 15 students, MKA provides personalized attention and strong college counseling, resulting in consistent placement of graduates at top-tier universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Totowa, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Totowa, New Jersey, and are there any located directly within the borough?
While Totowa itself is a smaller borough, it is surrounded by several highly-regarded private schools in neighboring towns. The most prominent nearby options include Delbarton School (an all-boys Benedictine college preparatory school in Morristown), St. Mary's Prep (a co-educational Catholic school in Denville), and Montclair Kimberley Academy (a co-ed independent school in Montclair). There are no major independent or Catholic private school campuses physically located within Totowa's borders, so families should anticipate commuting to these surrounding communities. Many Totowa families also consider other Catholic schools within the Paterson Diocese and independent day schools in Bergen and Essex counties.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Totowa, NJ compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools in the North Jersey region near Totowa is generally above the New Jersey state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Delbarton and Montclair Kimberley Academy have tuitions approaching or exceeding $50,000. St. Mary's Prep, as a Catholic school, is often less, but still significant. Importantly, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. Delbarton, for example, awards millions in aid annually. New Jersey also has the "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (OSA) proposed legislation for tax-credit scholarships, though not yet passed, and the state allows for tax-advantaged 529 plans to be used for K-12 private tuition. Parents should apply for financial aid directly through the school using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Totowa area that leverage North Jersey's resources?
Schools in this region often utilize their proximity to New York City and a dense network of corporate and scientific institutions for enhanced programs. For instance, Montclair Kimberley Academy emphasizes global studies and entrepreneurship with NYC partnerships. Delbarton offers robust STEM initiatives and a renowned robotics program that competes nationally. St. Mary's Prep provides a strong classical education within a faith-based framework. Many schools also offer specialized tracks in visual/performing arts, advanced science research, and competitive athletics within the New Jersey Independent Schools Athletic Association. Their locations facilitate frequent trips to museums, Wall Street, pharmaceutical companies, and universities in the broader metropolitan area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Totowa, NJ, and when should Totowa parents begin?
The admissions process for top-tier North Jersey private schools is highly structured and competitive. Parents in Totowa should begin researching schools 18-24 months before the desired entry date (e.g., spring before the application year for fall entry). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (for the following September), and scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Notification dates are typically in March. For kindergarten or 9th-grade entry, planning is especially critical due to the highest demand. It's also advisable to engage with the admissions office early to understand any specific considerations for applicants from the Totowa area.
For a family in Totowa weighing private versus public school, what are the key local considerations regarding transportation, community, and educational approach?
Totowa families must consider several local factors. **Transportation:** By state law, New Jersey public school districts must provide transportation to private schools within a 20-mile radius, which applies to many schools near Totowa. However, bus routes and times for longer commutes to schools like Delbarton can be a logistical factor. **Community:** Totowa's public schools are part of the local community, while private schools draw from a wider regional area, which can affect carpooling and social networks. **Educational Approach:** Totowa's public schools offer a standard NJ curriculum, while nearby private options provide distinct philosophies (e.g., single-gender, religious, progressive independent). The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational model and is willing to manage the commute and cost for that tailored environment.
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