The Best Private Schools in Washington, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gill St. Bernard's School
Independent School
Gill St. Bernard's School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located approximately 15 miles from Washington, NJ, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character education and community service while offering robust programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. With a strong track record of college placements and comprehensive extracurricular offerings, it serves families throughout the region including Washington area residents.
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The Willow School
Independent School
The Willow School is an acclaimed independent school known for its innovative approach to education that integrates sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout its curriculum. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (with high school expansion planned), the school features a beautiful campus with green buildings and outdoor learning environments. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development while maintaining strong college preparatory standards. Located about 15 miles from Washington, NJ, the school attracts families seeking an environmentally-conscious education with excellent teacher-student ratios and progressive teaching methodologies.
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Phillipsburg Christian Academy
Christian School
Phillipsburg Christian Academy is a well-regarded private Christian school located approximately 8 miles from Washington, NJ, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Christian values while maintaining strong college preparatory standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The curriculum integrates technology and biblical principles across all subjects, with particular strengths in STEM education and fine arts. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs, making it a popular choice for families in the Washington area seeking faith-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Washington, New Jersey, and what are their educational approaches?
Washington, NJ, and its surrounding Warren County area offer a few distinct private school options. The most prominent are Gill St. Bernard's School in Gladstone (a short drive away), known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and extensive arts and athletics; The Willow School in Gladstone, which emphasizes environmental sustainability and holistic, ethical learning; and Phillipsburg Christian Academy in Phillipsburg, providing a Bible-based education. While Washington itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, these nearby institutions are common choices for local families seeking alternatives to the Washington Borough Public Schools, each offering a unique philosophical approach to education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Washington, NJ, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New Jersey residents?
Tuition in this area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Gill St. Bernard's tuition ranges approximately from $30,000 to $40,000+, reflecting its comprehensive programs and facilities. The Willow School and Phillipsburg Christian Academy generally have lower tuition rates, often in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. Importantly, New Jersey offers several financial aid avenues. Many schools participate in the NJ State Tax-Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to eligible families. Additionally, the "A Better Chance" scholarship and school-specific need-based aid are common. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly, as aid availability and application processes differ.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Washington, NJ, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often specialize in programs that may be more limited in the public system. Gill St. Bernard's boasts a renowned STEM program, a global studies curriculum, and a 110-acre campus with extensive athletic facilities. The Willow School is unique for its "building as a teaching tool" philosophy, with a campus designed for environmental education and a strong focus on sustainability and ethics integrated into all subjects. Phillipsburg Christian Academy offers a structured, faith-based curriculum with daily Bible study. These specialized focuses—college-prep rigor, environmental stewardship, and religious instruction—provide alternatives to the standard curriculum of the Washington Public School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Washington, New Jersey, families?
The timeline is generally consistent with independent schools nationwide but requires early planning. For a fall start, the process often begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February, and completing student assessments/interviews and parent interviews in the winter. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. Admission decisions are communicated in March. Given the competitive nature of schools like Gill St. Bernard's and The Willow School, starting early is essential. Phillipsburg Christian Academy may have a more rolling admissions process, but contacting them well before the desired enrollment date is still recommended.
For a family living in Washington Borough, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools and nearby private options?
The decision hinges on several Washington-specific factors. Academically, consider if your child would benefit from the smaller class sizes and specialized programs (like advanced STEM or environmental science) offered privately versus the no-cost, comprehensive education of Washington Public Schools. Logistically, private options require commuting to Gladstone or Phillipsburg, impacting daily schedules. Financially, weigh the significant tuition investment against property taxes already funding public schools. Culturally, consider whether you seek a specific educational philosophy (progressive, faith-based, etc.) not available in the public system. Many Washington families visit both their local public school and private options to compare environments, community feel, and alignment with their child's needs before deciding.
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