The Best Private Schools in Westfield, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Independent
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is a highly respected co-educational independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located in nearby Edison, it attracts families from Westfield and surrounding communities with its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular offerings, W+H emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Kent Place School
Independent
Kent Place School is a premier independent all-girls day school serving students from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in nearby Summit, it draws students from Westfield and throughout Union County. The school is renowned for its academic rigor, leadership development programs, and commitment to empowering young women. Kent Place offers extensive STEM initiatives, competitive athletics, vibrant arts programs, and global education opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, science centers, and athletic facilities, supported by a dedicated faculty focused on personalized student growth and achievement.
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The Peck School
Independent
The Peck School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade. While located in Morristown, it serves families from Westfield and surrounding communities seeking an exceptional elementary and middle school education. Peck emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with a curriculum that balances traditional academics with innovative programming. The school features beautiful campus facilities, dedicated arts spaces, athletic fields, and outdoor learning environments. Known for its strong community values and preparation for competitive secondary schools, Peck provides a nurturing yet challenging educational environment with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westfield, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available directly in Westfield, NJ, and what age groups do they serve?
Westfield, NJ, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, though many of the most prominent are located in nearby towns within Union County. Directly in Westfield, you'll find The Wardlaw+Hartridge School (Pre-K through 12th grade) on the border with Edison. Just outside Westfield in neighboring communities are two other top-tier options: Kent Place School (all-girls, K-12) in Summit and The Peck School (K-8) in Morristown. For younger children, Westfield has private preschools and early childhood centers. This concentration means Westfield parents have access to a robust private school network without needing to look far beyond the immediate area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Westfield, NJ, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Westfield area is generally at or above the New Jersey state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' prestigious reputations. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for upper schools like Wardlaw+Hartridge and Kent Place. K-8 schools like Peck are slightly lower. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. It's common for 20-30% of the student body to receive aid. Parents should absolutely apply for financial aid even if unsure of eligibility, as packages can be significant. New Jersey also has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so aid comes directly from the schools' endowments.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools near Westfield, NJ?
Schools in this area offer distinctive programs that leverage their resources and location. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School emphasizes global citizenship with a renowned Center for Global Learning and extensive language offerings. Kent Place School has a nationally recognized STEM program for girls, including a dedicated Engineering and Robotics Department, and a strong focus on leadership and ethics. The Peck School is noted for its character education and "Portrait of a Graduate" program, alongside strong arts and athletics for its K-8 students. Proximity to New York City also allows for unique internship, cultural, and academic partnership opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Westfield, NJ, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, parents should initiate research 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held September-November), submitting applications by early January (with some schools having deadlines as early as December 1st), and completing student visits and assessments (ISEE or SSAT for middle/upper schools) in the winter. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March. For the most sought-after grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, competition is intense. It is highly advisable to apply to more than one school. Engaging with the admissions office early and attending events can be beneficial, as schools seek families who are a mission-fit.
For families considering both, how do the private schools near Westfield compare academically and culturally to Westfield's highly-rated public schools?
This is a key consideration, as Westfield Public Schools are consistently ranked among the top in New Jersey. The choice often comes down to educational approach and environment rather than academic quality alone. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 20+ in public), more individualized attention, and often more specialized academic tracks or global curricula (like IB at Wardlaw+Hartridge). Culturally, private schools can offer a more close-knit community with a specific mission (e.g., all-girls education at Kent Place). Public schools offer a broader socioeconomic diversity and extensive resources due to larger scale. The decision frequently hinges on whether a family values the tailored, mission-driven private environment or the excellent, comprehensive, and tuition-free public option. Many Westfield residents choose the public schools, creating a competitive local landscape that also pushes the private schools to excel.
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