The Best Private Schools in Westwood, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westwood. 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 highly regarded coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located just 5 miles from Westwood, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its diverse student body and commitment to global education, the school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, robotics programs, and community service initiatives.
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Academy of the Holy Angels
Independent Catholic School
Academy of the Holy Angels is a prestigious independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women located approximately 6 miles from Westwood. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with advanced placement courses and honors programs across all disciplines. Notable features include their STEM Academy with specialized courses in engineering and computer science, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and provides personalized college counseling. Facilities include modern science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and leadership development.
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Bergen Catholic High School
Private Catholic School
Bergen Catholic High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 4 miles from Westwood. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors curriculum. Known for its strong athletic tradition and academic excellence, the school features modern facilities including recently renovated science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and provides robust college counseling services. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic programs, robotics team, debate club, and numerous service organizations. The school has a strong alumni network and consistently places graduates in competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westwood, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Westwood, New Jersey, and what are their key characteristics?
Westwood itself is a smaller borough, so many families look to the surrounding Bergen County area for premier private schools. The most prominent options include Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood (Pre-K-12, co-ed, known for a rigorous academic curriculum and global focus), Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest (all-girls, 9-12, Catholic college-preparatory), and Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell (all-boys, 9-12, Catholic). While not in Westwood proper, these schools are a short commute and draw significantly from the Westwood community. There are also smaller parochial and independent schools in nearby towns. Westwood's location provides excellent access to a dense network of highly-regarded private institutions.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Westwood, NJ, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools near Westwood is generally at or above the New Jersey private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $55,000-$60,000 for upper schools at Dwight-Englewood, and $20,000-$25,000 for the Catholic high schools. New Jersey's high cost of living is reflected in these figures. Importantly, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. Dwight-Englewood and the Catholic schools have dedicated aid budgets, and many families utilize the FACTS financial aid assessment. Additionally, New Jersey's "Opportunity Scholarship Act" (tax-credit scholarship) programs can provide assistance for eligible families choosing non-public schools.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools serving Westwood, NJ, students?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. Dwight-Englewood is renowned for its Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering, robust arts programs, and extensive global travel and language immersion. Academy of the Holy Angels offers strong STEM initiatives, including a dedicated Engineering and Design Institute, alongside leadership programs for young women. Bergen Catholic features a renowned Robotics program, a comprehensive Corporate Work Study Program, and competitive athletic leagues. For Westwood families, these specialized offerings mean students can find programs aligned with interests in technology, arts, leadership, or faith-based learning without having to look far from home.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Holy Angels or Bergen Catholic for a Westwood resident?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade entry at schools like Holy Angels and Bergen Catholic, families should start in the fall of the student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-October), registering for and taking the required entrance exam (HSPT or SSAT, usually in November or December), submitting applications by early January, and completing interviews or shadow days. Admissions decisions are typically released in February or March. Westwood parents should note that these schools draw from a wide geographic area, so applying on time is critical. For Dwight-Englewood, which is Pre-K-12, timelines vary by entry grade, but planning at least a year in advance is standard.
For a family weighing options, what are the key considerations when comparing Westwood's highly-rated public schools to the nearby private institutions?
This is a common consideration in Westwood, which boasts excellent public schools. Key differentiators include: **Class Size and Individual Attention:** Private schools often have smaller student-to-teacher ratios. **Educational Philosophy and Specialization:** Private schools offer distinct missions (e.g., single-gender, religious, progressive academic focus) that may align with a child's needs. **Resource Allocation:** Private schools can fund specialized facilities, programs, and global opportunities differently. **Community and Network:** Private schools often cultivate a specific community ethos and alumni network. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks the tailored, mission-driven environment of a private school versus the strong, community-centered education provided by Westwood's public system, while also considering the significant financial investment.
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