Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, and there are probably a million questions swirling around your head in the process: What are the differences between a project-based learning environment or a creative one? Should I choose a faith-based program? When is the right grade to begin a college-prep school? What are the benefits of a single-sex education? Luckily, New Jersey has plenty of private school options for kids of all ages, so whether you’re looking for a pre-K multi-sensory program or a college-prep high school, you’ll have a wide range of possibilities to choose from. The first step is to attend an open house: These informational gatherings and tours give prospective students and parents a firsthand look at how the school fosters intellectual, academic and social growth. Many are happening this fall, so check out our guide below to get a head start on the 2020 school year.
OPEN HOUSES FOR PRE-K TO KINDERGARTEN ONLY SCHOOLS:
Always building and learning in new ways via Apple Montessori Schools
Apple Montessori Schools
Get ready for tons of proud, “I did it!” moments at Apple Montessori Schools, with 15 locations throughout New Jersey. This well-rounded highly integrated curriculum helps your child excel intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically and ethically. In addition, Montessori offers Montessori Plus, which features additional curriculum-based changes like foreign language and innovative technology, as well as elements beyond the classroom like a summer program, live parent video monitoring, parent partnerships, seminars, and daily e-reports. Schedule a morning or afternoon private tour, or check out upcoming open houses here. Locations include Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Edison, Hoboken, Kinnelon, Mahwah, Metuchen, Morris Plains, Oakland, Randolph, Towaco/Montville, and Wayne. Some locations offer elementary grades as well.
15 locations throughout North and Central Jersey
Edison: (732) 662-3694; ages 2-6
Hoboken-Maxwell Lane: (201) 984-5423; ages 6 weeks-6 years
Hoboken-Sinatra Drive: (201) 275-1127; ages 6 weeks-6 years
Wayne-Nevins Road: (973) 317-8081; ages 6 weeks-12 years
Learning and growing via Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons operates with the motto: Crafted by experts. Facilitated by educators. Inspired by children. offering early education, preschool and kindergarten prep programs for ages infant through school-age in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City. Their philosophy is a creative, hands-on approach to project-based learning, a focus on the understanding of teamwork and boosting a positive self-image. To get a peek at a classroom in action and learn more about the curriculum and facilities, check out Bright Horizons Curriculum Night here. Locations include Roseland, Madison, Parsippany, Lyndhurst, Iselin, Hoboken, North Brunswick, Cranbury, East Brunswick, Lawrenceville, Lebanon, Princeton, Rockaway, Kendall Park, Flanders, Spotswood, Somerset, Jersey City, and Weehawken.
Various locations in North and Central Jersey
Hoboken at Maxwell Place: (201) 420-6039; infants-school age
North Brunswick: (732) 545-0150; infants-school age
Princeton at Carnegie Center: (609) 419-0105; infants-school age
OPEN HOUSE FOR SCHOOLS OFFERING PRE-K AND BEYOND:
Pens and clipboards ready via Montclair Kimberly Academy
Montclair Kimberly Academy
Montclair Kimberly Academy is a “school of thought that turns inquiry into insight” for three age groups: Primary School (grades Pre-K-3), Middle School (grades 4-8), and Upper School (grades 9-12). Located in Montclair, MKA provides a challenging, engaging and innovative academic program for a vibrant and life-changing education. Their mission is to create well-rounded students and young adults through academics, arts, athletics and community engagements, with the belief that the fine and performing arts are both essential parts of a student’s growth. Open house dates and times for each school can be found here, or you can submit an inquiry here for more information.
For all campuses: (973) 746-9800
Primary School (Grades Pre-K-3): 224 Orange Rd.
Middle School(Grades 4-8): 201 Valley Road
Upper School(Grades 9-12): 6 Lloyd Road
Learning all about the lives of butterflies today via St. Ambrose School
St. Ambrose School
At St. Ambrose School in Old Bridge, educators strive to cultivate confident and reflective life-long learners, as well as inspire them to be strong members of their communities. The supportive, faith-based environment incorporates technology-infused applications into project-based learning. In addition to education, the school offers extracurricular activities including fine and performing arts, STEM and technology initiatives, interscholastic teams and athletic programs. For more information, contact St. Ambrose School here.
Pre-K3 – 8th Grade
81 Throckmorton Lane
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
(732) 679-4700
All smiles at Stuart Country Day School via Stuart Country Day School
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Since 1963, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart has been educating young girls to lead lives of leadership and service from preschool through 12th grade (the preschool is co-ed for ages 2-5). Through the extensive curriculum, students are inspired to ask questions and live a life of rich curiosity and wonder. The school also hosts events like the #LEADLIKEAGIRL conference, where students, faculty, family and keynote speakers come together to inspire girls in STEM, entrepreneurship and leadership. Register for an open house or schedule a personal tour.
2-5 Pre-K (co-ed); K-12 all-girls
1200 Stuart Road Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 921-2330
Making a Friendship Fruit Salad in Pre-K via Friends School Mullica Hill
Friends School Mullica Hill
Friends School Mullica Hill is the only independent Quaker school that serves Pre-K through 8th grade in New Jersey. Through a challenging academic program, students at Friends School Mullica Hill become responsible global citizens incorporating core Quaker values. Teachers encourage critical thinking, motivation and personal growth, as well as social conscience.Students also have state-of-the-art technology to support collaborative and interactive learning. Request a tour or contact the school for more information.
Pre-K3 – Grade 8
15 High Street
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
(856) 478-2908
Learning every day via Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy is a private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for Pre-K through 8th grade. Through a dedicated faculty of educators and comprehensive, engaging curriculum, students will find a family supportive atmosphere, small class sizes, a world-class global studies program and high school prep curriculum. With a mission of hands-on learning, Oak Hill’s facilities feature a science center, innovation labs, greenhouse and pool. Request more information here.
347 Middletown-Lincroft Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 530-1343
STRICTLY HIGH SCHOOL
Creating strong, empowered women at Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall is an independent all-girls preparatory high school based in the Catholic tradition, located in Tinton Falls. At a glance, the school offers 20 AP courses, 40 clubs, sports and activities, and has a 100% success rate of four-year college acceptance. Students learn through a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum, fostering leadership, respect, perseverance and faith. Each classroom boasts interactive boards, video communication, blended learning and an entrepreneurial environment conducive for idea sharing and projects. To inquire about admission, fill out this form. Trinity Hall open house will be held on October 5th.
Grades 9-12
101 Corregidor Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
(732) 291-1297
The CBA Way via Christian Brothers Academy
Christian Brothers Academy
Christian Brothers Academy is an all-boys private, Catholic preparatory school located in Lincroft where students learn to recognize their own level of self-discipline, determination and identity in a single-sex environment. With a motto of Religio, Mores and Cultura, students develop into intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, CBA prides itself on programs of spiritual formation, and a broad range of academic, athletic, and cultural activities. An open house will be held on October 6th from 12PM-3PM and information night will be held October 24th at 7PM.
Grades 9-12
850 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 747-1959
