2023 Best Private Schools in Garwood

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: Academically excellent, great leadership opportunities, and supportive staff. The school should have much higher rankings given how well it prepares well rounded and intelligent future leaders. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal already listed Kent Place School as one of the world's top 50 schools for its success in preparing students to enter top American universities. The school has excellent academical cuticulum, strong STEM resources, and abundant student activities. At KPS learning with purpose, leading with ethics, thriving in community, and investing in one another are the priorities. These priorities are rooted in the school's core strengths, enriched by our long history of understanding how high-achieving girls learn best, and deepened by the story that every student brings to our community. KPS has a long history. Since 1894, KPS has dedicated to empowering girls. The results have been spectacular. KPS has sent students to many top institutions in the world.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  86 reviews

Sophomore: It is a great school! The Wardlaw+Hartridge School provides a great education preparing students for the future. It helps you learn how to be independent, in order to have a bright future! It’s a school that will surely prepare each student for college! The Wardlaw+Hartridge School expects there students to exceed at what they do and the staff are always willing to help you succeed! Staff is great they always put in their best effort to understand you and put time aside ti be able to help you in anything you need!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 471

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Watchung, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  181 reviews

Parent: When our family relocated to New Jersey we looked at numerous schools for our younger daughter and selected Mount Saint Mary Academy for their strong curriculum, welcoming culture, college prep and dedicated administration and teachers. It was absolutely the right decision for our daughter and our family! During her three years at The Mount our daughter took advantage of many of the clubs and activities, the AP courses and student government. The Mount prepared our daughter extremely well for college and graduated with honors from NYU where she received a partial scholarship. Thank you Sr. Lisa, and the entire Mount family, for such a wonderful high school experience for our daughter.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 266

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: I was a student at OKS for four years and I really enjoyed my experience! The school centers around community and brings aspects of it into our everyday activities. The teachers genuinely care not only about students' grades, but also their well beings. The atmosphere is very collaborative between students and it feels as though everyone is working towards a common goal. A large aspect of OKS is preparing students for college and I feel more than ready to go to college in the fall. I am prepared for all academics, independence, and working through real life problems. I also loved playing sports at OKS because I felt supported by the whole school which is another testament to the community. The larger teams support the smaller teams and everyone feels like they are making an impact.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: Overlake Academy is an amazing environment for people who love a tight, close-knit community. There is so much support from your peers, teachers, and people that you barely know. Its great how it is so diverse and there are so many connections!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 124

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: Oratory has been a great experience for my son. He has thrived here academically compared to his public school experience. We are in a highly ranked public school district so it was hard to decide to send him here but so glad we made that decision. The environment is very welcoming. The teachers treat them with respect and the classroom environment is more in line with a mature college environment versus the policing that happens at public schools. They are engaging in the classroom with discussions and participation versus just listening and taking notes . The academics are rigorous, more so than many public schools and definitely prepares them for college. Comparing to his twin who is in a highly competitive and highly rated public school, I can truly compare and say he is more advanced and organized academically. The teachers and counselors care tremendously about each student and help them to achieve success by guiding them and being available when needed.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Clark, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  112 reviews

Sophomore: MSR is an all girls school that is really the definition of family. The close knit bond you grow to have with your friends is one that I think will last for many years even after high school. I am currently a sophomore and enjoy going to high school here. I am excited when it comes to school events/activities. There are various sports you can play and the ability to be creative is very much encouraged. Many students strive to be their best and do well at the stimulating academic program. The courses and teachers push the students to work hard. I believe that MSR is able to prepare me for college and the future. Overall, Mother Seton is a great school to attend!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A

• Students 274

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  313 reviews

Parent: As a newcomer to St. Thomas Aquinas I have been overwhelmed by the quality, sincerity and intelligence of the faculty, staff and students. The warmth and welcoming ethos pervades all aspects of the school. The academics are first-rate, The grading system is more rigorous than most public schools (7o out of 100 is the lowest passing grade). Athletics has 26 different teams for boys, girls and coed. Great school spirit and camaraderie. They have a Marching Band! The BEST PART of STA is the Music, Fine Arts and Performing Arts departments. They produce 4 professional plays / musicals every year including 1 Shakespeare play. Don't overlook this gem of a school with deep, Christian values and formation to act as a counterweight to our crazy, untethered society.... Read 313 reviews

• grade A

• Students 611

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Scotch Plains, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  185 reviews

Junior: I love UC! It has an amazing sense of community that you can't get anywhere else. It is extremely diverse, allowing you to meet to many different people and learn new things from those around you. There are so many clubs to get involved in and even the oportunity to create your won club. Athletics are great with so many teams and different levels for each sport so anyone can be involved. Every teacher supports his/her students and awknowledges the needs students have. There are so many study programs and ways to get help if tutoring is needed. Overall UC is a great place to be that has so many options and unique traits that other schools do not have.... Read 185 reviews

• grade A

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Elizabeth, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: JEC is a sleeper school. What I mean is that the school doesn't go out of it's way to brag, so nobody ever realizes that it has some of the best student-teacher relations in the country, as well as stellar academic resources for its size. While the smallness does limit it, overall my experience at JEC has changed my life in an amazing way.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Plainfield, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  46 reviews

Junior: I love the classical education program Koinonia provides. Personally, I learn more efficiently through Socratic seminars and discussions rather than straight from the book. KA also prioritizes public speaking and debates to prepare its students for college.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A

• Students 239

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Elizabeth, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: Bruriah High School has served me for the past four years in my personal development. The school’s well-rounded education provides its students with learning opportunities, both religiously and secularly. The teacher preach a growth mindset, which they integrate in their teaching, and through the teacher-student meetings scheduled to guide students in their day-to-day lives. Located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bruriah caters to its diverse group of Jewish students, coming from all throughout the tristate area. Though different from one another, Bruriah girls all care for one another. There is an unexplainable bond between teachers, alumni, and current students who can attest to all that Bruriah has to offer. As the first Jewish high school for girls established in New Jersey, the fifty-seven-year-old institution provides a rich curriculum with long-standing traditions. I am glad to be a part of this history and would recommend the experience that Bruriah High School has given me.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 349

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Roselle, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  91 reviews

Works Here: RC never skipped a beat when schools closed for the pandemic in 2020. We were full-day remote instruction from day one. We went above & beyond for the graduating class of 2020. Teachers & staff drove to every student's home to personally deliver yearbooks, personalized graduation signs, etc. No virtual graduation at RC - we were all together, in-person for graduation and other senior activities. When we returned to school that September students had several options including virtual, in-person or hybrid. Safety precautions in place - temperature checks, PPE, UV lights for disinfection, masking & social distancing. Now that we are all back in school things are getting back to normal with activities & clubs meeting regularly, sports seasons underway and experiential learning. Never prouder to be a Lion!... Read 91 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 354

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Linden, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: My experience at Sinai was good although many others might disagree, but the everyones experience was different. I liked the fact that while I was here I learned to push myself further than I thought I could. Like any high school student there was also many downs but I learned from them and I am sure that future students to come will too and appreciate the outcome. I hope that you consider Sinai, I heard there was some changes but no doubt that many kids will learn and improve themselves.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• New Providence, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.76 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: My children have had an incredible academic and athletic experience while attending AOLP. My oldest graduates this year and will be attending Mount Saint Mary Academy in the fall. She will pursue her education in an environment that will continue to keep her academically supported and challenged like she has experienced at AOLP. They have benefited tremendously from their experience at AOLP. With a focus on educational excellence, strong community bonds and Catholic values- they are poised for great things!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 190

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Clark, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: As an Alumni family we are blessed our children have had the same opportunity to attend St. John the Apostle Blue Ribbon school. We have 2 children currently enrolled there, and the teachers and staff have exceeded all expectations we had regarding a faith-based education for our children. It’s wonderful to see so much family involvement through the strong sense of community St. John the Apostle has built. Our children will tell you they love their school, which is surely something we all want to hear.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Cranford, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Living in Cranford, we sent our oldest child to Kindergarten at St. Michael's because it offered full day K with before and after care on premises (I didn't like the idea of her being bused to a separate location for after care). We fully intended to transfer her to public school for first grade, but we were so impressed by the school, that we decided to stay and she wound up graduating from SMS in 2018. (Our youngest is still in St. Michael's). Here is why we decided it was worth it to pay tuition to send our children to St. Michael's: before and after care on premises, small class sizes, family environment (this is not an exaggeration, we literally spend holidays with the families we met at SMS), state of the art computer and science labs, extracurricular activities and amazing teachers. In high school, our oldest child finished her sophomore year with straight A's; I credit her high school performance to the strong academic foundation she built during her time at SMS .... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 306

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Westfield, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Our children have been attending Holy Trinity School for the past four years and we are so happy with our decision to send them there. The close-knit community of teachers, parents, and students is truly something special and can't be found anywhere else. We feel lucky every day to be a part of it. We are impressed with not only the academics, but also the extra-curricular activities and sports program as well. There is something for every child, no matter the age. We can't imagine a better school for our children.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 386

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Woodbridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: My daughter has been attending St James since kindergarten and I’m overall very happy with the school as it provides learning experiences which are difficult to find in public school. The biggest one is the emphasis on character development as there are many ways they foster this such as buddying older students with younger and encouraging students to get involved in the school and church community. There is also a strong parent teacher organization which runs numerous events throughout the school year which the children enjoy and far beyond what would be found in most public schools. Overall the teachers are engaged and caring with the students but it’s the community and character development aspects which really sets St James school apart.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 304

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Metuchen, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  6 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Colonia, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Please note that at the time of this review, I'm an eighth grade student at SJV. I love this school so much. As a student here, I couldn't ask for a better school. The teachers are amazing, and there is a real sense of community. I feel this school has really prepared me for high school. I've made so many memories here. If you plan on bringing your child to the school, I recommend you bring them a packed lunch from home, as the food is subpar. The school really has a great curriculum. The school could be more diverse, as it is predominantly white. I'm currently in a class of 50 students with about 38 of them being white, just to give an example. Classes are usually small at the school though, my class is the largest at the school, with the 7th graders behind us only having 30 students in their class.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 460

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Union, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: St. Helena's School prepared me for high school and the real world. I am grateful for all that I learned there.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Roselle, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I am a student here. It is warm and welcoming. I like my teachers. They are nice. Nice environment. Safe. Average food. They always try to make us the best students we can possibly be.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Elizabeth, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: As elementary schools go, especially among those that emphasize religious integration into daily curriculum, this is a great school. The teachers truly care for their students and do everything to help them learn... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 284

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1