2022 Best Schools in Upper Montclair

Montclair Kimberley Academy

• Private School•
• MONTCLAIR, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  114 reviews

Alum: I went to MKA from 1st grade through high school, and provided you have the means, I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend sending your child there.The academics are far more rigorous than almost anywhere else in the country, especially when it comes to reading and writing. How do I know this? As a freshman at a top college, it quickly became apparent that work that was completely routine at MKA was difficult for the vast majority of my classmates. ...The one thing MKA is not, is a factory for Ivy League placement. If your overriding concern is having your child attend the most prestigious possible college, then you should know that grades here are not inflated, the school's focus is not maximizing college outcomes...But if your concern if finding a place where your child can flourish, where they will grow intellectually and socially, have opportunities to pursue arts and athletics, develop in every way as a person, then I am confident you will not find a better school in the state...Read 114 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,034 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bergen Catholic High School

• Private School•
• ORADELL, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: Bergen Catholic is an extremely culturally diverse high school. There is an unbreakable brother-like bond between the student body. I made unforgettable memories and made lifelong friendhsips. It is an indescribable experience having the opportunity to attend a high school surrounded by faculty that supported me every step of the way and made sure all resources possible were available to ensure my success. With the constant support and aid from both faculty and peers, I feel comfortable and prepared for my upcoming transition into college. Going to school every day surrounded by brothers was truly an unforgettable experience. My day-to-day journey at Bergen Catholic was truly memorable and one I wouldn't trade for the world. I would advise the incoming freshman to really take advantage of all resources and opportunities the school has to offer them...Read 137 Reviews

• grade A+

• 714 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Seton Hall Preparatory School

• Private School•
• WEST ORANGE, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  164 reviews

Alum: Great school that definitely prepares you for college. Best sports culture in the state. Undeniable brotherhood and fellowship. However, one has to wonder sometimes how some of the people got accepted into the school in the first place. An elite private school should have better standards than to accept almost everyone who applies. Many teachers also use antiquated methods of teaching and are old fashioned, and some are downright bad. But the teachers do care about their students, going as far as doing a 40 mile bike ride to all of their students homes during COVID to encourge them to do well on the AP test...Read 164 Reviews

• grade A+

• 961 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pioneer Academy

• Private School•
• WAYNE, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: I am mother of a high schooler in Pioneer. My son has attended Pioneer Academy since he was in 5th grade. We travelled from Europe and I thought he might have some difficulties to adapt and blend in. Thanks to the Pioneer Academy dedicated and Professional Middle School Team he had no struggle at all. Pioneer Academy was able to manage the diversity of the student body and they build and reflect tolerance and respect between students. My son is now in 9th grade and attending Pioneer Academy. When teachers welcome students, everyone in the class welcomes each other. They form a great connection between teachers and students. Pioneer has very strong academics preparing students for their future colleges. My son took Algebra 1 at 8th grade and participated many math and science competition. Overall I appreciate the education Pioneer offering and I thank all Pioneer Academy Staff and Admin but particularly to the Middle school team...Read 75 Reviews

• grade A+

• 325 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Frisch School

• Private School•
• PARAMUS, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: The close relationships between students and teachers is one of the best parts of Frisch. Being able to look up to your teachers as role models in addition to educators is something that is unique at Frisch. In addition, the cafeteria is unparalleled anywhere in the nation - pizza, pasta, soup, salad, ice cream, soda, coffee, you name it it’s here!...Read 56 Reviews

• grade A+

• 637 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Golda Och Academy

• Private School•
• WEST ORANGE, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  64 reviews

Parent: Golda Och Academy combines Judaic studies with excellence in general studies to give each student an exceptional educational experience (including a very small student-to-teacher ratio). Golda Och Academy develops children who are joyfully Jewish, fosters a strong sense of unity and, as these students grow into young adults, they assume a deep sense of communal responsibility to better the world. In many respects, Golda Och Academy graduates are better prepared to tackle the rigors of college academics due to their experience with a dual curriculum and commitment to critical thinking at every stage. I feel so fortunate my family is a part of this warm community and grateful our children are experiencing the gift of a Golda Och Academy education...Read 64 Reviews

• grade A+

• 535 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lacordaire Academy Upper School

• Private School•
• UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  28 reviews

Alum: Class of 2020 Co-Salutatorian about to attend Carleton College here! While it was not my #1 high school initially, Lacordaire has provided me with both a grade A education and a community that I will forever be a part of. The teachers truly want to see the students succeed, and I remain in touch with many of mine. In addition to the classes offered, the extracurriculars available provide for an amazing four years. I feel extremely prepared to enter college, and I know I would not have been accepted to my #1 school without the support, guidance, and education Lacordaire offers...Read 28 Reviews

• grade A+

• 80 Students
• 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Noble Leadership Academy

• Private School•
• PASSAIC, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Noble Leadership Academy is a wonderful school with dedicated teachers. My children have attended Noble since preK and I have no regrets. They have since then developed a very strong foundation in Islam and in their belief in Allah. I would recommend Noble highly to anyone who has children!...Read 87 Reviews

• grade A+

• 298 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mount St. Dominic Academy

• Private School•
• CALDWELL, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  156 reviews

Alum: I had an incredibly wonderful high school experience at the Mount, and was beyond prepared for the rigorous academic challenges of the competitive college I attended. I was accepted into every school I applied. The cost is on par with the school’s listed comparable schools, despite being a far superior high school and that is on purpose as the school’s mission is not to exclude everyone except the wealthy. The amount of scholarships the students receive is pretty incredible and shows what a smart investment a Mount education is, because oftentimes, it enables families to afford colleges that would otherwise be unaffordable. Highly recommend the Mount!...Read 156 Reviews

• grade A+

• 249 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Paramus Catholic High School

• Private School•
• PARAMUS, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  291 reviews

Senior: I attended Paramus Catholic all four years of high school, and from those four years gained great experiences. The facility is filled with many friendly teaching staff, and administrators, and an upbeat student body. From the people like the security guards, to the janitor they will make you feel as comfortable and open as possible. The academics at Paramus Catholic in my opinion are fairly easy, but still require some attention and focus in order to achieve your academic goals. The one and biggest thing that I wish would improve at the school is how much help, and support the staff give when in terms of starting your college journey. I just wished that we as a students were given more information and instruction on applying to college, gaining student aid, and applying for scholarships...Read 291 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,571 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

DePaul Catholic High School

• Private School•
• WAYNE, NJ•
• 8-12
• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  125 reviews

Alum: My time at DePaul Catholic was excellent. DePaul Catholic had great diversity and people from all economic backgrounds etc. The school is one of the most spirited schools in New Jersey hands down. Also the academics of DePaul are strong where you have the opportunities to excel and prepare yourself for college and life. There are many benefits of DePaul being a co-ed catholic high school, Catholicism is the center of the school and every student will serve as brothers and sisters together. The class sizes are also another advantage of DePaul because they are not over filled and the teacher can really focus on helping the student...Read 125 Reviews

• grade A

• 550 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Montclair High School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  373 reviews

Senior: First off the campus is beautiful! There is a river that runs through the school property and a beautiful bridge and seating area in both the freshman and main building. Secondly, it is a very diverse area. All types of people from all types of backgrounds attend Montclair High School, itś such a beautiful thing to see. Lastly, the curriculum provides with everything a student would need to be prepared for college and an extremely wide range of electives to choose from...Read 373 Reviews

• grade A

• 2,041 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Watchung School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• K-5
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: The academics have always been strong. Great teachers! The electives were lacking. Gym, art and music were quite good, but I think green house, science lab, and technology needed an upgrade-new curriculum and new teachers...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 415 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mary Help of Christians Academy

• Private School•
• NORTH HALEDON, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: We visited several private high-schools in northern NJ before making our decision. MHC Academy offers smaller class sizes and personalized attention. My daughter is encouraged to participate in clubs, sports and internships. She is challenged, encouraged and supported by her teachers. Preparation for college starts as early as freshman year. Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Administration are responsive and take time to know each student. The environment is diverse, warm, welcoming and safe. There are many opportunities for parents and families to be involved. As a parent, I am very pleased with all that MHC Academy has to offer my daughter and would definitely recommend that you consider this school for your daughter as well!...Read 65 Reviews

• grade A

• 170 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Al-Ghazaly High School

• Private School•
• WAYNE, NJ•
• 7-12
• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  37 reviews

Junior: Al ghazaly is a good school if you want your child to grow up in a strong Muslim community! The sense of community at this school really makes it like no other! However I would say that if you are looking for artistic opportunities or special needs services this school would not be my top choice. There is a very apparent lack of resources that prevents the school from excelling artistically and the tight knit Muslim community grants a lack of diversity. Overall however, I would not trade this experience for any other. Despite a few hurdles, ghazaly has taught me more about my religion than I would have ever known and has brought me closer in my relationship with God!...Read 37 Reviews

• grade A

• 345 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Mary High School

• Private School•
• RUTHERFORD, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The school has a personal feel to it, just as their slogan states. Some teachers are very considerate and know when to intimidate students and when to help and encourage them. However, the school has many problems. Specifically how they allocate their funds. Many who attend feel as though the money spent is used on trivial things and not to fix major problems. Despite this, the students still succeed and find ways to have fun and thrive.Read 38 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 225 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hillside School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• PK, 3-5

• grade A minus

• 535 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Charles H. Bullock School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• K-5

• grade A minus

• 466 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edgemont Montessori School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• K-5

• grade A minus

• 276 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Buzz Aldrin Middle School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• 6-8
• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• 665 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Benedict's Preparatory School

• Private School•
• NEWARK, NJ•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  68 reviews

Niche User: This school gives students a sense of community like no other. Although it has its flaws, the faculty, staff, and administration are welcoming and look to provide students with a great experience. The one thing I would say is that the school needs to put a little more into academics as opposed to athletics. This also depends on the type of student that you are and which one you sway towards more, although you can be well-rounded in both. the school should better I must add that it does have a new Girls Prep Division, separate from the Boys Prep Division (both are high schools), and the dynamic of the school has been all the more wonderful. Endless opportunities and endless ways to network!...Read 68 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 750 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Northeast School

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•
• K-5

• grade A minus

• 408 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Immaculate Conception High School

• Private School•
• MONTCLAIR, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  35 reviews

Niche User: Thank God for Immaculate Conception High School! During COVID , working parents are desperate to find a school that will strive to have students onsite . ICHS, in its usual way, has welcomed its students onsite with open arms this fall. The teachers and administrators are heroes. They are putting themselves at risk for the students (and the parents). Because of that, the students won't slide back as much as their public school peers, which will increase their chances of graduating and going on to college. ...In spite of COVID, all last year's seniors graduated and are now attending college, even though many are attending virtually. It is reassuring to be part of the Immaculate Conception High School community, where students are treated like important individuals; where students and their families matter. If you want to be treated with respect, love, and caring, and you want to be in a safe space that will help you get to where you want to go, ICHS is for you!...Read 35 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 225 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Immaculate Conception High School

• Private School•
• LODI, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  59 reviews

Parent: Sending my daughter to IC was the best decision that I have ever made. She is currently a sophomore and is doing well academically because of the fantastic, caring teachers that ensure that she strive for excellence. The rules apply to everyone and there doesn't seem to be a hierarchy of cliques or favoritism. My daughter has an extended family at IC in both the administration and her colleagues. She comes straight home from school and studies for several hours. I am so very impressed with her new found work ethic and I attribute it to the faculty and school curriculum. Sports are a plus there with coaches that go above and beyond for each girl/team. The school is spotless and the grounds are impeccable. It is so worth the tuition and I know that my daughter will succeed in college and life because of this outstanding academic institution...Read 59 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 217 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rising Star Academy

• Private School•
• UNION CITY, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: RSA has a great, dedicated staff who encouraged me throughout my education. There are many extracurriculars offered at this school, from science olympiad to debate and more. This is an excellent school for those wishing to receive a well rounded islamic and educational experience...Read 10 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 238 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio