2024 Best College Prep Private High Schools in New Jersey

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  173 reviews

Alum: I loved my three years there! I have had invaluable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences here and I have grown so much from my journey! Fair warning, it is pretty rigorous academically and, and especially a rather sharp learning curve if you enter after freshman year ,(I was a new sophomore) but, once you find or reach out to the necessary people, it'll make the adjustment so much easier. Though your schedule will most likely almost always be packed, that also means you have a plethora of opportunities to stretch and apply yourself, not just in fields that you cam into high school good at, but in new subject areas and co-curriculars you might have never even heard of before.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Livingston, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  130 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student who goes to Newark Academy, there are many things about NA that you won’t find at any other school. This school has an amazing community where students and teachers are able to have a good relationship. The Equity and Inclusion team makes sure that you belong and that others understand you. The arts program is wonderful and has a variety of things for everyone. The academics go beyond the books and are very hands on. I would recommend this school to anyone in the area who cares about their child and wants them to have a good future!... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  148 reviews

Sophomore: At the Pingry School, everyone can find their place. Whether it is the plethora of student interest clubs, diverse student body, the openness and willingness of the teachers to help at every turn, or just the smile on everyone's faces in the morning, it really is a joy to be a member of the Pingry Community. The level of trust and camaraderie among the community is unparalleled, and Pingry really sticks to the tenets of its Honor Code. But there really is no better way to experience the Pingry Community than to come see it for yourself!... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 33

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science offers an educational experience like no other! For any student interested in STEAM-related subjects, PRISMS is a dream come true. The faculty are passionate and helpful, and the scientific equipment is college-level! While sports are not prioritized, Varsity volleyball, soccer, and basketball are offered. PRISMS is a great community, filled with incredible educators, a STEAM-centered curriculum, and top-notch scientific equipment.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1500

• Average ACT 32

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  126 reviews

Parent: Our son is a Freshman at Delbarton and we could not be happier. He loves his classes, although very challenging. His teachers are easy to approach (and they expect you to come to talk to them), and the brotherhood is real. COVID has changed everyone's plans but Delbarton has managed to keep the boys in school so far, the admin has been very proactive and approachable. We could have chosen many fine private schools in NJ, we are so happy we chose Delbarton!... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1410

• Average ACT 33

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Englewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  69 reviews

Freshman: I've been here since the seventh grade. I'm gonna be totally honest, it's an incredibly expensive school and my family is a high donor. Unlike in my previous school, teachers are connected. It's not one of those seemingly universalized experiences where its 50/50 about teachers caring. More like 80/20, and that 20 still have their charms. Though the student body are what really pulls it together. The makeup of the school is split down the middle between preppy party kids (that have their qualities) and the other half of the nicest, most motivated kids you'll ever meet. Though its middle/high school. There's drama. Its not always fun. The administration has some fundamental flaws. In that it seems as though they care more about their endowment then their students. Facilities is slow to accommodate, still no NB bathrooms, nor gym accommodations, nor trans accessible binaried bathrooms. Anyhow I love my school 8.4/10!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 32

• Somerset, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: I have two children that attend RPS Upper School, this school is fantastic! My sons are academically challenged and are receiving a world-class education. This school encompasses all aspects of a five star rating. The faculty and staff are attentive and responsive to every need. The school is culturally diverse, it offers students many sports, clubs, and various activities to choose from and they celebrate student accomplishments in and out of the classroom setting. Your child will graduate from RPS well prepared for college and beyond!... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1360

• Average ACT 30

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  87 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 87 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1380

• Average ACT 31

• Blairstown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: We have had a wonderful experience at Blair; our daughter is thriving. Blair has helped her develop academically and socially. We love Blair's challenging school curriculum, especially that each student is assigned two advisors - an academic and a personal one. Our daughter has made wonderful relationships with girls and boys across a wide range of backgrounds. We cannot say enough good things about the way Blair handled COVID - school was open last year and many fun outdoor activities were planned to keep the kids entertained and engaged. This year the head of Blair told families from day one that they were going to co-exist with COVID and did they ever! Our daughter has challenged herself trying and falling for a new sport, enrolling in advanced courses and starting a new club. We feel so luck to be a Blair family... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1370

• Average ACT 31

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  131 reviews

Parent: PDS is a diverse independent school with many great characteristics. The academics and curriculum are very thorough and definitely help students get ready for what comes next. This school also has many sports facilities that are utilized for skating, squash, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and hockey. The cafeteria, in the center of the building, holds a vast amount of people with booths and tables. The food, aside from being delicious, is organic and comes from the garden. There is additionally a chicken coop and garden classroom. Besides these, the school has a well developed art and music system. The fourth grade operetta and eighth grade musical are just some of the performing arts opportunities students get when attending this school. Princeton Day School also supports orchestra, band, and choir members as they have great teachers and conductors. In general, the school, students, and teachers are welcoming and provide great assistance!... Read 131 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1410

• Average ACT 32

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: The community at the Hun School of Princeton is like no other! As a student who has been there since the sixth grade, I can say with full confidence that choosing to attend Hun has been one of the best choices I have ever made. The abundance of resources and support networks has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and become the best student and athlete I can possibly be. The teachers are always around for extra support and mentorship, and everyone on campus wants to watch you succeed and cheer you on as you do so. There is something incredibly special about being a part of the Hun School family, and I’m more than honored to say I am a Hun student.... Read 137 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 30

• Westwood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: At Primoris School, excellence is not just taught but lived. Under the dedicated guidance of owner Ms. Katie, the school thrives on an advanced curriculum infused with love and enthusiasm, making learning a delight. The warm, unique atmosphere fosters a joy for learning that my daughter keenly embraces daily. Her rapid academic progression, especially her remarkable vocabulary, is a testament to Primoris's effectiveness. The school's devotion to nurturing intellectual curiosity and emotional well-being makes it true stand out. Every school should take a page from Primoris's book. Highly recommended!... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1530

• Average ACT 34

• Hopatcong, NJ•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle school student: I feel very special coming to this school, and the teachers are always able to bring out the best in our students. One time at the school Christmas party, there was a new student who had just arrived from mainland China, and his English was not very good. However, he wanted to perform a show, so the teacher said, 'You can perform in Chinese!' The student was very confident and did not worry about people laughing at his limited English skills. Once, while practicing the piano, I hurt my hand. My teacher allowed me to take a break from my Manhattan apartment, and when I returned to school, my English, math, and science teachers all took the initiative to find me and give me extra lessons. The school dormitory is located by a beautiful lake, providing a safe and quiet environment. We truly had a great high school life at this school, and I will cherish these beautiful memories for the rest of my life.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 36

• Wayne, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Pioneer Academy is a great school, both on the academic level and ethical level. It provided a safe and nourishing environment for both my kids, the elder of them attended Pioneer for the 4 years of high school and helped him a lot. He finished the school last year and now is enrolled in a highly ranked engineering college in New Jersey. My youngest son has been attending Pioneer since 3rd grade. He is now in 8th grade and enjoying the school with all that it offers, good teachers, great learning facilities, different sports activities and safe environment. Pioneer is a small school in numbers and may lack some facilities like an indoor gym, but it is really like a big family for the kids!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1340

• Average ACT 28

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  107 reviews

Alum: Wilberforce really embodies the meaning of community. Every family shares the common faith, and all are eager to lend a helping hand. Inside and outside the classroom, students are encouraging each other constantly and bond quickly with others within and across grades. Playing sports is encouraged, and spending time with other talented teammates builds relationships across grade levels. Wilberforce has so many amazing opportunities for students and families to contribute, especially because it is a growing school. The academics are rigorous and striking a unique balance between STEM and humanities, which is something I miss about my experience in college. However, Wilberforce is lacking in some areas such as non-academic support and a safe space to suggest improvements, especially for particular (and maybe reoccurring) circumstances. Moreover, the student body is not very diverse in terms of background (ethnicity, finances...), but these differences are addressed in some classes.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1400

• Average ACT 30

• Pennington, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  80 reviews

Parent: My student is a high-achiever that continues to excel at the Pennington School. She entered as a sixth grade student and will graduate as a Senior. My student describes Pennington as " a welcoming community that has given me the ability to be independent and confident advocating for my academic needs." She has been equipped to achieve and the Cervone Center for Learning has provided her with the human resources to fully access the curriculum and support to maximize her ability. A school environment that represents the global experience is important to my family. A diverse student body should be reflective in faculty. We appreciate that there has been a visible and consistent effort to diversify the Pennington community. My student has been active in the many clubs and activities offered on campus and continues to serve fellow students in leadership roles. It is important to know that students are valued, seen, safe, respected, and heard. Pennington is a students-first community.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1310

• Average ACT 30

• Montclair, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  122 reviews

Junior: MKA is a school with a lot of academic rigor, and it is clear that most of the teachers care for the student's academics. Keyword most, because some teachers (especially at the middle school) did not care as much for student's academics and/or wellbeing. Besides that, the reason that I'm giving 4 stars and not 5 is because of the community in the school, especially the upper school. Although the school says that they are trying to fix issues within the community (ex. yearly surveys, mental health clubs, etc.), there are many microaggressions against minorities, women, and especially lower-income people. There is an underlying "competition" of who is richer, dresses up the preppiest, brings a sports car, etc. It is also clear (and the school has recognized) that many minorities and women feel unsafe around certain cliques and friend groups because of said microaggressions being spread. Overall, good academics, administration needs to work on making the community a safer place.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 31

• Tinton Falls, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: My son started at Ranney this fall and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. We feel so fortunate that our son has teachers who challenge him, recognize his potential, and help him to be the best version of himself every day. While the academics are incredibly strong, administrators/staff focus on the social-emotional learning as well. Kindness, empathy, and respect are woven into the fabric of the Ranney culture and are actively modeled by administrators and staff. Perhaps the most important gift that Ranney has given our son is happiness. He wakes up every morning excited to go to school. He comes home and excitedly talks about his day, his learnings, and his peers. It is the greatest feeling to know that your child not only feels connected to his school community, but is also valued for who he is within that community. We are so thankful that we made the decision to send our son to Ranney and are thrilled that our youngest son will be attending next year as well!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.84 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: My son is entering his senior year at MBS and has been at the school since the 6th Grade. We couldn't be happier with his educational experience. During his time at MBS, he has been challenged academically, developed confidence and leadership skills, and discovered new passions and interests. Outside of the classroom, he has been able to participate in a sport each season and has made a close friend group. MBS has really helped him thrive!... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1310

• Average ACT 31

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Junior: My experience at the OPA is amazing. The teachers are the most caring, kind, and qualified I've ever seen. They will go out of their way to help you be comfortable with the material. Best teachers ever!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 33

• Oradell, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  242 reviews

Alum: Bergen Catholic provided me with an excellent education which enabled me to get admitted to six of the best engineering schools in the country. That is reason enough to be thankful for having gone there. But it is also a lifetime experience. Bergen Catholic graduates have leadership roles in many diverse areas and there is always a special bond when you meet another BC alum. And like a family, Bergen Catholic provides many opportunities for alumni to come back to the school not only to meet old friends but also to give back. There are opportunities for mentoring current students as well as young graduates seeking advice on their careers. Finally, BC has excellent athletic programs both for students and for alums who use them as get togethers with fellow alums. I am part of a network that exchanges news of Bergen Catholic sports teams with fellow alums across the country. And those of us who no longer live in Bergen County can now stream the football games! We stay connected.... Read 242 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1300

• Average ACT 29

• Moorestown, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  86 reviews

Alum: Great teachers (especially in the math department) make you feel excited to learn and will give you a newfound love for learning. Other teachers (especially in the science department) will make you hate it. School listens to students, and will try to make compromises to improve student experience. Although, they don’t take the complaints of racism from students of color very seriously. Overall, 8/10.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31

• Watchung, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  184 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 184 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1310

• Average ACT 30

• Ramsey, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  127 reviews

Alum: My four years at DBP were the four best of my life! Everything I have been able to achieve academically and in business is due to the experience I had at Don Bosco Prep. Not only is it quite challenging academically, the tradition and the student life are excellent. The campus looks more like a beautiful small college than it does a high school. After you graduate, you find college and graduate school much easier since you have been taught how to study and budget your time. You form friendships which last a lifetime. My biggest regret is I was not able to send my son here to study and graduate due to geographics. Ironman for life!... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1300

• Average ACT 29