Private Education in Ridgewood NJ: Top-Rated Schools and Their Offerings

Ridgewood, N.J., is known for its excellent educational opportunities, and the town’s private schools are no exception. These institutions offer a range of programs designed to provide students with a high-quality education in a supportive and enriching environment. As a Ridgewood resident, you can find private schools with rigorous academic programs, faith-based educations, and other unique learning environments within driving distance.

This guide highlights the top private schools in Ridgewood, showcasing their unique offerings and helping you decide about your child's education.

The Holmstead School is a small, private, therapeutic day school that caters to students in grades 7–12 with emotional or learning disabilities. The school offers a highly individualized curriculum designed to meet the specific needs of each student. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, The Holmstead School provides personalized attention and support, helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. The school’s therapeutic approach includes counseling services, social skills training, and behavioral support, creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

The Academy of Our Lady is a Catholic private school in Glen Rock serving pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The school’s curriculum is rooted in Catholic values and emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community service. The Academy of Our Lady offers a well-rounded education that includes core subjects, religious instruction, and extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and art. The school’s close-knit community and strong emphasis on moral values make it a top choice for families seeking a faith-based education.

Saddle River Day School is a highly regarded private school just a short drive from Ridgewood. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The curriculum strongly emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and the humanities and arts. Saddle River Day School also provides robust extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and leadership opportunities, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents in a supportive environment.

The Elisabeth Morrow School is a private, co-educational school serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Its mission is to foster a lifelong love of learning by providing a challenging and nurturing educational experience. The school’s curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, with a strong focus on character development and social-emotional learning. The school also offers a variety of enrichment programs, including music, art, and foreign language instruction, ensuring a well-rounded education for every student.

The Goddard School offers early childhood education programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten. The school’s approach to education is based on a play-based learning model that encourages children to explore, discover, and develop a love for learning. The Goddard School’s curriculum includes activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development, physical fitness, and health. The school’s experienced teachers and nurturing environment make it a top choice for families seeking a high-quality early childhood education in Ridgewood.

The Montessori Learning Center in Ridgewood provides a Montessori-based education for children ages 2 ½ to six. The school’s curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning through hands-on, experiential activities. The Montessori Learning Center’s classrooms are carefully prepared environments that allow children to explore and learn at their own pace, guided by trained Montessori educators. The school’s emphasis on individualized learning and respect for each child’s unique developmental needs makes it a popular choice among families in Ridgewood NJ schools.

Bergen Catholic High School is an all-boys Catholic school near Ridgewood that serves students in grades 9–12. The school’s mission is to provide a rigorous academic education rooted in the Catholic faith, preparing students for college and life beyond. Bergen Catholic offers a challenging curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and activities such as sports, clubs, and service opportunities. The school’s strong emphasis on character development, leadership, and community service makes it a top choice for families seeking a Catholic education for their sons.

Don Bosco Preparatory High School, located in nearby Ramsey, is a private, all-boys Catholic school serving students in grades 9–12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program that includes college preparatory courses, honors classes, and Advanced Placement (AP) options. Don Bosco Prep also provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and service opportunities, allowing students to develop their interests and talents.

The Village School is a private, independent school serving preschool through eighth-grade students. The school’s curriculum fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, and a love of learning. The Village School strongly emphasizes the arts, with a comprehensive program that includes music, visual arts, and drama. The school’s small class sizes and individualized instruction ensure that each student receives the attention and support they need to succeed.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is a Catholic private school that serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school’s curriculum is rooted in the Catholic faith and emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community service. Our Lady of Mount Carmel offers a well-rounded education that includes core subjects, religious instruction, and a slate of extracurricular activities in sports, music, and art.

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