Just yesterday, someone I met for the first time asked me, "Which one is the best school in Jersey City?" As a Realtor, I am often asked what the
best school in Hoboken or Jersey City is. Actually, choosing the right school for
your child is a very personal decision. Ask me, or your friends and
neighbors, and you will likely receive overwhelmingly positive
feedback on their children’s school. In reality, there is no “best
school in town,” only one that is the best fit for your child and
your family.
Even though the school year starts
after Labor Day, Open Houses for various schools start in the
previous Fall. Plan to attend an All Schools Open House, such as the
ones sponsored by Newport Mommy or Hoboken Family Alliance, which
many schools in the area attend. Most schools also have open houses
in their campus through late winter or even early spring. While a large number of my clients buy or rent a home first, some families will select a school first, then a home, so it is best to start your homework early.
When you are choosing a school for your
child, identifying your priorities will help narrow down the field.
So focus on what you really want and what would be a deal-breaker.
Keep in mind, many private schools in the Jersey City/Hoboken area
have two to three times more applicants than spots, so if you want to
go only the private route, you should plan on applying to multiple
schools.
• How many hours of school is
ideal for your child? School day for the public preschool is six
hours long (mandated by DoE). However, some private schools typically
have a half day program (about 3 hours) for the younger
grades.
• Can you afford private school
tuition? Annual tuitions for private schools in the area can be
upwards of $7,000-9,000 for half day programs (Montessori schools
cost up to $10,000) and $13,000-15,000 for full day programs (close
to $20,000 for a Montessori). Some financial aid and scholarships may
be available. You should prioritize saving for your own retirement,
your children’s college education, etc. above private preschool and
elementary school.
• Is proximity to your home
important? For example, if you live downtown and take the PATH
to work, but the school is uptown, you may add up to 30 minutes
to your commute. The public program often cannot guarantee placement in
your preferred choice of school.
• How many hours of
after school care do you need? Most schools have an after care
program (fees vary). An exception is Stevens Cooperative, which does
not have after care for 2 and 3 year olds, but free after-care for
4s-8th grade. A few provide after school care till 7 p.m.
• Do
you plan to pack lunch for your child? If your child has food
allergies, dietary restrictions or other reasons you want to pack a
daily lunch, be aware that some programs like HOPES and Miles Square
in Hoboken provide meals and don’t allow outside foods.
• Do
you have a preference for Montessori, Progressive Education or
another special curriculum or philosophy?
• Do you
want the school to run through higher grades (e.g. middle school
instead of elementary or preschool)?Hoboken Catholic, Mustard Seed,
All Saints, Waterfront Montessori and and Stevens Cooperative run
through 8th grade. The Hudson School services grades
5-12.
• How involved do you want to be in your
child’s school on a daily basis? A high level of parent
participation is required in certain co-operative schools such as
Stevens.
• What is the sibling policy? Many
schools offer preferential admission to siblings, as well as tuition
discounts.
• Will your child make the school age
cut-off? Some private schools have a September 1 cutoff, others
are as late as November 1.
• What role should
religion play in your child’s education? Schools such as OLC,
Hoboken Catholic Academy, Mustard Seed and Kaplan Cooperative have
stated mission statements that incorporate religion into their
curriculum. All Saints does not espouse a particular religious
doctrine but instead emphasizes spirituality.
• Do
classrooms have computers? Miles Square classrooms do not have
computers.
• What is the teacher to student
ratio? The maximum class size in most private and public schools
is 15-16 students per class, with one teacher and one assistant
teacher. The maximum class in some others can be 20+.
• Does
the school offer special education or remedial classes for children
who need them? Are the classes and restrooms accessible? Many
schools do not have elevators.
• What does the school
do to help develop character and citizenship? For example, All
Saints actively incorporates philanthropy and even younger students
participate in their many service programs.
• Where
do graduates pursue their higher studies? Acceptance to
reputable high schools and colleges often indicate the educational
excellence of the previous schools. Waterfront Montessori, Stevens
Cooperative and Mustard Seed, amongst others, publish a list of
schools and colleges their graduates have attended.
• How
long do you plan to live in Jersey City? Private school
contracts become binding in the spring, meaning the entire amount
becomes due even if you relocate and decide not to attend.
In addition, various websites,
including the U.S. Department of Education have tips on how to choose
the right school for your child.
More about
Dalia: http://newportmommy.com/page/recommended-realtor-dalia-bose-tole
