Private High Schools in New Jersey

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21

Pingry Parent of two kids (one graduated, one still in). Opinion may be biased :slight_smile:

Academic curriculum is wide, you can choose to take hard courses or cruise thru easy ones. Depends on what ur kid choses to do.

Sports wise, school is big into it. Kids playing Lacrosse, Soccer, Squash, Fencing are regularly recruited at top schools. They just built a mega complex.

Low school spirit ? - You will get different opinion from different students. My one kid thinks Pingry is a good school, and other does not think so highly. So, it’s up to you as a parent to make the decision, what’s best for ur kid.

Ivy Feeder - This is a misnomer. As @wisteria100 mentioned, if you take out legacy, athletic recruits, URMs, field is pretty small. All in all, school sends over 25-29% (based on last 10+yrs of data) to Ivy or Ivy equivalent (Stanford/MIT/UChicago/Duke/Georgetown).

Abroad trips - School does have “save the world/cultural immersion/sports related”. It’s up to you to participate. In my experience, it’s a great opportunity for kids to get a glimpse of different side of the world.

Areas that need improvement - STEM is weak, College counseling could use some boost.

Final thought - Would i do it all over again? I think so. It’s well worth the money. Kids are more confident, well rounded and prepared for college.

Best of luck with your search. IM me if you need further details.

22

25-29% is huge - even with hooked applicants. Not many schools have that kind of number.

23

It is huge…but she is including Georgetown (known to take kids from many prep/private schools), Duke, and other second-tier schools. Great schools, but what is real Ivy number? And I think many of the Ivy are athletes, just as in other prep schools.

24

Last ten years, Pingry sent 22% to Ivys. Best year 2010 with 26% and worse in 2008 with 17%.

25

Yes, I agree that Pingry does great with the ivies. OK. A little more that I have been thinking. The issue is that the campus is not great in comparison to Delbarton, Morristown-Beard or Newark Academy. Families say that focus is very academic and not great in school spirit and kids are very competitive and not very friendly. Looking for overall experience…solid academics, solid athletic program, strong school spirit which will run in to good, long-term friendships. I believe my son will excel academically in any environment and as a result will secure a place in a top university (full disclosure both mom and dad are ivy grads). He is straight A’s and strong athlete. He is respectful, kind, sociable and happy. I want to maintain his positive outlook in an inclusive, academic and diverse environment. I want my son to have a full, challenging and positive high school experience before he heads off to college. He is a very strong student so I do want him at a place to support him and be able to help him achieve his goals. The ivy aspect of Pingry is incredibly enticing but I am thinking I want more for him than a pressure cooker environment. We have kept our ears open for the last couple of years, more in depth since September and seriously looking since February. We will start apps in September. Stuck on reps but have been discovering so much more about each school. If I knew nothing and just went to the schools, it would be either Delbarton or Morristown-Beard. Knowing the situation at Delbarton, I would replace with Newark Academy and Morristown-Beard. …but Pingry has such a great academic rep and that is hard to pass up as a parent. Going back and forth a lot right now. This has been extremely helpful in getting other points of view other than those from our work, town and friends. I have been to each campus and discussed each school in detail. I will have my son go to the open houses this spring/summer. Once I get his feedback I will know how to better proceed. He is open to all and is looking forward to visiting each school.

26

BTW - when I said that mom and dad are ivy grads, it should be noted that we both went to public high school. We like private school education and think it will be helpful in the college process but know that ultimately, it will be our son and his success in academics, athletics and in the arts that will help him to achieve his goals. He will need to work hard and be active and be a leader among his friends.

27

Have you considered Peddie?

28

No. We have not considered Peddie. Too far away from our home.

29

@sadler6

I love your enthusiasm but I would first try to get my kid get accepted into those schools before I asked all these questions,.

Last year, I was confident my twin boys would get in both Pingry and Newark Academy as 6th graders but they couldn’t. They failed getting in. Just FYI, my wife and I are expats from a European Union Country and we finished the Harvard of our country. My wife also has a Columbia University masters degree. And our kids failed to get into both Newark Academy and Pingry.

I would first try to get my kid into those schools and then worry about all the things you mention. Don’t get caught up in the excitement just yet. First, make sure your kid gets accepted by those great schools. Just my 2 cents.

30

Hi - I understand and agree. Unfortunately, I think that in your case the expat issue may have hurt the twins chances. It is my understanding that expats are not looked upon favorably. Even though relocations often occur, if you are an expat the chances are exponential and selective day schools often do not want to risk a spot (or two in your case) only to have to have them leave midway through school due to a parents reassignment and leave a financial and #'s gap in a class for a non-entrance year. College is different since the experience is seen favorably but that is not the case for a non-boarding day school.

31

So, I have a little more info. Delbarton and Morristown-Beard both just recently had an Open House. Both schools have very beautiful, yet completely different campuses. Delbarton is older and very collegial . MBS is bright and new with the most updated capabilities provided to the students. MBS was very impressive, including their faculty of which the fast facts noted 71% maintain advanced degrees and 19% maintain PhD’s (I thought this was an impressive fact). Also, on the global studies program that I previously mentioned and was under the impression, MBS has a very broad program and allows students to travel to various countries for both humanitarian and academic purposes. At MBS, the global studies program starts in the middle school. Delbarton really stresses the “brotherhood” . The young men represent well. MBS focused on all that they can provide to your child on an academic, performing arts, athletic and social basis. The new math/science buidling that MBS is going to open in September, if true to what they are saying, is going to be a big differentiator. Incredibly impressive. Much different than original perception going in to both schools. Looking forward to doing another visit to both in September. Newark Academy does not have any info session/open houses at this time or in the next couple of months so looks like September is going to be a busy month! Pingry has a info session on May 12th and 18th.

32

OK. I think Delbarton is out. It is down to Pingry, Newark Academy and Morristown-Beard (possibly Gill St. Bernard. Still have to get more info). I was speaking with a parent of a current student at Delbarton. They were not very happy. They said that it is nothing that they expected. Said “Brotherhood” is for the outside world to see. Not necessarily day to day. They said teachers in HS were ok. They said that kids used to leave their bags in the hallways and it used to be a great place but now things have been getting stolen and school has changed. They said the school is expanding and that they are trying to raise funds for another building that will really benefit the administration but will also provide more classrooms and that they will be able to expand the school even further. Seems that they will become traditional big catholic school like Seton Hall Prep, just at 3 times the cost (side note - for Catholic school, I am hearing great things about Oratory more and more lately). Apparently, the quality of student has been dropping significantly over the last couple of years. They said that one of the feeder schools, Far Hills Country Day, padded the kids transcripts and now they have to deal with a larger pool of kids that are not of the best academic quality. They would take a certain percentage of kids that may not necessarily excel in academics but were solid athletes.The issue is that the scale is leaning towards more less qualified academic students and a decrease in the standard of teaching. It was an insightful conversation. Looks like Delbarton may be going through a downward spiral PLUS a friend that knows that we are looking to apply to multiple schools in the coming months just sent me the following article from April 27th…very disheartening. I had no clue. They present so well. Pingry has had their issues too. Sickening. It is my understanding that Pingry has addressed their issues. Still bothersome. I really wish Newark Academy was having an Open House soon. The one positive is that on this day next year, I will know where my son will be going to high school. Cannot get here soon enough.

Another former Delbarton student accuses priest of sex abuse in lawsuit
By Justin Zaremba | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author
updated April 27, 2017 at 1:02 PM
MORRISTOWN – Another former Delbarton School student has come forward alleging he was sexually abused by a priest at the elite boys’ prep school decades ago.
The Delbarton School, a private school located in Morris Township.Robert Sciarrino | NJ Advance Media
The former student is the sixth man represented by attorney Gregory Gianforcaro to accuse one of the Benedictine monks who taught at the school of sexual abuse. All six have filed civil suits against the private school.
Many of the accusations of sex abuse of students date back to the 1980s and 1990s, but, in this latest case, the man alleges he was sexually abused by the Rev. Richard Lott, also known as Edward Lott, on January 1, 1976.
“The plaintiff is a former Delbarton student who like my other clients, is seeking both damages and accountability from an institution whom we contend was responsible for unspeakable acts against them,” Gianforcaro said in a statement. “With regard to the previously filed cases, we are continuing to litigate them.”
The man also accused the school and its officials of negligence, misconduct and fraudulently concealing information from him in order to shield the school from criminal prosecution and scandal.
Delbarton’s attorney, Donald Okner, declined comment.
Gianforcaro’s other clients have accused five other monks of sexual abuse – the Rev. Timothy Brennan, the Rev. Justin Capato, the Rev. Benedict Worry, the Rev. Donal Fox and the Rev. Luke Travers.
No criminal charges have been filed in these cases due to the statute of limitations.
Delbarton won’t appeal $170K verdict in ex-coach’s lawsuit
Marc MacNaughton left the school in 2005
Brennan, however, was convicted in 1987 of criminal sexual contact with a 15-year-old Delbarton student.
The allegations against Travers, who served as the school’s headmaster from 1999 to 2007, date back to when he was a teacher at the school.
This past January, former Delbarton track coach Marc MacNaughton received a nearly $171,000 judgment after a jury found school officials sabotaged his chances of obtaining employment after he left.
MacNaughton’s attorney previously said Travers and school breached their separation agreement with him to keep a potential sex abuse scandal quiet.
MacNaughton has said his contract wasn’t renewed in 2005 because he reported Travers for making students uncomfortable by excessively hugging them and patting them on their buttocks. He and the school then entered into a separation agreement in which both parties promised not to disparage the other.
An eight-person jury later found the school had violated the agreement.

33

I can speak to the private school/baseball thing. My son is a little younger than yours and baseball is his sport. We looked at Delbarton, Pingry, MBS and NA. I thought Delbarton would be his first choice… excellent academics and baseball. He crossed it of his list after open house. Did not even want to apply. I was shocked. Crossed Pingry off list because he did not like the physical environment and baseball not stellar. He loved his visits at MBS and NA. LOVED them. I liked both. MBS has better HS baseball team no question. Great coach there. my son chose NA. Accepted to both and when he went back to visit he just loved NA more, even though baseball team may not be as as stong as MBS it is still strong. He will continue to play club, and in talking to others, club can be more important than HS team if interested in making college baseball connections.
Also, if baseball is really an important factor you can not disregard Seton Hall Prep. Baseball there is in a class by itself. Kids go there FOR baseball.

34

Thanks. Delbarton is out for us. We live in a community that has a good public school but many families send to private. We have been speaking to so many families at each of the schools and my son has been connecting with other kids as well. Interesting fact about baseball…the varsity baseball coach at Morristown-Beard and Seton Hall Prep are brothers. The 3rd brother is baseball coach at Seton Hall University. They are a great family and baseball is in their blood. Fantastic coaches. So, a family member connected me with a friend who owns college counseling company (price is upward of $25k). They were willing to have a conversation with me. Some input. If you have a kid in high school today, Pingry is way to go if they are very academically strong students and you are going that route. This is not taking in any other factors (friendships, school spirit or experience). Pure academics. We are looking for academics, athletics and overall experience. Newark Academy is also great and has positive rep. I did hear from two families in town that they have experienced bullying with their daughters. Heard nothing about boys. Have you heard anything about it? Could just be these two families. Have you heard of any issues? Any insight? Interesting on Morristown-Beard. They said Morristown-Beard is going to be big rival over next couple of years. Apparently they have strategic plan and have been spending millions to become top private school and college community is taking notice. They are changing curriculum and doing a lot of positive changes and enhancements. I have to say that we have been driving up to each of the schools and walking around. My son really likes MBS and NA too. The kids that he knows at both are good kids. I think we are going to be going the same route as you between NA and MBS but will be applying to Pingry too.

35

What makes Pingry the best for pure academics? Are they improving things? I know a few kids that went there, super athletes but more athletic than academic; and others that were simply wealthy and not above average academically.

36

No clue. Just what was said. I am speaking with a lot of people knowing that each person is going to give me their personal view which can vary greatly person by person. I am taking in all info and eventually will determine by how my son likes each school. Kids know what is their best fit and I will (highly) take that in to consideration. The college recruiter just said that Pingry is very well received when applying to college. They could be a Pingry grad for all I know. Re: your comments. I have heard that the money is even more a driving factor than athletics.

37

I graduated from Delbarton about 20 years ago so the impression I have may very well be outdated. It was a stellar school, academically and in the arts and athletics. I should put out there that I probably didn’t fit the profile of what many here consider the typical Delbarton student. I had a few close friends during my school years but didn’t keep in touch with most after graduation - Facebook helped a lot with the rest. My family wasn’t wealthy, I participated in a sport which I enjoyed but didn’t excel at, and my focus was in instrumental music. On top of that I’m the son of first generation immigrants. Perhaps I could give some insight from the perspective of an alumnus.

While I attended the school, I felt it was privilege to be there every day. The music program offered was way better than what would have been available in my town. In fact, there were so many interest activities and volunteer opportunities available that I truly believe any student could find something they love AND discover new things they didn’t know they would enjoy. Delbarton really nurtured that in boys - to explore, be a part of the community and take the lead. If it didn’t exist, the school would support you to go and make it happen.

Delbarton was also a place that taught students to have class and integrity in whatever they do. I think the impact of this lesson wasn’t always evident during teenage years. Cheers during sports event weren’t always classy on both sides. However, as the years went by and I saw how my classmates carried out their lives through college, young adulthood, and parenthood - I could see that the seed planted during our high school years did take root. I will also say that most of my classmates seemed to have carried on the desire to serve the community well into their late 30s.

A few final notes on the things I appreciated most about Delbarton - having been exposed to some of the most talented people I have ever met on a daily basis inspires me til today, and it was a “brotherhood” in the sense that there was no one labeled as a “nerd” or “awkward”, and the star athletes weren’t any more popular than the star composer or guy who started a juggling club, or the student who lead a service trip to an impoverished African nation. We were all brothers in the sense that diverse talents were appreciated, lauded, and encouraged by all.

That said, I’ll be the first to say the school isn’t for everyone. There are kids who never adjust and leave, and there are kids who may not really adjust but just stick with it through graduation for various reasons. The academic workload can be tough and stressful. The style of writing taught during English and History classes would have been challenging to college English literature freshmen. Students who demonstrated competency were able to take pre-calculus or even AP calculus as high school freshmen. I like to think that many are like I was - not feeling like I “fit in” with the majority of the student body, but still finding friends that I can relate to and keeping so busy with all the opportunities offered that I didn’t have time to reflect whether I fit in or not…plus enjoying the beautiful campus and the camaraderie with teachers and monks, cheering on classmates in their hockey games, attending plays and concerts my friends were in, going on retreats, and enjoying the garden as a senior.

A long time ago, my parents sent me there because they believed Delbarton was a place that could instill conservative values but also nurture a liberal mind. Looking back over 20 years later, I can see that it was. That’s not to say all those positives I mentioned can’t be experienced at another school - they certainly can. If I have a son one day, I would be happy for him to experience a Delbarton education.

38

Thank you very much for your insight. I fully agree with your perception of Delbarton from 20 years ago. That is what I had always heard of the school. Unfortunately, I think things may have changed significantly over the years. I do, however, appreciate your response.

39

definitely, pingry is more athletic and NA is more academically

40

I can tell you my perceptions as the parent of a current sophomore at NA who entered NA in HS after attending public schools. We looked a variety of private schools that were within a reasonable distance of our home, including Pingry, Delbarton, Newark Academy, and Montclair Kimberley. After a number of visits and talking to administrators, teachers and parents we settled on NA. We felt that the academic approach, option for an International Baccalaureate diploma, and culture of the school were a great fit for our son. A couple months into his freshman year I asked him what he thought of NA and the response was “I love my school”. NA has an extremely collegial, supportive environment. There is academic competition among the students, but it is not in the forefront. My son loves the fact that his peers are all friendly towards each other. It is an academically challenging environment, but the school has done an excellent job of helping him to develop the skills and habits needed to be an excellent student.

To be honest, I’m not overly focused on IVY league college placement as a deciding factor for selecting a high school (both my wife and I have IVY graduate degrees but went to non-IVYs for undergrad). While this could be a long discussion on its own, suffice to say that depending on specific undergraduate area of study and the personal style/fit of a student, there are far more than eight exemplary colleges and universities in the US. Our focus has been on giving our son the opportunity to develop the skills, habits, and commitment to education that will allow him to be successful in the future, and so far NA has exceeded our expectations.

While I am not intimately familiar with MBS’ baseball program, I can say that NA has a strong baseball program. My son was a varsity starter for NA as a freshman last season and their team was the NJ Prep B Tournament Champ and was the NJ State Non-Public B runner up, losing in the state championship game to Gloucester Catholic (an 18 time state champion). NA plays in the Super Essex Conference, which is highly competitive and includes Seton Hall Prep and Millburn (NJ Group 4 State Champ in 2017).