#1 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
Far Brook School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 81% of independent schools in New Jersey
Short Hills, NJ
A+Overall grade198 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Essex County, NJ. Top 5 of 5 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
The Montclair Kimberley Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in New Jersey
Montclair, NJ
A+Overall grade1,034 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
The Pingry Lower School
Independent school · Grades K–5
Smaller classes than 66% of independent schools in New Jersey
Short Hills, NJ
AOverall grade324 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
Montclair Cooperative School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Montclair, NJ
AOverall grade104 students7 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, NJ
Alif Muhammad Nia School
Independent school · Grades 8–12
Serving families in Newark since at least 2011
Newark, NJ
BOverall grade100 students33 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.