Collegiate School

I attended this school for a number of years and I can say that it will only bring your children down. The classes are untamed and disorganized. The teaching is atrocious and for a number of years they did not even have a science department. There is a large amount of bias in the school towards the children of board members or other school staff. When I left the school I had to play catch up for a number of years in order to grasp the same concepts that my new classmates had already mastered, and no this was not due to any type of fault on my part it was purely the lack of a proper education Collegiate School gave me. If I could say one thing I would advise all parents to save your money and send your child to your local public/ charter school or even another private school if the necessary funds are accessible.

I am a graduate of this school and attended from elementary grades until my 12th grade. I have mixed feelings about this school. Almost everyone in my class went to college, some went to community college and a few went ivy. I have since graduated, started 2 companies and then decided to return to medical school to become a surgeon. It was the ideal place for me bc I have a bit of ADHD. The high teacher to student ratio helped me a lot. But, the level of education of the teachers is usually low, they pay very little so it was a stepping stone for most of the good teachers, few if any have masters. I assume little has changed since the headmaster handed over the reigns to her daughter. If your student needs a very supportive environment without the bells and whistles of an excessively competitive educational environment that focuses instead of educational excellence and a globally connected learning environment and rather on a highly supportive, nurturing environment then collegiate is for you. Overall a good value, but personally I was underprepared to my peers when I did start college. Grammar school is amazing though, nice place for young kids. Everyone knows everyone.

I have a child who attends preschool in Ms. Rosalina's class. My child loves going to school. The pre-k and k teachers are both dedicated, nurturing and loving. They provide a great learning environment and they go above and beyond for the kids. I visited numerous daycare and schools for my children prior to Collegiate. I cannot say enough great things about the pre-k and k classroom. As a mother you only want the best for your children. I am so happy with choosing Collegiate. Thanks Ms. Rosalina and Ms. Emily for the great job you are doing with the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended this school from pre-k to middle school , along with 2 older siblings. One of whom graduated from Collegiate and did well but this was back in late 90'searly 2000. I can tell you the school is adequate as a primary school but after that I would strongly advise taking your child out of that school if you want to see them excel above and beyond your child's capabilities. The public school system has offered me so much more than Collegiate would have ever been able to and allowed me to experience so much more in life. The level of competition and education from a public school regardless what's its ranking may be will always be far superior in comparison to Collegiate school. Sure the class sizes are small but the education that the students are receiving are about the same size. Look at their standardized test scores in comparison to students their ages in public schools. Look to see where the students are going. Sure Seton Hall and Rutgers is good, but any adequate student can get into those. Collegiate will reach its demise soon.

Dumping ground? This school has improved my childs self-esteem, grades, and study habits. I guess if a child doesn't want to learn and doesn't want to abide by the rules, a parent can find something bad to say.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, my children have been at this school for 8+ years. Yes, one can always find something he doesn't like at any school. The post of 4/2/08 sounds like a disgruntled parent. Corruption? There isn't enough money for corruption. This school is filled with teachers who want to teach not because of some 'union pay scale'. What my child has learned in the time at Collegiate School is beyond comparison of the 'government schools' aka public schools. What other school in NJ would put the student into a higher grade subject if they excelled? Government schools call it GNT.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has improved its security, I see newer furniture arriving, etc. The teachers never gave my child good grades 'just because'! My child went to summer school and receives extra help through outside services that I do not pay for. As for activities that are almost non-existant...where are the parents who have time and are willing to assist with starting clubs? Sports are fine, no there isn't enough boys for a football team but are they there for fun or for an education? If this was such a poorly run school would graduates be attending colleges such as Rutgers and Seton Hall. These ratings are just that a rating based upon opinion. Wonder what would be said if these parents had children with straight A's!
--Submitted by a parent

As some of the other reviews said, this school is absolutely filthy. I feel a much better education could be achieved at another private school, or in public school. Extracurricular activities are close to non-existent.
--Submitted by a parent

Collegiate is the lowest priced, non-religiously affiliated private school in the State of NJ. The class size is limited to 15 students maximum. Students receive individual treatment due to the small class size. To keep the school cost low, the facilities are not fantastic. That is the trade off. If you want much better facilities, but crowded classes and jam-packed schools, Public Schools are for you and your child. If you are worried about your child getting 'lost in the crowd', then a smaller, private school with small class size is for your family. The Headmaster really cares, and the teachers are great.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the preschool program and i feel that it is excellent. The teachers are are great with the kids they all show the a lot of attention and really work with them on a one on one basis. They encourage parent involement and they send home a lot of family projects. The building may be outdated but I like a small school.
--Submitted by a parent