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Far Brook School Photo #8 - Our integrated curriculum allows for collaboration across many disciplines. Here, students created windmills using a 3-D digital design program, printed them using our 3-D printers in Woodshop, then tested them in Science class.

Far Brook School

52 Great Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Established in 1948, the school is known for its progressive approach, integration of the arts, and commitment to social justice. Far Brook's 9-acre campus offers abundant outdoor learning opportunities and the community is intentionally small and diverse. Far Brook students love to learn, and blossom into creative, kind, intelligent graduates who excel at the wide variety of high schools they attend.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked NJ School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 243 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Far Brook School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
243 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
58%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Far Brook School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.:
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 12 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from 20,900 (1/2 day Nursery 3)-50,600 (Eighth Grade)
% on Financial Aid
18%
Admissions Director
Emi Ithen
Admissions Associate
Kathy Ike
Application URL

Sports

School Notes

  • School Motto: 'School As It Should Be'
  • School Mascot: None Specified
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Far Brook School often compared to?
Far Brook School is often viewed alongside schools like The Pingry Lower School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Far Brook School offer?
Far Brook School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Far Brook School's ranking?
Far Brook School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Far Brook School?
The application deadline for Far Brook School is Dec. 12 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 12 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
We toured several schools, and it became pretty clear that Far Brook was different. The campus itself is really special, and after two years we've had a very good experience. What we appreciate most is how the school lets kids be kids while still taking learning seriously. There's a lot of hands-on work, time outside, and room for curiosity, which has made a big difference for our child's confidence and love of school.The teachers genuinely know their students. It doesn't feel like anyone is just moving through a system -- they recognize strengths, quirks, and when a child needs a little extra push or support. Communication with parents has been thoughtful without being overwhelming, and the parent community has been a real highlight for us. Parents are very engaged and the vast majority are down to earth.It's a warm, close-knit community, and while it's not a pressure-cooker environment, kids are still very well prepared for the next step, including competitive high schools!
- Posted by
5  
We love Far Brook School! As parents of young children in the Lower School, we could not be any happier with or more appreciative of our experience at Far Brook. The play-based, experiential, progressive curriculum is engaging and joyful for our children, and also grounded in solid academic rigor. The faculty and staff are creative, flexible, supportive and open with communication; we feel like a part of a team working with them to truly understand our children for who they are and what they need. Additionally, we feel fortunate to be part of such a close-knit, diverse and inclusive community of families. Most importantly, our children are eager to go to school every morning, and excited to share their day every afternoon.
- Posted by
5  
Absolutely love this school! Students learn by exploring the natural world around them, guided by top-notch teachers who know how to both challenge and nurture children. Students support each other in the lab, on the field and in artistic productions. Lots of individual attention from the faculty. The N/K-8 model is important — very close-knit environment really pays off as the older kids become leaders for the younger ones.. Far Brook achieves academic excellence without being a high-pressured environment. Now we see the lasting benefits of a Far Brook education: self-confidence, a willingness to try new things, and a lifelong desire to learn. Our kids were extremely prepared for high school and beyond!
- Posted by
5  
We love Far Brook! Engaging academics, caring faculty and staff, inclusive community, social/emotional support for students, and thoughtful curriculum/program with milestones and leadership opportunities as the kids mature. Teachers see, understand and know our children as students and as individual people, helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses and how to advocate for themselves.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked NJ School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 243 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Essex County, NJ is $21,147 for elementary schools and $23,915 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Essex County, NJ is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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