There was a family looking to settle in Palisades Park. While checking public school assignments, they also decided to explore private school options. In order, they found three main points to consider.

The first is the public school performance. According to local school evaluation data, the overall rating for Palisades Park public schools is a C, and test scores are 16 percent lower than the national average. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13, which is similar to the state average. There are two public schools and three private schools in the area. The school ratings in these local evaluation reports are based on comparing test scores to the national average, and do not take into account college readiness or parent reviews like GreatSchools or Niche. Therefore, it is more accurate to compare data from two or three schools when deciding on the actual assigned school.

The second is nearby private schools. The family looked into Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, Bergen County. The tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $59,235 annually for grades 6 through 12. The acceptance rate is relatively low at 50 percent. About 40.58 percent of graduates attend top 50 colleges in the U.S., and 9.42 percent go on to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT. If there are concerns about public school performance, such private schools can be a viable alternative.

The third is housing prices. According to local evaluation data, the average home price in Palisades Park is $1,067,086. However, this figure is a modeled estimate rather than an actual transaction price, so it is more accurate to check listings on Zillow or Redfin by address. About 42.2 percent of residents in this area have completed a bachelor's degree, which is higher than the national average of 30.3 percent. This suggests a community with a strong interest in education.

Dwight-Englewood School accepts applications in the fall and announces acceptances in early the following year. The school conducts its own entrance exam and reviews previous report cards, teacher recommendations, and interviews. If financial aid is planned, it is important to keep track of application deadlines. Palisades Park has a mix of condos and townhouses, providing relatively diverse rental options. For accurate rental prices, it is advisable to check listings on Apartments.com or RentCafe.

Considering private school tuition, the total housing costs may be higher than expected. If one can be satisfied with public schools, there will be more budget flexibility, while choosing private schools means it is better to set aside tuition as a fixed monthly expense. Comparing the total costs of both options on a 12-month basis can clarify which is actually manageable.

New Jersey has relatively high property tax rates. For families coming from other states, it is important not to judge solely based on home prices but also to calculate annual property taxes. The exact tax rates can be checked by address at the Bergen County Tax Office.

When buying a home, it is essential to consider not only the purchase price but also closing costs and home insurance. Palisades Park has a mix of condos and townhouses, so HOA fees vary by listing. Checking what is included in the maintenance fees can make it easier to estimate actual monthly expenses. Closing costs can differ between lenders and title companies, so it is advisable to get estimates in advance.

Mortgage rates change weekly, so it is good to check the latest figures from Freddie Mac. Palisades Park is close to the George Washington Bridge, making commuting to Manhattan relatively easy. Considering commuting convenience, tuition, and home prices together can clarify the actual budget.

This family, after reviewing public and private schools in order, ultimately made their decision only after comparing the total costs of both options. Going through the items to check one by one helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

School district boundaries can change over time. Before signing a contract, it is advisable to check the school district website to confirm which school is actually assigned to the address. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual agreements.