I've seen families considering whether they should drive their kids to Wilmington for school every day because there aren't many prestigious private schools in Newark. As a result, they often expand their search to nearby cities.

Tower Hill School, located about a 20-minute drive from Newark in Wilmington, is the most frequently mentioned private school among Korean parents in the Delaware area. Although it's not in Newark, many students consider it a reasonable commuting distance since it serves the entire Newcastle County.

Tower Hill ranks first in Niche ratings for private schools in Delaware, covering grades from preschool to high school, and is recognized as one of the top 2.5 percent of schools nationwide. Tuition is approximately $39,600 per year for the highest grade levels. In terms of college admission rates, 16.05 percent of graduates attend top 50 universities according to US News, 9.88 percent go to top 25 universities, and 7.41 percent are accepted to one of the five Ivy League schools: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT.

Tower Hill also offers a financial aid program based on income, and it is known that a significant number of students receive tuition assistance each year. The exact amount of aid and eligibility criteria can change annually, so it's best to contact the admissions office directly for accurate information.

While these admission statistics are not the absolute criteria for choosing a school, they can serve as useful indicators of the curriculum's depth. By examining how broadly advanced courses like AP or IB are offered and where graduates go to college, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the school's academic direction.

Newark is a city centered around the University of Delaware, so it has relatively well-established educational infrastructure, including libraries, tutoring services, and learning centers. The convenience of living in a college town is also considered an advantage for families contemplating relocation.

To determine if the commuting distance is worth it, you should also consider the housing prices in Newark. According to Zillow, the average home value in Newark was $367,052 as of the end of July 2026, which is a 1.2 percent increase from the previous year. Other reports indicate that the median listing price for homes in August 2026 was $410,000, but this should be viewed as the listing price rather than the actual sale price.

Since home prices in Wilmington tend to be higher, settling in Newark and commuting to Tower Hill may actually be more budget-friendly. However, you should be prepared for a daily round-trip commute of about 40 minutes.

When comparing Newark and Wilmington, Newark offers relatively lower housing prices and the vibrancy typical of a college town, while Wilmington boasts shorter commuting distances to schools. The choice between the two areas depends on whether you prioritize commuting burdens or living expenses. Ultimately, whichever option you choose, you will have to balance commuting time with living costs. If you are planning to move, checking the availability of school bus services in both areas can be practically helpful.

Due to the presence of the University of Delaware, Newark is known for having steady rental demand. Investors looking for rental income may find the low vacancy rates during the academic year noteworthy, but this does not guarantee specific returns.

Mortgage rates vary based on personal credit scores and down payment ratios, so comparing estimates from multiple lenders can help reduce interest burdens.

Delaware has no state sales tax, but property tax assessment methods vary by county, so be sure to check the most recent property tax bill for any listings of interest. For school district ratings, refer to GreatSchools or Niche, but it's wise to confirm the assigned school before finalizing any contracts. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is advisable to consult with a professional before making any actual agreements.