A family preparing to move to Ridgefield, Bergen County recently requested advice. They want to send their child to Dwight-Englewood School but are concerned about the commute distance. The drive from Ridgefield to Englewood takes about 15 minutes, but considering the traffic during morning drop-off times, it feels longer.

Dwight-Englewood School is a private institution located in Englewood, New Jersey, serving grades K-12. Recent college admission data for three graduating classes shows that 40.58 percent of graduates were accepted into the top 50 colleges in the U.S., 10.87 percent into the top 25, and 9.42 percent were admitted to one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT (according to d-e.org school profile). Tuition varies by grade, and families can apply for financial aid by December 15.

The curriculum supports these achievements. AP courses allow high school students to take college-level classes and earn college credit based on their exam scores. Dwight-Englewood is known for offering a variety of AP subjects along with research-based programs, which is why it is frequently mentioned among Korean parents.

While it may seem reasonable to accept the commute distance given such achievements, the reality of daily round trips is different. Therefore, I advised this family to consider the northwestern area bordering Englewood rather than the southern part closer to the George Washington Bridge. Depending on where you settle in Ridgefield, commute times can vary by over 10 minutes.

Looking at housing prices, the median home price in Ridgefield is $572,468, which has increased by 9.5 percent over the past year (Zillow, 2026). This is relatively lower than nearby Englewood or Tenafly, making it a more manageable option for families considering private school tuition.

Some families are also looking to start with renting. Ridgefield has a relatively high number of condos and townhouses available, making it easier to find rental properties compared to single-family homes. However, rental prices can vary significantly based on unit size and building age, so it's best to check individual listings for accuracy.

However, New Jersey is known for its high property taxes. If you budget based on the property tax rates from your previous state, you may find a significant discrepancy in your actual monthly expenses. The tax rates vary by county and town in Bergen County, including Ridgefield, so be sure to check the most recent property tax bills when viewing listings.

If a family is choosing a neighborhood based on private schools, it's important to consider not just tuition and home prices but also the commuting routes. Even with the same budget, a shorter commute can improve a child's daily condition and make adapting to school life easier, as I've seen multiple times.

For families newly arrived from Korea, the mortgage approval criteria may feel unfamiliar. If your credit history is short, the loan conditions may differ, so I recommend consulting a mortgage advisor before rushing into a contract.

Websites like GreatSchools and Niche can also be helpful resources. GreatSchools rates academic performance on a scale of 1 to 10, while Niche ranks schools based on college readiness, facilities, and community reputation. However, these metrics are for reference only, so before making a final decision on a private school, it's essential to check the latest matriculation lists and student-to-teacher ratios on the school's website.

Dwight-Englewood is known for maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio, which is said to facilitate frequent communication between teachers and students. Whether this aspect is worth the tuition ultimately should be verified through visits and conversations with current parents.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is advisable to verify the latest information on school district assignments, property taxes, and tuition conditions on school and town websites, and consult with professionals before finalizing any contracts.