The Pingry School – Overview
Basic Information
- Location: Basking Ridge (Middle & Upper School), with additional campuses in Short Hills (Lower School) and Pottersville
- Founded: 1861
- Type: Private, coeducational K–12 day school with experiential learning campus
- Enrollment: ~1,200 students (270 MS & 571 US; plus ~288 Lower School)
- Student–Faculty Ratio: ~7:1
- Average Upper School Class Size: 13–16 students
- Campus Size: 303 acres across three locations
- Diversity: ~56% students of color; representation from 84 countries
Tuition & Financial Aid (2024–25)
- Upper School Tuition: ~$50,000–53,000/year
- Financial Aid:
- ~19–25% of students receive need-based aid
- Average grant ~$35,000–$36,000
- Aid budget ~$9.5 million
- Additional Costs: Includes books, supplies, transportation, and tuition assistance funds
Admissions & Competitiveness
- Acceptance Rate: ~12% across grades
- Application Deadline: Mid-December
- Requirements: Application, interview, standardized tests (ISEE/SSAT), recommendations
Academics & College Prep
- Curriculum: College-preparatory with over 17 AP courses, internships, independent research (IRT), and honor code
- Standardized Scores: Middle 50% — SAT: 1290–1540 | ACT: 30–34
- College Matriculation: 100% to four-year colleges; regular admits to Princeton, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UChicago, and more
Pros of The Pingry School
- Exceptional Academics & College Readiness
- Strong AP/academic offerings and research opportunities (IRT)
- High-Caliber Faculty
- ~74–78% hold advanced degrees; small-size classes for personalized learning
- Robust Financial Aid Program
- Significant support reducing financial barriers for ~1 in 5 students
- Vibrant Community & Culture
- Active honor code, ~130 student-led clubs, 35 sports, 30+ performing arts events annually
- Diverse Student Body
- Over half students of color; global representation enhances cultural richness
- Strong Values & Service Emphasis
- Focus on honor, character, stewardship, community engagement
Cons & Considerations
- Highly Competitive Admissions
- Only about 1 in 8 applicants admitted—competitive process
- High Cost Without Aid
- Tuition near $50K; families without aid face full sticker price
- Day School Only
- No boarding; commute may be challenging for some families
- Pressure & Workload
- High expectations academically and socially can be stressful
- Large Campus Size
- Multiple campuses may feel less centralized compared to single-campus schools
Summary
The Pingry School offers a top-tier K–12 experience, marked by its robust academics, strong faculty, generous financial aid, and inclusive community. It empowers students through rigorous courses, research programs, and a culture of honor and stewardship. Ideal for motivated learners who thrive in a high-performing, values-driven environment. However, its selectivity, cost, and day-only model mean careful consideration is needed for fit and accessibility.