Saint Peter's Prep is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for young men, sponsored by the Society of Jesus. Established in 1872 and located in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, Saint Peter's historically has responded to the educational needs of its local families in Hudson County, as well as those from throughout northern and central New Jersey and New York City.
The school today is a diverse community with students from 118 towns in 11 New Jersey counties plus three New York boroughs and Long Island.
Its faculty consists of Jesuits and lay men and women.
The students, residents of both urban and suburban areas, represent a variety of ethnic, economic, geographic, social and religious backgrounds.
Saint Peter's considers service to those in need an important component of the mission of the school.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 885 students
- Yearly Tuition: $23,320
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 11 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Saint Peter's Prep ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
A number of diverse learning profiles
Year Founded
1872
Colors
White, Maroon, Silver
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Campus Size
7
Student Body
Total Students
885 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
50%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
22 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Independent Language Study, Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese, English Language, English Literature, English Seminar, Environmental Science, French, German, Italian, Latin: Caesar & Vergil, Modern World History, Music Theory, Physics, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Lit., Statistics, World History
Average SAT score
1260
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
jacket & tie in winter; polo shirts allowed in spring/fall
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 11 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$23,320
Tuition Notes
$750 Activities Fee, $300 Book Fee, $250 Tech Fee
% on Financial Aid
37%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$8,700
Acceptance Rate
40%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
John Irvine
Admissions Associate
Michael Wright
Application URL
Endowment Size
$46 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
19 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
21 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Aerospace Club, Campus Ministry Team, Cutural Clubs, Engineering Club, ESports, Model UN, Newspaper, Robotics, Stock Market Club, Student Council, TV Studio, Video Game Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Band, Choir, Dramatics, Jazz Ensemble, Stage Crew
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Ski Club
Aerospace Club, Campus Ministry Team, Cutural Clubs, Engineering Club, ESports, Model UN, Newspaper, Robotics, Stock Market Club, Student Council, TV Studio, Video Game Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Band, Choir, Dramatics, Jazz Ensemble, Stage Crew
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Ski Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Sub Umbra Petri
- School Mascot: Marauder
- Saint Peter's Prep is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for young men, sponsored by the Society of Jesus. Established in 1872 and located in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, Saint Peter's historically has responded to the educational needs of its local families in Hudson County, as well as those from throughout northern and central New Jersey and New York. The school today is a diverse community. Its faculty consists of Jesuits, lay men and women, and other religious. The students, residents of both urban and suburban areas, represent a variety of ethnic, economic, geographic, social and religious backgrounds. Saint Peter's celebrates this diversity and considers Jesus' call to serve those in need an important component of the mission of the school.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Nathan Lane, '74 - Tony Award winning actor
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, '14 - All Pro safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Phillip Bosco, '48 - Tony Award winning actor
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Saint Peter's Prep cost?
Saint Peter's Prep's tuition is approximately $23,320 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Peter's Prep?
The acceptance rate of Saint Peter's Prep is 40%, which is lower than the national average of 77%. Saint Peter's Prep's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New Jersey with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Saint Peter's Prep?
Saint Peter's Prep famous alumni include: Nathan Lane, '74, Minkah Fitzpatrick, '14 and Phillip Bosco, '48.
What sports does Saint Peter's Prep offer?
Saint Peter's Prep offers 19 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Saint Peter's Prep is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for most sports offered.
What is Saint Peter's Prep's ranking?
Saint Peter's Prep ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Saint Peter's Prep?
The application deadline for Saint Peter's Prep is Dec. 11 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 11 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Saint Peter's Prep located?
Saint Peter's Prep is located in the Downtown Jersey City neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 9 other private schools located in Downtown Jersey City.
School Reviews
Endorse Saint Peter's Prep. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.

How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.

The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.