Hawthorne Christian Academy is a Preschool-12, coeducational, college preparatory day school that provides a strong academic program based on the truths and principles of Scripture.
Our Mission: We are committed to inspire and challenge our students toward spiritual maturity, to achieve academic excellence and to impact the world for Christ.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 427 students
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hawthorne Christian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1981
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
427 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
58%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
38%
Average Class Size
17 students
Number of AP Courses
7 courses
Advanced Courses
Calculus, Computer Science, Government, US History, Biology, English, Studio Art
Average SAT score
1220
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
khaki or navy blue bottoms, school collard shirt
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
HCA Financial Aid is offered based on need, and Middle and High School scholarship opportunities are offered. HCA partners with Tri-County Scholarship, which provide financial assistance to families living in Passaic, Morris & Sussex counties.
% on Financial Aid
26%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Victoria Gracian
Admissions Associate
Judith De Boer
Endowment Size
$1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Christian Service, Debate Team, Hiking Club, Inner City Tutoring, Makerspace Club, Medical Club, Mentoring Program, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Student Ambassador Program (1st-12th), Student Council (5th-12th)
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorale & Chorus, Music Theatre, Worship Bands
Christian Service, Debate Team, Hiking Club, Inner City Tutoring, Makerspace Club, Medical Club, Mentoring Program, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Student Ambassador Program (1st-12th), Student Council (5th-12th)
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorale & Chorus, Music Theatre, Worship Bands
School Notes
- Founded in 1981 as a ministry of the Hawthorne Gospel Church, our school is evangelical and interdenominational. At Hawthorne Christian Academy, we are in the business of building foundations for life. We do not look only to the present status of our students but view them as ambassadors for Christ, children with a mission and a destiny. We seek to educate students to their potential and to instill in them the excitement of lifelong learning.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Hawthorne Christian Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hawthorne Christian Academy is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 78%.
What sports does Hawthorne Christian Academy offer?
Hawthorne Christian Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Hawthorne Christian Academy's ranking?
Hawthorne Christian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Hawthorne Christian Academy?
The application deadline for Hawthorne Christian Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/11/2018
I can not begin to tell you how relieved and blessed our family is that we found such a phenomenal Christian school for our son and eventually our daughters will be attending as well. Our son absolutely loves loves loves the school, the teachers, the classes, the great friends he has made. The campus is absolutely beautiful. It far exceeded our expectations. Every time I pick up my son after school, I literally look around and have this huge sense of peace and thankfulness come over me. The academics are challenging for my son...which is great, it means he needs to apply himself and study! He has grown so much in just a year! Keep up the PHENOMENAL work HCA!
5 8/4/2018
This is our first year at HCA, and we could not be more pleased and feel more blessed! Our child is receiving a gospel-rich, biblically integrated education of academic, social, emotional and physical excellence. The teachers know our child well and have partnered with us in helping us raise him up to be a godly leader. And the families at the school are fantastic! We love HCA!
5 5/9/2018
Excellent, Christ-centered education! As parents it is our responsibility to train up our children in the way they should go. Seeking obedience in this, there is no substitute for the impact a Christian education at HCA has on the soul of a child. We researched many schools before choosing HCA and there are none in the area that match the spiritual development and education available at Hawthorne Christian Academy! If you choose to send your children to HCA, not only will they be blessed, so will you!!! Our family has two boys (grades 5 and 7) who have attended HCA since Kindergarten. They love the Academy and so do we!
5 3/9/2018
What a gem! We are so grateful to God for this School! We have experienced all three schools (elementary, middle and high school). The teachers are all well equipped, they love teaching our children and most of all they love the Lord Jesus!My children have participated in the sports program with much success and Christian character building.My children have all thrived here academically. The ones that graduated from the Academy were well prepared to further their education. One thing I love about the upper school is the platform for the kids to grow in their faith. They really begin to own their faith! It is a special place. A visit to this school will solidify your choice in choosing a school that will provide your child with an excellent Christ-centered education!
5 1/25/2018
We have 3 children who graduated from HCA and one in his sophomore year. We are very pleased with the spiritual foundation as well as how they were academically challenged. The college admission process was seamless and they are very successful in college and graduate school. Additionally my children were able to pursue their love for music, arts and sports. HCA as any human organization is not perfect but given the opportunity I would choose it again. Parents have opportunity to be as involved as they want to be and the teachers, support staff and administrator are approachable.
5 12/26/2017
We are so grateful to be a part of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Family. Our son began as a fourth grader at HCA and is now in high school. Our only regret is that we didn't find the school sooner. HCA provides a strong foundation for our young people as early as Preschool, grades 1-5, grades 6-8 and expands throughout high school. The emphasis on Christian principles, biblical studies, rigorous academics and extra-curricular activities are the core of what make HCA so GREAT! The staff is incredible and extremely helpful. HCA has truly been a blessing to our family.
5 11/24/2017
Great family environment with so many ways for parents to get involved. Teachers are great at integrating Christian world view into their daily academics. Staff is amazing at answering any questions and helping parents with anything they may need. Campus is safe, spacious and fun for any age.
5 11/9/2017
I have two children at HCA and can tell you that it's a wonderful place! My children are learning, growing and feel safe & loved. The teachers truly love the children. The atmosphere is one that resembles a family more than just a school. You are family here. As a parent, there's not much more that we want for our children! Safety, knowledge, growth & love. I would recommend it highly!
5 11/9/2017
My daughter went to HCA for 3 years, from PreK (2 years) through Kindergarten, and would have gone all the way through 12th grade if we didn't have to move away. We loved everything about this school. The teachers are warm and friendly, the faculty and staff are very personal, and the environment is safe and clean. I would give 10 stars if I could, they are that good. If you are looking for a school that will instill good Christian values along with a top-notch education, then this is the school for you. You, and your kids, won't regret it!
5 11/9/2017
Hawthorne Christian Academy is an outstanding school. Our family moved to Hawthorne from NYC 17 years ago just because of the school and it was the greatest decision we ever made. Both our girls (who are 10 years apart) started in kindergarten. It's an incredible place for elementary school children who are just beginning their educational journey. The foundation, academically, spiritually and musically that was given to our 2 girls was priceless. Every teacher and administrator could not be more loving, nurturing or Godly. It has an excellent and academically challenging middle school that has found the balance between emotional support of young teens and character building and accountability.The high school graduates prepared students who Love Jesus and serve the Lord both locally and globally. At HCA our children were taught and trained in the ways of Lord and encouraged to act with love, patience, and kindness towards others. It is worth every penny.
5 11/9/2017
I have sent two children to HCA. My son attended from fourth grade thru twelfth grade. When he went to college, he was totally prepared for his college courses. My daughter attended from PreK thru ninth grade and then we moved out of state. HCA had prepared her well to meet any academic challenges in her new school. HCA's priority is to honor and glorify Christ and they strive for academic excellence. The faculty and staff are dedicated Christians who love the students. The academic curriculum is challenging and advanced. The homework load is heavy. I highly recommend HCA.
5 11/9/2017
I have 2 children attending HCA (8th grade and 11th grade.) They are both surrounded by God loving teachers and staff. They are encouraged daily to work hard, lean on the Lord and be a light for the Lord. While all events encompass what HCA is "about", if you are considering HCA I encourage you to come to the Thanksgiving Chapel which focuses on the seniors. I am sure you will instantly fall in love with HCA when you see the Godly, mature, intelligent young adults that HCA has nurtured.
Endorse Hawthorne Christian Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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