Possible move from UK to New Jersey

[noodlechops8to11]

My husband has just been offered a 3-4 year work secondment to New Jersey and I would really appreciate some advice please. Our initial response was really positive but the reality of making the move is starting to sink in and I'm having doubts....

The main issue is surrounding our two children. They are currently aged 11 and 8. Our 11 year old moved to a new, academically selective, school this year and has absolutely loved it. He is quite bright and has settled well and I know that moving to the USA will come as a big shock to him. I would feel happier if I could get him into a similar school in NJ to minimise the effect on his education.
Does anyone have any recommendations please? Any insights into Princeton Day School? Pingry? Wardlaw Hartridge? GSB? Should I just try to get him into a regular State school?

Other option might be to send my 11 year old to boarding school in the UK but have very mixed feelings about doing that and really don't think I'd like to split the family up.

Any advice or recommendations very welcome please!!!

Schools are very different in the US. Private schools are often not more academic but simply have better facilities and cater for the very wealthy. Public schools (i.e state) vary considerably according to the district: funding is dependent on local taxes and can be much higher in wealthier areas. Public schools offer gifted programmes for academically able students although these programmes have been reduced in many areas in recent years. Entrance to gifted programmes is determined by a mixture of achievement and IQ testing, plus teacher recommendation.

The only school I know from your list is Princeton Day School. It's good, but a bit "preppy" i.e. full of wealthy kids who are targeting expensive private universities. Most academics in Princeton don't send their kids there (despite being able to afford it) and as a result the Princeton public schools are full of high achieving children.

Your 11 year old is likely to be ahead in some ways (e.g. writing, perhaps maths) but he would probably have to adjust in many ways. I would look carefully at where you want to live and the school districts in that area. A bright child from an academically selective school would have peers in Princeton public schools, and in other school districts in NJ also.