New York City Schools
The Blue School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: N-2
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Blue School is located in the Village. Founded in 2006 it's a new school as far as Manhattan is concerned but has its roots in an established community theater group. The school is progressive offering a blend of approaches with plenty of parental involvement.
Mandell School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: N-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Founded in 1939 Mandell offers a nurturing, warm home-like experience for toddlers through middle school children. The school is located on the upper West Side.
Top New York City Schools
Parents looking for private schools in New York City have many choices. The following day schools offer 9th-12th grades with low student to faculty ratios, challenging curricula and excellent reputations for college prep. The schools are coed unless otherwise noted. Many offer early grades as well.
Best New York City Private Schools and Selective Public Schools
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The Abraham Joshua Heschel School, New York
Religious affiliation: Jewish
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Founded in 1983, The Abraham Joshua Heschel School offers an inclusive Jewish education which embraces all branches of the faith and is affiliated with no one synagogue or movement. The school has three campuses on the upper West Side.
Archbishop Molloy High School, Briarwood
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Archbishop Molloy High School offers families in the Jamaica, Queens neighborhood the Marist tradition of academic excellence in college prep. This, combined with a great sports program and affordable tuition, make this school a must see for families seeking a Catholic education.
Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Archbishop Stepinac High School offers boys from the White Plains area a solid academic, college preparation win the best Catholic tradition.
The Beekman School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: If you have a child who acts or dances professionally, Beekman has programs which will allow her to balance her academics with professional duties.
Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, NY
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Berkeley Carroll traces its roots to the Berkeley Institute, one of New York's oldest schools founded in 1886. It merged with The Carroll Street School in 1982 to create the present day school which serves families largely from the Park Slope area of Brooklyn.
The Birch Wathen Lenox School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Birch Wathen Lenox School came into being with the merger of Birch Wathen with The Lenox School. If you live on the East Side, the location and strong academics are two prime considerations for looking further at BWL.
Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School is run by the Maryknoll Fathers. It offers a sound academic education with most of its graduates going on to college.
Brooklyn Friends School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Quaker
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Brooklyn Friends School was founded in 1867. It is one of the most diverse schools in the U.S. with 37% of its student population being persons of color.
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, Brooklyn Heights
Religious affiliation: None
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: BMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the National Association of Independent Schools. That's unusual and speaks to the school's seriousness of purpose.
The Browning School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Boys, day
Comments: Browning is an old Manhattan boys' school which has been in operation since its founding in 1888. The school features a traditional approach with solid academics focusing on college prep.
The Buckley School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-9
School Type: Boys, day
Comments: Established in 1913 The Buckley School has had only six headmasters in its almost 100 year history. That says volumes about the solid contributions each head has made to the Buckley way of teaching and developing boys.
The Calhoun School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Founded in 1896 The Calhoun School has been a leader in progressive education. While much has changed since those early years, the school still wholeheartedly believes in the development of the whole child in accord with the best practices of the progressive education movement.
The Cathedral School, New York
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine Cathedral had its origins as the residential choir school for the cathedral beginning in 1901. It has morphed over the years from a boys' boarding school to the coeducational day school it currently is today.
City and Country School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coed, Day school
Comments: If you are looking for a progressive day school in the West Village, City and Country should be on your list. Founded in 1914 by Caroline Pratt, CCS develops students who are keen to discover themselves and the worlds around them.
The Chapin School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Girls, Day school
Comments: A fixture in Manhattan since 1901, Chapin is the epitome of what a great girls' day school can be.
Collegiate School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: America's oldest independent school was founded in 1628. If you are considering a Manhattan boys' school, Collegiate is one of the best with rigorous academics and a strong faculty to make a solid college prep education possible.
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Columbia Grammar is one of the oldest private schools in New York. It also has one of the finest academic and college prep programs available as evidenced by the strong course offerings and equally impressive matriculations. This is a selective school. Offer the right stuff.
Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Girls, Day school
Comments: Take a look at the top colleges CSH's grads got to. Then you will understand why this is a serious college prep institution. Solid academics. Conservative Catholic values. Selective admissions.
The Dalton School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, Day school
Comments: This is one of the original progressive schools. Founded by Helen Parkhurst, Dalton remains true to her missions and philosophy. This is a very selective school. Only 14% of applicants were accepted in 2008.
Dwight School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: coed, day school
Comments: Dwight offers an unusual amalgam of internationalism and civic awareness. The school is the only New York City school to offer the International Baccalaureate at all three levels. It instills a sense of civic responsibility in all its students. A selective school.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: coed, day school
Comments: This fine school attracts far more applicants than it has places to offer. The progressive education, community service and high standards are some of the reasons why Ethical Culture is so appealing.
Fontbonne Hall Academy, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: College prep academics with a Catholic emphasis on values and tradition. FHA sends its graduates to many fine Catholic colleges.
Fordham Preparatory School, Bronx
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: The solid academics of a Jesuit education will prepare your son for college level work. If you are thinking about a single sex school in the greater New York area, put this school on your list.
Friends Seminary, New York
Religious affiliation: Quaker
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Founded in 1785 Friends Seminary has instilled Quaker values in its young charges for over 223 years. The school offers a rich and varied academic program.
The Garden School, Jackson Heights
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: This very affordable private school is situated in the midst of one of the most diverse areas in Queens. Solid academics and programs are some of the reasons this school holds several coveted accreditations. If you live in the Jackson Heights area, this school should be on your list.
The German School, New York
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: The school offers instruction only in German. As such it is aimed at German speaking students. It prepares high school graduates for the German school leaving exam as well as the New York State regents exams.
Grace Church School, New York
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: My late wife Nancy attended Grace Church School. So I have always held the school in high esteem. It provides its students with a solid foundation for academic work at the high school level. But most importantly it places great importance on developing the whole child.
The Hewitt School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: You won't find any computer labs in this school. But laptops are everywhere. That succinctly sums up one of the many attractive features of this Manhattan girls' school.
Holy Cross High School, Flushing
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Solid academics in the best Holy Cross tradition is what this fine boys' high school offers. If you live in Queens and want your son to experience a traditional Catholic education, put this school on your list.
Holy Name School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Traditional Catholic education in a Middle States accredited school.
Horace Mann School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: This is a big school which has been around since 1877. Get you child into the lower school and watch her emerge 12 years later ready for life, and, of course, college. This is one of New York's top day schools.
The Kew-Forest School, Forest Hills, NY
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Founded in 1918 Kew-Forest School is a country day school with a college preparatory emphasis. It is a small school with just 300 students across the 12 grades.
La Scuola D'Italia, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: La Scuola D'Italia was founded in 1977 to serve the Italian community in New York. It offers a bilingual and bi-curricular program.
Le Lycee Francais de New York, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Lycee has been offering a traditional French education since 1935. Graduates earn the French Baccalaureate.
Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: The School has been a leader in progressive education since 1921 when it was founded by Elisabeth Irwin.
Loyola School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Rigorous Jesuit education for young men and women. Upper East Side location.
Manhattan Country School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Since 1966 Manhattan Country School has been offering top-notch academics combined with a culture of learning by doing. The school has a farm in the Catskills.
The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Since 1936 the Sisters of St. Joseph have offer a college preparatory program for young women. Strong community service component in addition to traditional Roman Catholic education.
Marymount School of New York, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: N-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: A Sacred Heart School offering a solid college preparatory program for young women. Girls have the opportunity to study abroad at Sacred Heart schools in London, Paris and Rome.
Monsignor Farrell High School, Staten Island
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Diocesan high school serving the Staten Island community. Traditional Roman Catholic education for young men.
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School is a private Roman Catholic college preparatory school run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
Montessori Day School of Brooklyn, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: N-K
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Montessori programs offered in two Brooklyn locations.
Montessori School of Lefferts Garden, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: N-PK
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Certified Montessori teachers guide the learning at this Brooklyn Montessori school.
The Montessori School of New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: N-PK
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. This school has been in operation since 1968.
Mount Saint Michael Academy, Bronx
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: The Academy offers a Marist education with a solid college preparatory curriculum.
Nazareth Regional High School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: ROman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Nazareth offers a Roman Catholic college prep education in the tradition of the Xaverian Brothers.
The New York Institute for Special Education, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Since 1831 NYSIE has been offering special programs for students "who are blind or visually disabled, emotionally and learning disabled and preschoolers who are developmentally delayed".
Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Since 1945 Packer has been providing a first-rate college preparatory program. Packer is committed to diversity and the integration of technology in the classroom.
Polytechnical Preparatory Country Day School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Two campuses house the lower and upper schools of this old New York institution. Since 1854 Poly Prep has offered academics of the highest standard. A rich program of athletics and extracurricular activities rounds out the school's offerings.
The Professional Children's School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: 6-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: PCS offers flexible, concentrated schedules so its students can pursue their professional careers and/or training.
Regis High School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Tuition free Catholic education for young men who otherwise could not afford it. This is a very selective school.
Riverdale Country School, Bronx
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: 2 campuses in New York City totaling 27.5 acres. Since 1907 Riverdale has provided a high quality education for its students as evidenced by the list of colleges to which its graduates matriculate.
The Rudolf Steiner School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Steiner School is the first Waldorf school in North America. The school has two buildings in Manhattan to house the lower and upper schools.
Saint Bernard's School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-9
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: St. Bernard's is one of a handful of boys' schools in New York City. The school teaches its students the value of hard work, good citizenship and an appreciation of diversity. This is a selective school.
Saint Edmund Preparatory High School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Roman Catholic high school accredited by the Middle States Association.
Saint Frances Cabrini School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: N-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Catholic elementary school serving Brooklyn.
Saint Francis Preparatory School, Fresh Meadows
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The largest private Catholic high school in the U.S. Strong academic, sports and extracurricular programs.
Saint Helen School, Howard Beach
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Catholic elementary school accredited by the Middle States Association.
Saint Raymond's High School for Boys, Bronx
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Catholic high school for boys in the LaSallian tradition of excellence.
Saint Thomas Church Choir School, New York
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: 3-
School Type: Boys, boarding school
Comments: Founded in 1919 St. Thomas Church Choir School is the only church affiliated boarding choir school in the United States. Boys sing regular services and concerts at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue. One of the finest choral ensembles of its kind in the world.
Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan
Religious affiliation: Jewish
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Jewish day school whose graduates are accepted at the best public and private high schools in the New York area.
Solomon Schechter School of Queens, Flushing
Religious affiliation: Jewish
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coed, day school
Comments: Jewish day school with strong academics and traditional Jewish teaching and values.
The Spence School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Rigorous academics at this top Manhattan girls' school. Graduates go to the top tier universities and colleges and just about everywhere else. A selective school. Upper East Side location.
Stella Maris High School, Rockaway Park
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Small school operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Honors, AP and college courses are part of the academic mix.
Staten Island Academy, Staten Island
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Academy has a long, distinguished history with languages at the core. Nowadays a wide range of honors and AP courses are the focal point of the college preparatory program.
Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, Hewlett Bay Park
Religious affiliation: Jewish
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Traditional Jewish education for girls. Solid college preparatory academic program. Convenient Five Towns location.
The Town School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: N-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Town School is committed to elementary education. It uses a blend of the traditional methods and approaches as well as the innovative learning strategies which have proven themselves effective. Town sends its graduates on to the best high schools throughout the country.
Transfiguration School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: A lower East Side institution since 1832, Transfiguration is a diverse community offering a high quality Catholic education in the Maryknoll Sisters' tradition.
Trevor Day School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: N-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: FLES (Foreign Languages in Elementary School) and a laptop initiative in the Upper School give you an idea of the kind of energetic, forward looking school Trevor is. Upper East Side location.
Twin Parks Montessori Schools, New York, NY
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: PK-5
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Twin Parks is actually two Montessori schools: Park West Montessori School and Riverside Montessori School. Accredited by the Middle States Association on Elementary Schools.
United Nations International School, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: UNIS is a large school serving the diplomatic and expat community in Manhattan. UNIS is an IB school. It also has been one of the leaders in integrating technology in the classroom.
Windsor School, Flushing
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: 6-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Windsor School serves a diverse international community. It offer s a sound, fully accredited academic curriculum including AP Courses in Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, English, History, Spanish and Statistics.
Xavier High School, New York
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Rigorous academics in the best Jesuit tradition. Serving the New York City area since 1847.
Xaverian High School, Brooklyn
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Traditional Catholic education to the highest Xaverian Brothers standards. XHS is also an IB school. Comprehensive academic and sports programs.
York Prep, New York
Religious affiliation: Non-sectarian
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: York Prep offers an academic program certain to satisfy the most demanding parents. Qualified seniors may elect to take colleges at Hunter College, NYU and Columbia.
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