2024 Best Private Schools in New York City

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  81 reviews

Middle school student: Riverdale is really an incredible school. I have been here since K and the way the school both nurtures and challenges students is remarkable. For the most part, I have also found my classmates and their families to be incredibly kind and welcoming. And while I still have some time before college applications, it seems like the outcomes in that realm are consistently excellent. I highly recommend RCS.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,299

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  123 reviews

Senior: Chapin is truly a very special place. They are the best of the best in terms of college preparedness, especially when it comes to writing at the university level. I've also really appreciated how they are able to provide such a rigorous education while minimizing stress. The facilities are top-notch as well. I feel like I'm on a university campus! Chapin is also always willing to meet with and listen to students who want to effect positive change, and having that option results in strong community bonds and proactive students. I am so, so grateful for my time at Chapin and would absolutely recommend it.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 814

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  154 reviews

Parent: A current HM parent whose child joined 9G, I had big expectations that have been exceeded. I expected the school to nurture our child's intellectual potential, it is the manner in which this has been cultivated that is impressive -- the depth of critical discussions (feels like college-level engagement), feedback for growth, and a deeply personal and caring network of support from student advisers to social and academic issues is intentional, accessible and thoughtful. The school deserves its STEM reputation, not just due to faculty, facilities and rigor, but equally because of the curiosity-driven and creative space teachers bring to the experience. One thing for HM to change is to bring more prominence to more sports that student athletes do well in, from waterpolo to fencing and field hockey etc. Sports and teamwork are also part of the HM equation but are sometimes overlooked.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,793

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  97 reviews

Sophomore: The community is extremely supportive and nurturing with teachers who truly want to see you succeed. I am continually astounded by the dedication and care almost all teachers put into their courses and the community over all. The academics are extremely rigorous and quite challenging but it pushes you to be the best version of yourself. I hope to maintain the friendships I have made throughout my whole life as my classmates and friends are truly wonderful people. Even beyond the unique facilities Brearley has to offer, I will always love 610 as it has felt like my second home for so many years. As a student of color, I feel supported and included by the school’s DEI measures and in my affinity group, especially after adjustments made in the past few years :). I have made so many wonderful memories during my time at the school through its numerous traditions and activities that I truly feel like I belong. I am so lucky to be a part of this community of truthful beavers toiling away!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 776

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  83 reviews

Alum: As a recent alum, who has had the privilege to endure thirteen years of this wonderful institution, I unreservedly recommend Trinity. To put it simply, Trinity’s academics are unparalleled; I was beyond prepared for the rigorous college I attend. The vast majority of teachers, especially the older ones are noticeably passionate, committed to their students’ education, and genuinely inspiring. My peers are likewise contagiously motivated, friendly, social, and bright. I’ll admit Trinity is incredibly challenging—sometimes mischaracterized as competitive—but it is incredibly rewarding and intellectually enriching. Do not pass up an opportunity to study at this institution.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,001

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: Excellent institution with a great focus on building character and responsible citizens. Very rigorous curriculum that follows the French mandated coursework, but adapts the teaching and experience with a US perspective: more group work, more hands-on experiences, etc... Parents are very involved but not in an excessive and anxiety-burdened way (I hear stories from friends and parents at other schools and it sounds like things can get very intense sometimes). Lycee kids are well-rounded, well-adjusted kids with a balanced view of school and life.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  32 reviews

Middle school student: I have had an amazing time at Spence. The whole spence community is probably my favorite part about it.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 772

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  121 reviews

Parent: Simply put, Sacred Heart offers it all. It is academically rigorous, whilst also being nurturing. It has a state-of-the-art STEAM center, a top-notch sports program, and a deeply passionate art faculty. Most importantly to us as parents, there is a strong sense of community and values. Sacred Heart girls are confident in who they are and have the courage of their convictions. Our daughter has been here for five years, and she (and we) could not imagine being anywhere else.... Read 121 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: We are delighted with our experience at the Nightingale-Bamford lower school so far. Some highlights are the excellent communication (a consolidated email with all of the weekly events/updates, class blogs), warm and supportive teachers who check in regularly (the P/T conferences are well-prepared and informative, among the best we've experienced), intentional efforts to prevent cliques (class/lunch room seat switching, small groupings for different specials), an engaged and participative school community (the many school events are very well attended), great school trips, and healthy lunch options. They are focused on building the girl, particularly in self advocacy and public speaking. My daughter is younger so it's hard to speak to the rigor/intensity of the academics quite yet, but they differentiate the curriculum and make the work of learning fun. Our daughter comes home energized, eager to share stories about her day. She is happy, well-adjusted, & inspired - so far, so good!... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 710

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  88 reviews

Alum: Dalton is overall an excellent experience that prepared me very well for college. The food was amazing and the classes were very rigorous. The school is lacking in diversity, but over my time there (k-12) it improved. My favorite part of attending the school was the connections I made and the leg up it gave me when applying for college.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,331

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  154 reviews

Senior: My experience at Regis High School has been an incredible journey where I have had amazing exposure to subjects that will ready me for college. Regis has the best variety with its subjects allowing for a student to find exactly what path or career they want to pursue in college along with amazing teachers to guide them. My personal experience sits with that of Regis’ physics, chemistry, and math classes which really sparked my interest in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. I feel honored to have had the experience I did with the teachers who taught me and inspired me to strive in my interests.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 527

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  30 reviews

Alum: My 6 years at Collegiate were incredible and I could not have asked for more. I found myself extremely prepared for college work in both STEM and humanities subjects and graduated from an Ivy Magna Cum Laude. Honestly, I am more proud of my high school diploma than my college diploma as I had to work way harder to get good grades at Collegiate. I am confident that the skills I learned here will continue to help me in the future. Eendracht Maakt Macht.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rye, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  122 reviews

Parent: My son started as freshman at RCDS. We moved across the country but he fit right in. Very inclusive culture and the administration really worked with us to make the tranistion happen smoothly. So far, all the teachers have been exceptional and are generous with their time. There are ample extracurricular opportunities and many student run clubs. So far it has been an excellent fit and we hope it will remain so.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 957

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: I cannot speak highly enough of our daughter and families experience at Avenues. We started when she was 2 during the pandemic and was overwhelmed by the effectiveness of their actions during covid that we were "sold" about continuing our daughter's education at Avenues. Now in kindergarten, I am so proud of the learning she is experiencing around diversity, culture and of course academics. Something I'm so impressed by is the teacher and school's focus on celebrating everyone's cultures - from the very beginning our daughter had an understanding that everyone celebrates different traditions and cultures and it's something to respect and appreciate not only for what our family does but also what her classmates and teachers do. It's such a refreshing way of uplifting everyone and sharing experiences.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,958

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: Academically and intellectually rigorous without the entitlement of other schools. The best of both worlds.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 729

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  139 reviews

Parent: Having raised two daughters from nursery through to senior and freshman years at Marymount School of NY, I can confidently attest to its ability to inspire greatness and foster passion. It's perplexing why Marymount isn't ranked alongside Riverdale, as its forward-thinking approach, evidenced by the new environmentally-conscious high-rise for upper schoolers, aligns perfectly with its mission: “to educate young women who continue to question, risk, and grow—young women who care, serve, and lead—young women prepared to challenge, shape, and change the world.” The academic rigor at Marymount is unmistakable and the students strike me as incredibly purpose-driven and brave.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  123 reviews

Senior: Packer Collegiate Institute, a quaint school in Brooklyn Heights, will undoubtedly prepare prospective students to take on the world and the challenges that may come. Students learn more about themselves, each other and the world in which they live. There are numerous opportunities to expand your thinking both in school and abroad which makes it great for the meek and the adventurous. There is something for everyone here regardless of your extracirricular preferences or academic strong suits.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Somerset, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: Rutgers Prep is truly an exceptional school. The feeling you get from interacting from everyone on campus from administrators, faculty, coaches and students help showcase what a special place Rutgers Prep is. We have 3 children that have attended Rutgers Prep from the middle school and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the tools that Prep is giving them to succeed in college and the years beyond. Rutgers Prep has succeeded in not only teaching them about excellence in academics but also excellence in humanity.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 709

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Englewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: Dwight Englewood School is undeniably a college preparatory institution. In terms of academics, Dwight ensures that students are equipped for the workload college offers, resonating with the campus atmosphere, cultivating meaningful student-teacher relationships conducive to college life, and developing the independence necessary for collegiate success. Socially, though occasionally cliquey, it offers diverse clubs and events for student exploration. Exceptional food, including the mini in-school corner store: The Coop, enhances student experience. However, challenges in addressing racism and a weak athletics program exist. Nonetheless, under new leadership, proactive steps are being taken by both DEIB director and the new head of school to promote inclusivity and school spirit. Efforts are underway to prevent racism and implement proactive solutions while the head of school continues to improve school spirit by uniting students from k-12 and boosting sports enthusiasm.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,068

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  56 reviews

Parent: A solid boys school with a strong sense of community and care. The small size is a plus as a lower and middle school student and glad to see they are expanding facilities to offer the upper school boys a broader curricula and new classrooms and learning spaces. A hidden gem!... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mamaroneck, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: Our daughter is in high school and is very happy here. The IB track is challenging, but great preparation for college. Excellent college counseling. Class trips to other states and countries. Great diversity from 60 different countries. School spirit and events are amazing. Many community building opportunities and chances for the children's community service requirements. Celebration of holidays is done with style and flare at the HS. Kids are always very well-mannered and respectful. FASNY leadership invites all parents schoolwide to meet publicly twice a year to answer all questions and update parents on the school’s mission, current issues, and planned enrichment undertakings. These meetings end only when every question has been answered. Our child has never witnessed or heard of any bullying in HS, whether online or not. The school endeavors to really know each child. Members of admin meet weekly with small groups of kids to address their questions, comments, and concerns.... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  96 reviews

Alum: College app meddium, safe space, good international community, emphasis on hard work and general knowledge... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,426

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Tarrytown, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  83 reviews

Alum: This comfortable school has lovely teachers, facilities, sports, and spirit. For some reason, the school's most tough, time-consuming subject is English. Some of the teachers teach it in an excellent creative and analytical manner while others make it extremely hard and tie it to unwanted leftist, woke ideology like in the senior course (Critical Race Theory, Queer Theory, Feminist Theory, Gender Studies, Marxist/Leninist Theory), drawing attention away from higher pursuit in useful subjects. Students spend so much time on "English" to keep their grade up that a lot end up majoring in similar topics in college, because they are unable to compete with top students in business, law, medicine, and technology. If the English taught more grammar/reading comprehension/inference in a rigorous way, students would be better prepared for the SAT/ACT and graduate free from woke ideology. Only 5-7% of the class went to the Ivy League, Stanford, and Duke without a hook.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 855

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  41 reviews

Parent: My children have received an exquisite education. The teachers and students are brilliant. Of course, no place is perfect, and the school has some areas of growth. I am grateful that my kids have gotten to attend such a special and magical school that has fostered their creativity, individuality, and intellectualism.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,095

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  90 reviews

Alum: The community is excellent, and the school spirit is unrivaled. I will have lifelong memories with my fellow Hewitt classmates. I wish I could be a student again, as I cherish my experiences at Hewitt.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 475

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1