13 Best Private Schools in NYC (2023)
- Dalton School
- Horace Mann School
- Spence School
- Collegiate School
- Chapin School
- Brearley School
- Trinity School
- Ethical Culture Fieldston School
- Riverdale Country School
- Lycée Français de New York
- The Buckley School
- Saint David's School
- Nightingale-Bamford School
1. Dalton School
Total Students: 1300
Tuition Fee: $61,120 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Website: https://www.dalton.org/
The best private school in New York City is the Dalton School. With a history dating back to 1919, the Dalton School is well known for its excellent academics and progressive educational philosophy. It prioritizes individualized learning, nurturing each student's unique potential. With a low student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and a 100% graduation rate, it offers an exceptional and personalized educational experience.
2. Horace Mann School
Total Students: 1,793
Tuition Fee: $61,900 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Website: https://www.horacemann.org/
Located in the Bronx, the Horace Mann School has a strong legacy of academic excellence and a reputation for being one of the best private schools in New York. It provides a challenging curriculum, supported by a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and numerous extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded education. The Horace Mann School also has a 100% graduation rate, making it one of the top private schools in New York City.
3. Spence School
Total Students: 751
Tuition Fee: $60,880 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Website: https://www.spenceschool.org/
The Spence School is another one of the best private schools in NYC for girls. The Spence School is an all-girls institution and stands out for its rigorous academics and empowering environment. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, it fosters leadership and character development among its students, creating confident and accomplished young women.
4. Collegiate School
Total Students: 656
Tuition Fee: $53,900 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Website: https://www.collegiateschool.org/
With roots dating back to 1628, Collegiate School is one of the country's oldest institutions. It combines tradition with a commitment to academic excellence, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in college and beyond. The 8:1 student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, and the school also boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate.
5. Chapin School
Total Students: 802
Tuition Fee: $62,500 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6.8 to 1
Website: https://www.chapin.edu/
Another one of the best private schols in New York is the Chapin School, an independent all-girls school that has 802 students. The Chapin School is renowned for its rigorous academics and a strong sense of community. With a 6.8 to 1 student-teacher ratio, it places great emphasis on character development, empowering young women to excel academically and socially.
6. Brearley School
Total Students: 748
Tuition Fee: $58,700 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
Website: https://www.brearley.org/
Another prestigious all-girls school, the Brearley School, is also one of the best private schools in New York City. The Brearley School is renowned for its rigorous academics and commitment to empowering young women to excel in a variety of fields. The best thing about Brearley School is its highly educated faculty. Almost 84% of their faculty have Masters or Doctoral degrees.
7. Trinity School
Total Students: 1,001
Tuition Fee: $58,495 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1
Website: https://www.trinityschoolnyc.org/
Trinity School, situated on the Upper West Side of New York City, is a K-12 coeducational independent school. Established in 1709, Trinity has consistently delivered a top-tier education with a strong focus on rigorous academics alongside excellent programs in athletics, the arts, peer leadership, and global travel. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate and a desirable 6 to 1 student-teacher rate.
8. Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Total Students: 1,700
Tuition Fee: $55,510 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: N/A
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1
Website: https://www.ecfs.org/
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is one of the best NYC private schools for parents who want their children to experience an immersive, progressive educational curriculum. With a commitment to social justice and progressive education, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School provides students with a diverse and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and civic engagement.
9. Riverdale Country School
Total Students: 1,140
Tuition Fee: $54,545 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1
Website: https://www.riverdale.edu/
Riverdale Country School is also one of the best private schools in New York. Located in the Bronx, Riverdale Country School offers a challenging curriculum, a commitment to diversity, and a strong sense of community that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. The school has 1,140 students, a low 6 to 1 student-teacher ratio, and a 100% graduation rate.
10. Lycée Français de New York
Total Students: 1350+
Tuition Fee: $45,800 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1
Website: https://www.lfny.org/
Another one of the best private schools in NYC is Lycée Français de New York. Lycée Français de New York offers a unique bilingual education, blending a rigorous French-American curriculum with cultural immersion. The school's 10:1 student-teacher ratio ensures that students receive individualized attention in their language and academic pursuits.
11. The Buckley School
Total Students: 374
Tuition Fee: $58,500 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1
Website: https://www.buckleyschool.org/
The Buckley School is also one of the top private schools in the NYC area. The school is known for its small class sizes and personalized approach to education, focusing on the individual needs and interests of each student. The Buckley School boasts an impressive 6 to 1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% graduation rate.
12. Saint David's School
Total Students: 425
Tuition Fee: $52,385 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1
Website: https://www.saintdavids.org/
Saint David's School is an all-boys institution with 425 enrolled students. Saint David's School provides a strong emphasis on character development, leadership, and a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success. Despite a higher student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school boasts an impressive 100% graduation rate.
13. Nightingale-Bamford School
Total Students: 686
Tuition Fee: $61,655 / Year
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
Website: https://www.nightingale.org/
The Nightingale-Bamford School is an all-girls institution that combines rigorous academics with a strong sense of community and a commitment to empowering young women to excel in a variety of fields. With a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, the Nightingale-Bamford School offers each pupil the personalized attention they need to succeed.
Best Private Schools in NYC Bottom Line
In New York City, where options for private schools abound, choosing the right one for your child is a significant decision. The 13 schools mentioned in this guide stand out as the best options for families seeking top-tier education for their children in the vibrant and diverse city of New York. They offer a diverse range of educational philosophies and approaches. Each of these schools shares a common commitment to academic excellence, character development, and preparing students for success in college and beyond.