The Best Private Schools in Riverside, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Riverside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brunswick School
Independent
Brunswick School is a prestigious all-boys private day school located just minutes from Riverside in Greenwich. Founded in 1902, the school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Brunswick is particularly known for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive college counseling, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. Its proximity to Riverside makes it a popular choice for families in the area seeking exceptional private education for boys.
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Convent of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Convent of the Sacred Heart is an independent Catholic school for girls located in Greenwich, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it offers a values-based education focused on academic excellence, faith, and personal growth. The school features a beautiful 110-acre campus with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Sacred Heart is particularly recognized for its strong college preparatory program, with graduates consistently admitted to selective colleges and universities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics, making it a top choice for Riverside families seeking education for girls.
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King School
Independent
King School is a coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, located in nearby Stamford and serving families throughout Fairfield County including Riverside. The school offers both an International Baccalaureate program and Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. King's 34-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, arts studios, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly known for its innovative STEM programs, competitive athletics, and strong arts curriculum. With a focus on developing critical thinking and global citizenship, King School prepares students for success in college and beyond, making it a popular choice for Riverside families seeking a comprehensive coeducational private school experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Riverside, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options serving families in Riverside, CT, and what age groups do they cover?
Riverside is part of a highly sought-after educational corridor in Fairfield County. The most prominent local private schools include the all-boys Brunswick School (Pre-K through Grade 12), the all-girls Convent of the Sacred Heart (Pre-K through Grade 12), and the co-educational King School (Pre-K through Grade 12). While these schools are located in nearby Greenwich and Stamford, they are the primary private institutions for Riverside families due to proximity and community ties. Riverside itself does not host major private school campuses, making these neighboring schools the standard choice for private education in the area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Riverside, CT area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at top-tier Fairfield County private schools like Brunswick, Sacred Heart, and King is among the highest in Connecticut, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $55,000 per year for upper grades. This exceeds the state's private school average significantly, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. Importantly, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid programs. It is common for a significant percentage of the student body to receive aid, and families are encouraged to apply through the School and Student Service (SSS) portal, as a six-figure household income does not automatically disqualify a family from receiving assistance in this high-cost region.
What are the distinctive academic or extracurricular programs that draw Riverside families to local private schools?
Schools serving Riverside are known for exceptional, specialized programs. Brunswick School has a renowned engineering and design lab, a nationally recognized sailing team, and extensive robotics programs. Convent of the Sacred Heart offers a globally networked Sacred Heart education with a strong focus on leadership, world languages, and a dedicated STEM center for young women. King School emphasizes interdisciplinary "King Leads" programs, entrepreneurship, and a state-of-the-art innovation lab. All three schools leverage their proximity to New York City for arts and internship opportunities, a unique advantage for Riverside students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Riverside, CT area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. The key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (fall/winter), and receiving decisions in March. For schools like Brunswick, Sacred Heart, and King, sibling and legacy considerations are important, but not guarantees. Riverside families are advised to engage with admissions offices early due to intense competition for a limited number of spots from a wide regional pool.
Given the excellent public schools in Riverside (part of Greenwich Public Schools), what are the main reasons families choose private options?
While Greenwich Public Schools are highly rated, families in Riverside may opt for private schools for several specific reasons. These include desire for single-sex education (Brunswick or Sacred Heart), a more structured or values-based curriculum (e.g., Sacred Heart's five goals), smaller average class sizes, and specialized facilities (like turf fields, theaters, or science labs) that rival college campuses. Additionally, some seek a specific educational philosophy or a consistent private school pathway from early childhood through high school, avoiding the redistricting that can occur within the Greenwich public system. The decision often centers on finding the best fit for a child's individual learning style and long-term goals within this affluent, education-focused community.
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