The Best Private Schools in Alexandria Bay, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexandria Bay. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence Academy
Independent Catholic School
St. Lawrence Academy is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving the Thousand Islands region, including Alexandria Bay. Founded in 1979, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities. With a 4.4 rating from parents and alumni, the academy is known for its rigorous academics and supportive community environment. The school serves students from multiple North Country communities and provides transportation options for families in the Alexandria Bay area.
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Thousand Islands Catholic School
Diocese of Ogdensburg
Thousand Islands Catholic School serves the broader North Country region, including families from Alexandria Bay. Established in 1989, this diocesan school provides a faith-based education from pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features modern technology integration, comprehensive music and arts programs, and a robust community service curriculum. With a 4.2 rating, parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong sense of community. The school offers transportation services that accommodate students from surrounding areas.
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Thousand Islands Elementary School
Thousand Islands Central School District
While technically part of a public school district, Thousand Islands Elementary in Clayton serves as a premier educational option for families throughout the Thousand Islands region, including Alexandria Bay. Established in its current form in 1999, the school offers exceptional educational programs that rival many private institutions. With a 4.1 rating, the school is praised for its dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. The school serves students from multiple communities and provides specialized programs that attract families seeking high-quality education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexandria Bay, New York
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Alexandria Bay, NY?
In Alexandria Bay, NY, families have a few primary private school options, all with a religious affiliation. St. Lawrence Academy is a private Catholic school serving students in grades 7-12. For younger children, Thousand Islands Catholic School provides education from Pre-K through 6th grade. It's important to note that Thousand Islands Elementary School is actually a public school within the Thousand Islands Central School District, not a private institution. The private school landscape in this small river community is limited, so some families also consider options in nearby towns like Clayton or Watertown for a broader selection.
How does the tuition for private schools in Alexandria Bay, NY, compare to state averages, and are there any New York-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at private schools in Alexandria Bay, such as St. Lawrence Academy and Thousand Islands Catholic School, tends to be below the statewide average for New York private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. Annual tuition often ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the grade level and parish membership status. New York State offers specific financial aid opportunities that local families can explore, including the Child Safety Fund (for non-public school transportation and health services) and potential education tax credits. Additionally, many local Catholic schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based scholarships funded by diocesan and local community sources.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Alexandria Bay private schools offer that leverage their location in the Thousand Islands region?
Private schools in Alexandria Bay uniquely integrate the local environment into their programs. Given its location on the St. Lawrence River, schools often emphasize environmental science, ecology, and local history related to the Thousand Islands and the Great Lakes. Proximity to Boldt Castle and the river ecosystem provides unparalleled opportunities for field studies and project-based learning. St. Lawrence Academy, as a college-preparatory school, may also offer specialized courses or clubs focused on maritime studies, regional tourism, and environmental stewardship that are distinctive to this border community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Alexandria Bay, NY, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for Alexandria Bay's private schools typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with re-registration for current families taking priority. For new families, especially those moving to the area for the summer tourism season or other reasons, it's crucial to contact the school office directly as soon as possible, as spaces in small, close-knit classes can be limited. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic schools), and a family interview. Given the small size of the schools, late enrollment may be possible if space exists, but early inquiry is strongly recommended.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the private schools and the public Thousand Islands Central School District in Alexandria Bay?
The key differences lie in size, religious education, and specific programming. The public Thousand Islands Central School District serves a broader geographic area with a larger student population, potentially offering more extensive elective courses, advanced placement classes, and sports teams at the middle and high school levels. The private schools (St. Lawrence Academy and Thousand Islands Catholic School) offer a faith-based education with integrated religious instruction, typically smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The public district's elementary school is located in Alexandria Bay village itself, while the junior-senior high school is in nearby Clayton. For many local families, the choice often centers on the value of a religious foundation versus the wider programmatic resources of the public district.
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