The Best Private Schools in Baldwin, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Baldwin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chaminade High School
Marianist Educational Associates
Chaminade High School is an acclaimed all-boys Catholic institution with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence serving the Baldwin community. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including recently renovated science centers, extensive athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Chaminade's rigorous curriculum includes numerous AP courses, honors programs, and specialized tracks in engineering and business. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its strong alumni network, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student support services that prepare graduates for top universities.
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St. Agnes Cathedral School
Diocese of Rockville Centre
St. Agnes Cathedral School provides exceptional private education for students from pre-K through 8th grade, serving many families in the Baldwin area. The school features modern classrooms, STEM labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Academic programs emphasize foundational skills with advanced coursework in mathematics and language arts, complemented by music, art, and technology integration. High parent satisfaction stems from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a nurturing environment that fosters both academic achievement and character development within a faith-based community.
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Kellenberg Memorial High School
Catholic Schools of Long Island
Kellenberg Memorial High School is a highly-regarded Catholic co-educational institution serving the Baldwin area with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Known for its strong academic tradition, Kellenberg offers Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment that emphasizes moral development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Baldwin, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Baldwin, New York, and are there differences in educational focus among them?
Baldwin, NY, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though most are located in nearby communities within Nassau County. The most prominent include Kellenberg Memorial High School (co-ed, Roman Catholic, grades 9-12) in Uniondale, Chaminade High School (all-boys, Marianist Catholic, grades 9-12) in Mineola, and St. Agnes Cathedral School (co-ed, Catholic, grades Pre-K-8) in Rockville Centre. For Baldwin residents, Kellenberg and Chaminade are major destinations for high school, known for strong college preparatory programs, while St. Agnes is a key option for elementary and middle school. The differences in focus are notable: Chaminade emphasizes a traditional, disciplined liberal arts education; Kellenberg offers a wide array of clubs, sports, and service programs; and St. Agnes provides a foundational parish school education. Transportation from Baldwin is often provided via district busing for eligible students.
How does tuition for private schools like Chaminade or Kellenberg compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State for Baldwin families?
Tuition for the top private high schools near Baldwin typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to $15,000 per year. For example, Chaminade and Kellenberg have tuition in this range. New York State offers specific financial aid opportunities that Baldwin families can leverage. The most significant is the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** for private high schools, which is need-based and can provide substantial aid. Additionally, many schools have their own endowed financial aid and scholarship programs. For elementary schools like St. Agnes, parishioner subsidies may be available. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school's chosen platform (often FACTS) and to inquire early about both need-based aid and merit scholarships. New York also has educational tax credits, though these programs can change, so consulting a tax advisor is recommended.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for competitive private high schools like Chaminade and Kellenberg that serve Baldwin students?
The enrollment process for these schools is highly structured and begins early in a student's 7th or 8th grade year. The key steps are: 1) **Open Houses/Information Nights** (typically held in the fall). 2) **Registration for Entrance Exams** (the Cooperative Entrance Exam or "HSPT" is commonly required and administered in November or December). 3) **Application Submission** (due shortly after the exam, including transcripts and recommendations). 4) **Interviews/Shadow Days** (often for the student and sometimes parents). 5) **Decision Notifications** (mailed in late January or February). For Baldwin families, it is essential to plan at least a year in advance. Contacting the school's admissions office in the spring before the application year is advisable to get on their mailing list. Sibling and legacy considerations can play a role, but strong academic performance and exam scores are paramount.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at private schools accessible from Baldwin, such as Kellenberg, compare to the offerings at Baldwin's public schools?
Baldwin's public school district (Baldwin Union Free School District) is well-regarded, but private options offer distinct differences. Academically, schools like Kellenberg and Chaminade often have a more standardized, college-prep curriculum with a required theology component and potentially more Advanced Placement (AP) or honors course consistency. The private school environment typically features smaller class sizes and a distinct value-based community. Extracurricularly, these private schools have massive programs; Kellenberg, for instance, fields over 100 athletic teams and has an extraordinary number of clubs. Baldwin public schools offer robust programs as well, but the scale and specific focus (e.g., mandatory service hours, retreats) in the private sector are unique. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and the specific fit for the child, with many Baldwin families valuing the structured environment and network provided by the local Catholic high schools.
What are the transportation logistics for a Baldwin student attending a private school outside the district, and what is provided by the Baldwin UFSD?
Transportation is a key practical consideration. New York State law (Section 3635) requires public school districts to provide transportation to private school students within certain distance limits. The **Baldwin Union Free School District** typically provides bus transportation to private schools located within a 15-mile radius of the student's home. This covers schools like Kellenberg, Chaminade, and St. Agnes. Parents must submit a transportation request form (available from the Baldwin district) by a strict deadline, usually April 1st for the following school year. The district will then arrange bus routes and provide pick-up/drop-off points. For distances beyond 15 miles, or for schools not on an established route, parents may receive a transportation allowance in lieu of a bus. It is critical to confirm all details with the Baldwin UFSD transportation office well in advance to ensure seamless logistics.