The Best Private Schools in Bayside, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bayside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Mary Louis Academy
Catholic School
The Mary Louis Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school for young women, located just minutes from Bayside in Jamaica Estates. With an 85-year tradition of academic excellence, TMLA offers a rigorous curriculum including 20+ Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts education. The school features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and competitive athletic programs. Known for its strong community values and 100% college acceptance rate, TMLA consistently ranks among the top private schools in Queens serving the Bayside community.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is a prestigious independent JK-12 school located in nearby Forest Hills, serving families throughout Queens including Bayside. As one of the oldest independent schools in Queens, it offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, and athletic spaces. With a diverse student body and strong emphasis on global citizenship, Kew-Forest provides exceptional academic preparation with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Holy Cross High School
Catholic School
Holy Cross High School is a comprehensive Catholic co-educational high school located in Flushing, directly serving the Bayside community. Founded by the Brothers of Holy Cross, the school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with specialized academies in STEM, business, and humanities. The campus features modern science and computer labs, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and a track record of college acceptances to prestigious institutions, Holy Cross provides a values-based education combined with academic rigor and extensive extracurricular opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bayside, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available in Bayside, New York, and how do they differ?
Bayside, Queens offers a mix of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The area features prominent Catholic high schools like The Mary Louis Academy (all-girls) and Holy Cross High School (co-ed), which provide college-preparatory curricula with a faith-based foundation. There are also independent day schools such as The Kew-Forest School, which offers a secular, progressive education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Additionally, Bayside is home to several well-regarded private academies for younger children and specialized programs. The key differences lie in religious affiliation, educational approach (traditional vs. progressive), single-gender vs. co-ed environments, and grade ranges served.
How does tuition for private schools in Bayside, NY, compare to the broader New York City area, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Bayside private schools is generally competitive within the New York City landscape but can vary significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at institutions like Holy Cross can range from approximately $12,000 to $14,000, while a Pre-K-12 independent school like Kew-Forest may have tuition exceeding $40,000 for upper grades. These costs are often lower than comparable Manhattan private schools but require careful family budgeting. Most Bayside private schools offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. Additionally, New York State programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) are not applicable for K-12, but many schools participate in the state's STEM scholarship program for qualifying high school students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bayside private schools offer that leverage their Queens location?
Bayside private schools often utilize their proximity to diverse cultural institutions and professional hubs in Queens and NYC. For example, The Mary Louis Academy offers robust STEM programs with partnerships at local universities like St. John's, and its Justice Institute leverages nearby courts for mock trial. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes global citizenship, with its location in one of the world's most diverse counties enriching its curriculum and community service projects. Holy Cross High School features strong athletics programs that compete in the NYC Catholic league and specialized academies within the school, such as its Engineering Academy. Many schools also incorporate internships and study opportunities in nearby Flushing, Manhattan, and Long Island.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Bayside, and are there specific entrance exams required?
The enrollment process for Bayside private high schools often begins a full year in advance. For Catholic high schools like Mary Louis Academy and Holy Cross, the primary timeline aligns with the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS), administered each November for 8th graders seeking entry the following fall. Registration for TACHS typically opens in August. Independent schools like The Kew-Forest School may use the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or their own assessment and have application deadlines in January. Key steps include open houses (usually in the fall), submitting applications, student interviews, and submitting transcripts. It's crucial to check each school's website for exact dates, as they can differ.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing top-rated Bayside public schools (like Bayside High School) to local private schools?
The comparison hinges on educational philosophy, class size, specialized programs, and cost. Bayside High School is a large, well-regarded public school offering a wide array of Advanced Placement courses and extracurriculars at no tuition cost. In contrast, Bayside private schools like Kew-Forest, Mary Louis, and Holy Cross offer significantly smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often a more structured environment with specific value systems (e.g., religious or progressive). Private schools may also have more flexibility in their curriculum and fewer standardized testing mandates. The decision often comes down to whether a family prioritizes the diverse, large-scale environment of a public school or the tailored, mission-driven education of a private institution, balanced against the substantial financial investment.
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