The Best Private Schools in Bearsville, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bearsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Mountain School
Independent
The Mountain School is a highly-regarded progressive independent school located just minutes from Bearsville in Woodstock. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with a strong outdoor education component. The curriculum integrates academic excellence with environmental stewardship, arts, and community engagement. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school's beautiful campus includes woodland trails, gardens, and modern learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and innovative approach to education that develops critical thinking and creativity.
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Oakwood Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Oakwood Friends School is one of the oldest co-educational college preparatory schools in the nation, serving day students from the Bearsville area and boarding students from around the world. Located about 30 minutes from Bearsville in Poughkeepsie, this Quaker school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in values of community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The beautiful 63-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, and the school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Kingston Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Kingston Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and draws families from throughout Ulster County, including Bearsville. Located approximately 15 miles from Bearsville in Kingston, the school provides a values-based education rooted in Catholic tradition while offering a comprehensive academic program. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics, complemented by robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and technology-enhanced learning spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bearsville, New York
What are the main private school options for families living in Bearsville, NY, and what are their educational approaches?
Bearsville itself is a small hamlet, so families typically look at schools in the wider Ulster County and Hudson Valley region. The most prominent nearby options include The Mountain School (progressive, nature-based elementary), Oakwood Friends School (Quaker-based, college-preparatory day and boarding for grades 6-12 in Poughkeepsie), and Kingston Catholic School (faith-based, Pre-K-8 in nearby Kingston). Each offers a distinct philosophy: from experiential outdoor learning to values-based Quaker education and traditional Catholic instruction. Transportation from Bearsville to these schools is an important logistical consideration for parents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Bearsville, NY area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition in the Bearsville vicinity varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$8,000 annually for a parish-based school like Kingston Catholic to over $40,000 for a boarding program at Oakwood Friends (day student tuition is lower). The Mountain School, as a private elementary, also commands a competitive tuition. Critically, New York State offers the **Child Safety Fund (Tax Credit) Scholarship Program**, which can provide need-based scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools have their own financial aid and merit scholarship programs, and New York's 529 plan can be used for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Bearsville, NY, that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Catskills/Hudson Valley area often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their curricula. The Mountain School is renowned for its outdoor, place-based education where the forest and creek are primary classrooms. Oakwood Friends School emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, with related coursework and projects. Kingston Catholic, while more traditional, may organize field trips to local historic sites like the Senate House in Kingston. Proximity to arts communities in Woodstock and Bearsville itself also influences strong arts programs, including music, visual arts, and theater.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Bearsville, NY, families?
The admission process for schools like Oakwood Friends, The Mountain School, and Kingston Catholic generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting applications by January or February, and completing student visits/interviews and required assessments. Notification dates are typically in March for a September start. Due to limited seats, especially in sought-after elementary programs, early inquiry is strongly advised. Some schools may have rolling admission if spaces remain. It's common for Bearsville families to apply to multiple schools to ensure placement.
For a family considering a move to Bearsville, how do the local public schools compare with the available private school options?
Bearsville is part of the **Ontario Central School District (Onteora Central School District)**, which operates public schools in the region. The choice between Onteora public schools and private options involves several factors. Onteora provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with standard extracurriculars. Private alternatives often offer smaller class sizes, specialized pedagogical approaches (e.g., progressive, religious, or college-prep focused), and more individualized attention. The decision frequently hinges on a family's educational philosophy, desire for a specific values-based environment, and budget for tuition. Many families in the area value the tight-knit community feel of both the public district and the smaller private schools.
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