The Best Private Schools in Brooklyn, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brooklyn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Ann's School
Saint Ann's School
Saint Ann's School is widely regarded as one of Brooklyn's premier independent schools, known for its rigorous academic program without traditional grading. The school emphasizes creative expression and intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. With exceptional teacher-student ratios and a renowned arts program that includes theater, music, and visual arts, Saint Ann's has produced numerous notable alumni. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through high school and is particularly recognized for its college placement record and innovative approach to education.
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Berkeley Carroll School
Berkeley Carroll School
Berkeley Carroll School offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Known for its diverse community and progressive approach to education, Berkeley Carroll balances traditional academic rigor with innovative teaching methods. The school's Upper School offers extensive AP courses and maintains an impressive college matriculation record, while also emphasizing community engagement and global citizenship.
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Poly Prep Country Day School
Poly Prep Country Day School
Poly Prep Country Day School is one of Brooklyn's oldest and most respected independent schools, serving students from pre-school through high school. The school occupies a 25-acre campus in Dyker Heights, featuring extensive athletic facilities, modern classrooms, and specialized learning spaces. Poly Prep offers a balanced education with strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school is particularly known for its college counseling program and maintains a tradition of academic excellence while fostering individual student growth and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brooklyn, New York
What are the main types of private schools available in Brooklyn, NY, and how do they differ?
Brooklyn offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent secular schools, religious-affiliated schools, and specialized progressive schools. Top-tier independent schools like Saint Ann's School and Berkeley Carroll School offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula with strong arts and humanities programs, often with a secular, progressive ethos. Religious schools, such as those affiliated with Catholic, Jewish, or other faiths, integrate spiritual formation with academics. Brooklyn is also notable for its many progressive and alternative schools emphasizing project-based learning and student-led inquiry. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious component, campus setting (urban vs. more suburban like Poly Prep's Dyker Heights campus), and selectivity.
How does tuition for Brooklyn private schools compare to the broader New York City average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Brooklyn's leading private day schools like Saint Ann's, Berkeley Carroll, and Poly Prep typically ranges from approximately $55,000 to $65,000 annually for upper grades, which is competitive with elite Manhattan schools. The broader NYC private school average is similar, though Brooklyn can offer slightly more variation with some smaller religious or independent schools at lower price points. Critically, most top Brooklyn schools have substantial financial aid endowments and are committed to socioeconomic diversity. They offer need-based aid, and some, like Poly Prep, have dedicated scholarship programs. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are allocated early. New York State also has programs like the Child Care Tax Credit for eligible younger students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Brooklyn?
The process for Brooklyn private high schools (grades 9-12) is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall of 7th grade (for 9th grade entry), registering for standardized tests like the ISEE or SSAT by that winter, submitting applications (often via SAO or Ravenna platforms) by early December, and completing student interviews and visits in January. Notifications are released in late February or early March. For schools like Poly Prep and Berkeley Carroll, which have lower schools, internal promotion is common, making external spots in middle and high school particularly competitive. Starting early, carefully preparing for entrance exams, and demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits are crucial for Brooklyn applicants.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular specializations that Brooklyn private schools are known for?
Yes, many Brooklyn private schools have developed distinctive strengths reflective of the borough's creative and diverse culture. Saint Ann's School is renowned for its unparalleled arts program and a curriculum without traditional letter grades, emphasizing creative writing and artistic expression. Berkeley Carroll strongly emphasizes global citizenship and sustainability, with robust science research opportunities. Poly Prep, with its larger campus, offers exceptional athletics facilities and programs alongside strong engineering and robotics tracks. Furthermore, Brooklyn's urban environment allows schools to deeply integrate the city's museums, tech hubs, and cultural institutions into their curricula, offering an education deeply connected to the resources of New York City.
For families considering both options, what are the key practical differences between top Brooklyn public schools (like those in District 15 or 20) and private schools?
The key differences involve admissions selectivity, resources, class size, and educational approach. Top Brooklyn public schools, such as those in District 15's progressive, lottery-based middle school system or selective specialized high schools, are tuition-free but have non-selective or test-based admissions. Private schools offer guaranteed placement (upon acceptance) from kindergarten through 12th grade, significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), and more individualized attention. They also have greater freedom in curriculum design, leading to more innovative or specialized programs. However, the cost is substantial. The public school experience often reflects the incredible diversity of Brooklyn itself, while private schools actively work to cultivate diversity through recruitment and aid. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities regarding educational philosophy, community, and financial investment.
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