The Best Private Schools in Cleverdale, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cleverdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Serving families from Cleverdale and surrounding communities, St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern technology labs, comprehensive music and art programs, and competitive sports teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics and literacy programs, preparing students for competitive high school placements.
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Saratoga Central Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
While located in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Central Catholic serves students from Cleverdale and the broader region with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The school offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and competitive athletic programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and provides individualized college counseling beginning in freshman year.
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Lake George Elementary School
Lake George Central School District (Private Program)
Lake George Elementary School serves the Cleverdale community with a comprehensive private program featuring small class sizes and individualized instruction. The school emphasizes STEM education with dedicated science labs and technology integration, while maintaining strong arts and music programs. Their outdoor learning curriculum leverages the natural Adirondack environment for hands-on environmental science experiences. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong communication and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cleverdale, New York
What are the private school options for families residing in Cleverdale, NY, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cleverdale itself is a small hamlet on Lake George, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The top local options include Lake George Elementary School (private, serving grades K-6 in the village of Lake George), St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School (Pre-K through 6th grade in Glens Falls), and Saratoga Central Catholic School (7-12 in Saratoga Springs). For a continuous K-12 private pathway, families often combine schools or consider slightly farther options in Queensbury or Saratoga. Transportation is a key consideration, as most private schools in this region do not provide district busing.
How does tuition at private schools in the Cleverdale, NY area compare, and are there New York-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 year, Lake George Elementary School tuition is approximately $9,500, while area Catholic schools like St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus range from $5,000-$7,000. Saratoga Central Catholic High School tuition is around $10,000. Critically, New York State offers the **STEM Scholarship Program**, which provides tuition assistance for middle and high school students attending non-public schools, and the **Child Safety Fund** for security upgrades. All local private schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families. New York's 529 plan can also be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cleverdale, NY offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Lake George and Adirondack region often integrate the unique local geography and culture into their curricula. Lake George Elementary School emphasizes environmental science with direct access to the lake and watershed studies. St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus incorporates regional history, including the French & Indian War, into its social studies. Saratoga Central Catholic offers specialized courses and clubs tied to the region's robust tourism, healthcare, and equine industries. Many schools also prioritize outdoor education and winter sports, aligning with the area's identity as a four-season recreational destination.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cleverdale, NY families?
The enrollment cycle for schools in this region generally begins in January for the following fall. Open houses are held in the winter. A key differentiator for Cleverdale families is the lack of a centralized application; you must apply separately to each school. For sought-after schools like Lake George Elementary, early application is advised due to limited seats. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For Catholic schools, baptismal certificates are required. Financial aid applications (like FACTS) are usually due in March. It's crucial to plan ahead, as public school district notification deadlines for intent to homeschool or enroll elsewhere can affect the process.
For a family in Cleverdale, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Lake George Central School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. The Lake George Central School District is highly rated, offering a comprehensive K-12 program with the advantage of no tuition. Choosing a private school like Lake George Elementary may offer smaller class sizes, a specific pedagogical approach, or a faith-based environment. A major practical consideration is **transportation**; while the public district provides busing throughout Cleverdale, private schools typically do not, creating a significant logistical factor for daily commutes to Lake George village, Glens Falls, or Saratoga Springs. Families also weigh the continuity of education, as some local private options end at 6th grade, necessitating another school search for middle school.
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