The Best Private Schools in Corona, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Corona. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Preparatory School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Brooklyn
St. Francis Preparatory School is one of the largest Catholic high schools in the United States, serving students from Corona and throughout Queens. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with over 200 courses including numerous Advanced Placement options. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Extracurricular programs include over 80 clubs, competitive sports teams, and extensive community service opportunities.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is an independent coeducational day school serving students from Corona and surrounding Queens communities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes global citizenship and critical thinking skills while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending prestigious universities.
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The Windsor School
Independent School
The Windsor School serves students from Corona and across Queens with a personalized college preparatory education. The school features small class sizes and individualized attention, offering Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive college counseling. The diverse student body includes both domestic and international students, creating a global learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and art spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence while fostering character development and leadership skills, with graduates consistently gaining admission to competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Corona, New York
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Corona, New York, and are there top-rated options within commuting distance?
Families in Corona, NY, have access to several types of private schools, including Catholic/parochial, independent college-preparatory, and international schools. While Corona itself is more densely populated with public and charter options, several highly-regarded private institutions are a short commute away in neighboring Queens communities. Notable examples include St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows (a large Franciscan Catholic school), The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills (a prestigious, secular PK-12 school), and The Windsor School in Flushing (an international-focused secondary school). Many families in Corona also consider schools in nearby Nassau County or Manhattan, leveraging the city's public transit system.
How does tuition for private schools in the Corona, New York area compare to the broader NYC metro, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Queens/NYC area varies widely but generally ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $50,000 per year for day schools. Schools like St. Francis Prep are on the more affordable end of the spectrum for a private, faith-based education, while independent schools like Kew-Forest command higher tuition comparable to Manhattan institutions. A key financial consideration for Corona families is that New York State offers relatively limited tax-credit or voucher programs for private education. However, most established schools offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds can be limited, and to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Corona, NY, that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the Queens area often provide specialized programs that cater to diverse student interests and college aspirations. For instance, St. Francis Prep offers an extensive array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and renowned performing arts programs. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes a global curriculum with advanced language studies and intimate, seminar-style classes. The Windsor School specializes in support for international students and English language learners, with a strong focus on university placement worldwide. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and unique electives—like specialized STEM labs or robotics programs—that may be more constrained in the larger Corona public school system due to budget and space limitations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the New York City area, and how should Corona parents prepare?
The private school admissions timeline in the NYC area is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, the process typically starts in the summer or early fall with open houses and inquiry submissions. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid are usually between November and January. Standard requirements include standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Corona families, it's essential to plan for entrance exams, which may require travel to testing centers, and to schedule school tours that account for commute times. Many schools also prioritize siblings and legacy applicants, so starting early and demonstrating genuine interest is critical.
For families residing in Corona, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the broader Queens/NYC area?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. Corona is served by New York City's District 24 public schools, which are some of the largest and most diverse in the city. The primary advantages of private schools for Corona families often include smaller class sizes, specialized academic focus, perceived safer environments, and a consistent educational philosophy. However, this comes with significant financial cost and, frequently, a longer daily commute. Parents should consider the value of their zoned public school, the availability of Gifted & Talented programs, and charter school lotteries as public alternatives. The unique cultural and linguistic diversity of Corona itself is a rich asset; some private schools may offer a different social environment. Ultimately, visiting both local public options and private schools is essential to assess the best fit for a child's needs and the family's logistics and budget.
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