The Best Private Schools in Eastchester, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eastchester. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Ursuline School
Ursuline Order
The Ursuline School is a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving Eastchester and the surrounding communities. With over a century of educational excellence, Ursuline offers a rigorous academic curriculum including extensive AP course offerings, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is known for its strong sisterhood community, exceptional college placement record, and commitment to developing confident, capable young women. Extensive extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, community service programs, and numerous clubs.
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The Harvey School
Independent
The Harvey School is an esteemed independent co-educational college preparatory school that serves students from Eastchester and throughout Westchester County. Located in Katonah, Harvey offers a comprehensive educational experience for grades 6-12 with particular strengths in STEM education, competitive athletics, and visual/performing arts. The school features a beautiful 100-acre campus with modern academic buildings, science and innovation labs, athletic facilities, and arts centers. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, Harvey prepares students for top-tier colleges while fostering personal growth and leadership skills. The school's robust athletic program competes in the HVAL conference, and their arts department produces acclaimed theatrical and musical performances.
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The Chapel School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
The Chapel School is a highly-regarded Lutheran private school located just minutes from Eastchester in neighboring Bronxville. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith-based education, character development, and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated art and music spaces. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, robotics club, and various arts programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community feel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eastchester, New York
What are the primary private school options available within or directly serving the Eastchester, NY community, and what are their core educational models?
Eastchester, NY, is served by several notable private schools, each with a distinct model. The Chapel School (Pre-K-8) is a Lutheran-affiliated school offering a values-based education with a strong academic foundation. The Ursuline School (9-12) is an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and leadership development, drawing students from across Westchester. The Harvey School (6-12) in nearby Katonah is a co-ed, independent day and boarding school with a focus on personalized learning and a wide array of arts and athletics. While Eastchester's public schools are highly rated, these private options provide specific religious, single-gender, or independent educational environments.
How does tuition for private schools in the Eastchester, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Eastchester area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $15,000-$20,000 for lower grades at The Chapel School, and $30,000-$50,000+ for upper schools like The Ursuline School and The Harvey School. These costs are in line with the higher cost of living in Westchester County, New York. Importantly, most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Families should complete the School and Student Services (SSS) financial aid application and apply early, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships.
What are the key enrollment timelines and application requirements for private schools in Eastchester, NY?
The admission process for Eastchester-area private schools is competitive and follows a strict timeline. Key steps typically begin 12-18 months before desired entry. For fall enrollment, open houses are held in the preceding fall (Sept-Nov), applications are due in January, and admissions decisions are released in March. Standard requirements include a completed application, school transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and a family/student interview. For schools like The Ursuline and Harvey, which draw from a wide region, early inquiry is crucial. The Chapel School may have more flexibility for younger grades but still encourages early application.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools in the Eastchester area that distinguish them?
Yes, Eastchester-area private schools offer specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. The Ursuline School has a renowned Science Research Program and extensive STEM facilities. The Harvey School emphasizes experiential learning with its "Harvey 100" curriculum and offers a distinctive boarding program for students in grades 9-12, which is rare for the immediate area. The Chapel School provides a strong foundation in world languages and integrates technology from an early grade. All schools leverage their proximity to New York City for cultural and academic enrichment through field trips and partnerships, an advantage specific to this location.
For families in Eastchester, what are the major considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public school district and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, environment, and specific student needs. Eastchester Union Free School District is consistently top-ranked in New York State, offering a strong, tuition-free K-12 program. Choosing a private school like those in the area typically involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Chapel), a single-gender environment (Ursuline), or a more personalized, low student-teacher ratio with specialized programs (Harvey). Private schools may also offer more flexibility in curriculum and faster adoption of innovative teaching methods. The trade-off is the significant financial investment. Many families in Eastchester weigh the cost against the desire for a mission-aligned education that matches their child's unique learning style.
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