The Best Private Schools in Ellicottville, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellicottville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
Independent Catholic School
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school that attracts students from throughout Western New York, including the Ellicottville region. The school offers an exceptional academic program with 22 AP courses, renowned STEM facilities, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The 35-acre campus features state-of-the-art science and technology centers, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong Lasallian tradition, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, and leadership development, consistently achieving high college acceptance rates and student success outcomes.
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Southern Tier Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
Southern Tier Catholic School provides exceptional private education from pre-K through 12th grade, serving families throughout Cattaraugus County including Ellicottville. The school features a challenging academic program with honors and AP courses, state-of-the-art technology integration, and strong emphasis on moral and spiritual development. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, library resources, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and comprehensive student support services.
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Archbishop Walsh Academy
Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
Archbishop Walsh Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Southern Tier region including Ellicottville. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while providing strong college counseling and diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams and arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellicottville, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Ellicottville, New York?
While Ellicottville itself is a small village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent are Archbishop Walsh Academy (a Pre-K through 12 Catholic school in Olean), Southern Tier Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8 Catholic school in Olean), and St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute (an all-boys, grades 9-12 Catholic school in Buffalo, about an hour's drive). Many Ellicottville families also consider private schools in the broader Buffalo and Olean areas. Given the rural setting, transportation planning is a key consideration for Ellicottville residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Ellicottville, NY, compare, and are there any New York State-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Archbishop Walsh Academy's high school tuition is approximately $8,500, while Southern Tier Catholic School's elementary tuition is lower. St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, being a larger Buffalo-area school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000. Critically for New York State residents, the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** for private high schools is not available for K-12. However, all these Catholic schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and parish subsidies. Additionally, New York's **STEM Scholarship Program** can provide tuition assistance for eligible students attending non-public high schools. Parents should inquire directly with each school's financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellicottville offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique assets of Western New York into their programs. Archbishop Walsh Academy, for instance, has a strong emphasis on **outdoor education and environmental science**, taking advantage of its proximity to the Allegheny National Forest and ski resorts like Holiday Valley. Many schools have robust ski clubs and racing teams. Furthermore, given the area's cultural and economic ties to hospitality and tourism, some schools incorporate business and entrepreneurship programs with a local focus. St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute offers extensive advanced placement and engineering pathways that connect students with Buffalo's medical and industrial sectors.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Ellicottville, NY area?
The enrollment process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. For schools like Archbishop Walsh and Southern Tier Catholic, open houses are held between October and January. Application deadlines are often in early spring (February/March), with acceptance notifications sent by April. A key step for the Catholic schools is providing baptismal and sacramental records. For Ellicottville families, it's advisable to begin the process early due to commuting logistics and potential limited space in certain grades. St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, as a more selective regional school, has a defined application deadline (often in December) requiring standardized test scores, recommendations, and an interview.
For an Ellicottville family, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on several Ellicottville-specific factors. The **Ellicottville Central School District** is highly rated, small, and offers a tight-knit community atmosphere. Choosing a private school like Archbishop Walsh or STCS typically involves a commitment to a **Catholic education** with daily religious instruction, and a longer daily commute (20-45 minutes to Olean). Academically, private options may offer smaller class sizes and a different curriculum focus. For high school, some families seek the single-gender environment and broader extracurricular offerings at a school like St. Joe's. The financial investment versus the value of the local, tuition-free public school is a central consideration, balanced against desired educational philosophy and community.
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