The Best Private Schools in Elmhurst, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elmhurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cathedral School
Episcopal Diocese of New York
While located in Manhattan, The Cathedral School serves families from across the New York metropolitan area, including Elmhurst. This esteemed Episcopal school offers a challenging academic program for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The curriculum emphasizes intellectual curiosity, moral development, and social responsibility within a diverse, inclusive community. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and exceptional arts and music programs. The school utilizes its unique location near Cathedral of St. John the Divine for chapel services and cultural enrichment. With strong parent community involvement and a focus on developing well-rounded individuals, graduates typically gain admission to top independent and Catholic high schools throughout New York City.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent
The Kew-Forest School is a prestigious independent school serving Elmhurst and surrounding Queens communities for over a century. This coeducational day school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, Kew-Forest provides a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing skills, and global citizenship. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, robotics, theater productions, and community service opportunities. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong track record of college placements at selective universities.
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St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy
Diocese of Brooklyn
St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy is a well-established parochial school located directly in Elmhurst, serving the local community for nearly a century. This Catholic elementary school provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong foundation in faith-based values and academic excellence. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. Modern facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, a library media center, and updated science labs. The school maintains small class sizes and features dedicated faculty who provide individualized attention. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, choir, student council, and various clubs. The academy has a strong track record of preparing students for competitive Catholic and specialized high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elmhurst, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Elmhurst, NY, and how do they differ?
Elmhurst, NY, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily falling into three categories. First, there are independent, non-sectarian schools like The Kew-Forest School (located in nearby Forest Hills), which offer a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on individual student development. Second, there are faith-based institutions like St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy, which provide a structured academic program integrated with religious education. Third, there are specialized or affiliated schools like The Cathedral School (associated with the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City), which may offer unique programs in the arts or a classical education. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious component, and often, tuition structure, with Catholic schools typically being more affordable than independent ones.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Elmhurst, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the Elmhurst area varies significantly based on the type of school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parish-based Catholic schools like St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy often have tuition in the range of $5,000 to $8,000 per year, with reduced rates for parish members. Independent day schools like The Kew-Forest School have a substantially higher tuition, typically ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 annually. Most private schools in New York offer need-based financial aid, and some, like Catholic schools, may have scholarship funds from the Diocese of Brooklyn or organizations like the Futures in Education Foundation. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications, deadlines (often in early winter), and any merit-based scholarships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Elmhurst, NY?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Elmhurst area is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For most schools, including The Kew-Forest School and The Cathedral School, the main application cycle runs from September to January for admission the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting an application with fees by December/January, student assessments or interviews (often in January/February), and receiving decisions in March. For Catholic schools like St. Bartholomew, the process may be more rolling but still benefits from early application. Given the competitive nature of New York City-area private schools, starting the process early is strongly advised.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools accessible to Elmhurst residents?
Yes, private schools serving the Elmhurst community often provide distinctive programs. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes global citizenship and entrepreneurship, with advanced language programs and partnerships. St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) into its curriculum, a hallmark of many modern Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Furthermore, Elmhurst's proximity to cultural institutions in Queens and Manhattan allows schools to facilitate robust enrichment programs, including museum partnerships, performing arts at venues like Queens Theatre, and competitive athletics in leagues specific to private and parochial schools in New York City.
For families in Elmhurst, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school?
Families in Elmhurst must weigh several local factors. The New York City public school system is large, with assigned zoned schools and competitive screened or specialized high schools. A primary consideration is class size; private schools typically offer smaller classes (e.g., 15-20 students) compared to many local public schools. Curriculum flexibility is another factor; private schools can often tailor programs more than the standardized NYC public school curriculum. Additionally, private schools may offer a specific religious or value-based education not available in public schools. However, the cost is significant. Parents should also consider commute times, as some top private options are not within walking distance of Elmhurst, requiring transportation arrangements.
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