The Best Private Schools in Elmsford, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elmsford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hackley School
Independent School
Hackley School is a prestigious K-12 independent school located just minutes from Elmsford, serving students from throughout Westchester County. Founded in 1899, Hackley is known for its rigorous academic program, strong community values, and exceptional college placement record. The school's 285-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Hackley emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with programs in leadership, community service, and environmental stewardship. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The Masters School
Independent School
The Masters School is a highly respected coeducational day and boarding school serving the Elmsford area and greater Westchester County. Founded in 1877, the school emphasizes critical thinking through its signature Harkness Method, where students and teachers engage in collaborative discussions around oval tables. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 96-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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Rippowam Cisqua School
Independent School
Rippowam Cisqua School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 9th grade, with many families from the Elmsford area. Founded in 1917, the school combines traditional academic rigor with progressive educational approaches. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities set on a beautiful 40-acre property. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and character development. Rippowam Cisqua is particularly noted for its strong middle school program that prepares students for top secondary schools throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elmsford, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Elmsford, NY, and what are their key characteristics?
While Elmsford itself is a smaller village, it is situated in a region of Westchester County renowned for its prestigious private schools. The most prominent day schools near Elmsford include **Hackley School** in Tarrytown (K-12, known for rigorous academics and a strong community ethos), **Rippowam Cisqua School** in Bedford (Pre-K through 9th grade, with a campus in Mount Kisco for upper grades, emphasizing experiential learning), and **The Masters School** in Dobbs Ferry (Day & Boarding, 5-12, known for its Harkness teaching method). Elmsford families also frequently consider many other excellent schools in surrounding towns. The concentration of top-tier options is a major draw to the area, though most require a commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Elmsford, NY area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this region is among the highest in the nation, reflecting the schools' resources, faculty, and facilities. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $55,000 to $65,000 for upper schools and $40,000 to $55,000 for lower and middle schools. New York State does not offer voucher programs, but all major schools like Hackley, Masters, and Rippowam Cisqua have substantial financial aid budgets based on demonstrated need. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like Clarity or the School and Student Service (SSS). Many families also utilize payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Elmsford, NY vicinity that leverage the local area?
Schools in this part of Westchester leverage their proximity to New York City and the Hudson River for unique programs. **The Masters School** utilizes its Dobbs Ferry location for its "City Term" program, deeply integrating NYC into the curriculum. **Hackley School** emphasizes its "fourth curriculum" of character and outdoor education on its 285-acre campus. **Rippowam Cisqua** uses its Bedford and Mount Kisco campuses for extensive outdoor science and sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, schools often partner with local tech firms, arts organizations in Westchester, and have easy access to NYC for internships, museum trips, and cultural enrichment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Elmsford, NY?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 5th, 6th, and 9th grades, parents should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by early January (often using the Standard Application Online - SAO), scheduling student visits and assessments (Fall/Winter), and completing financial aid applications (deadlines in January). Admission decisions are universally released in March for the following September. For schools like Hackley and Masters, applying for the earliest entry point possible is advised due to intense competition.
For families considering a move to Elmsford, how do the local public schools compare with the private school options, and what factors should guide this decision?
Elmsford is part of the **Elmsford Union Free School District**, a small, diverse district that has been investing in its programs. The decision often hinges on scale, specialization, and cost. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, extensive facilities (like sprawling campuses), specialized teaching methods (e.g., Harkness tables), and a traditionally college-preparatory focus with extensive networking. Public schools offer a tax-paid education with strong community integration. Many families in Elmsford choose private options for continuity through high school (as Elmsford UFSD ends at 8th grade, sending students to regional high schools) or for access to the specific cultures and resources of the elite private institutions that define the educational landscape of Southern Westchester.
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