The Best Private Schools in Fishkill, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fishkill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakwood Friends School
Independent Quaker School
Oakwood Friends School is a prestigious Quaker college-preparatory school serving the Hudson Valley region, including Fishkill families. Founded in 1796, it offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school emphasizes community, social justice, and ethical leadership through its Quaker values. Students benefit from extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a diverse international student community. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, with a strong focus on preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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The Kildonan School
Independent Specialized School
The Kildonan School specializes in educating students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences while maintaining high academic standards. Serving Fishkill and the broader Hudson Valley, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with intensive Orton-Gillingham instruction. The campus includes dormitories for boarding students, modern classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 3:1, the school provides personalized attention and has an excellent track record of preparing students for college success despite learning challenges.
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Storm King School
Independent College Preparatory School
Storm King School is a distinguished college-preparatory school located in the Hudson Highlands, serving Fishkill and surrounding communities. The school offers both day and boarding options with a comprehensive academic program including Advanced Placement courses. Known for its stunning campus setting and strong sense of community, Storm King provides exceptional arts programs, competitive athletics, and outdoor education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes, with a focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for competitive colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fishkill, New York
What are the primary private school options available directly in or near Fishkill, NY, and what are their educational focuses?
While Fishkill itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, the immediate Hudson Valley region offers several prestigious options. The most notable nearby are Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie (a Quaker, college-prep day and boarding school), The Kildonan School in Amenia (specializing in dyslexia and language-based learning differences), and Storm King School in Cornwall-on-Hudson (a college-prep boarding and day school with a strong arts and outdoor program). For families in Fishkill, these schools are within a 30-45 minute commute and represent distinct educational philosophies, from Friends-based learning to specialized support.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fishkill, NY, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day students at the leading private schools near Fishkill generally ranges from approximately $40,000 to $55,000 per year, which is at or above the New York State average for independent schools. This reflects the high operational costs in the Hudson Valley and the specialized programs offered. Importantly, all the major schools like Oakwood Friends, Kildonan, and Storm King have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as a significant percentage of students receive grants that can substantially reduce the net cost.
For a child with dyslexia or similar learning differences, what specialized private school resources exist in the Fishkill, NY, vicinity?
The Fishkill area is uniquely served by The Kildonan School, located in Amenia, NY, which is nationally recognized for its Orton-Gillingham based program exclusively for students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences. This is a major draw for families across the Northeast. Additionally, other schools like Oakwood Friends and Storm King offer learning support services within a mainstream college-prep environment. For specialized, intensive dyslexia intervention, however, Kildonan is the premier local option, offering both day and boarding programs tailored to these specific needs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools near Fishkill, NY, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for schools like Oakwood Friends, Storm King, and Kildonan follows a standard independent school timeline. Applications are typically due in January or February for enrollment the following September. The process includes a completed application, student essays, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, and a required interview/visit. Competition varies by school and applicant pool; while not as intensely competitive as some Manhattan schools, these institutions seek mission-appropriate students. For specialized schools like Kildonan, the fit between the student's learning profile and the program is the paramount factor. Early inquiry in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year is strongly advised.
How do the private school options near Fishkill, NY, leverage the local Hudson Valley environment in their educational programs?
Private schools in the Fishkill region deeply integrate the Hudson Valley's natural and cultural resources into their curricula. Storm King School, for example, uses its location near the mountain for outdoor leadership and environmental science programs. Oakwood Friends School emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship aligned with its Quaker values. Furthermore, all schools facilitate trips to local historic sites, museums like Dia:Beacon, and arts centers. This connection provides an educational experience that extends beyond the classroom, offering unique experiential learning opportunities not always as accessible in denser urban or more remote suburban settings.
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